I made this blanket yesterday and today for a christmas gift. I might use it for one of the designs for the caring pregancy quilts we make in January.

The finished gingerbread creations 2009

Teresa's steamboat repaired (from Wilson's destruction) and displayed

Jan's finished house

the fence, pond, park bench, snowman, and woodpile

Laura's and Jan's houses on display finally.

Our 7th annual gingerbread house construction party

As we gathered for our 7th annual gingerbread creating party we realized our family is expanding. This year we had nine of us creating including Jan, and Teresa (original participants), Laura, Tonia, Grandma Ruth, Rikki, and Linda, Gabby and Rosie Stiltz. For Rikki and Gabby it was their first experience. I was calmer than should be expected for trying to facilitate 9 people.We wereall pretty self sufficient and very creative. Of course we had the typical problems of breaking pieces, forgotten pieces, roofs threatening to collapse and needing reinforcing, supporting cans being left inside, and of course Wilson eating our creations when we are not looking. But for the most part all problems had solutions and we had much laughter and no tears. Enjoy the pictures.

Wilson begging for a handout.

Rikki is enjoying her first gingerbread project.

Some of Grandma Ruth's ornaments.

Gabby's beachfront house.

Gabby making one of the many batches of frosting.

Tonia is worried about her roof falling or breaking in half. (It survived)

Front view of Linda's

Two of Grandma Ruth's quilt squares above and below.

Grandma Ruth busy creating her gingerbread "Quilt"

Side view of Tonias house. (I didn't get the actual name of her creation, sorry)

Front view of Tonia's

Other side view of Tonia's

Linda's chalet. Notice the santa hats and sleigh.

Ariel view of Laura's complicated roof that was frustrating.

Teresa's steam paddle boat... The Water Lily

These are taken before Wilson ate the pretty trees. Bad dog.

Rikki's woodsman's cabin

Rosie's brick masterpiece

Jan's ski chalet (not quite finished)

Laura's house

Some of the faces of the villages of Peru

This family hitched a ride with us as we traveled up river since our boat was much faster.

The older children take care of the younger ones.

The men are very strong and hard workers.

Tonia and some of the many children that came to our medical clinic.

This girl has parasites as shown by the distended belly. Our clinics brought medicine for this and the wells will help prevent them in the future.

This girl gave us this bird as a gift.

The children are happy, curious and friendly.