Under Construction

Tradition

As we were decorating these gingerbread houses I was amazed what a difference a year makes. She did so good!

It probably helped that after completing her own house, she co-decorated mostly with my  mom who is not quite so territorial about her gingerbread.

After all the work on the Chex roof my mom allowed Biscuit to add the dog house (on the left) complete with flat licorice dog with pretzel legs (below, if you couldn't tell).

Meanwhile, I was constructing my usual Necco roof "masterpiece."(check out that candy chimney!)

Except, notice how the sides are held up with cans?

I swapped the cans for candy sticks but do you see in the upper left corner above how the super cool candy chimney is ominously leaning?

Yep, full roof collapse. Bummer.

But enough about me.

This is Biscuit's house which she created almost independently. And just for comparison: 2009, 2008, 2007. Clearly, I like this tradition.

France

So we were in France last week. Eating a LOT of croissants.

And drinking wine in underground caves.

Staying in surprisingly nice hotels.

Checking out all sorts of interesting things.

But, wow. That jetlag. It really gets ya, huh? We've been home 5 days and as of last night I managed to stay awake past 7:30 p.m. It's hard to post a series of vacation photo blog posts while you're asleep so this is kind of a mega post of mediocre photos.

All of the above, Beaune, France.

All of the below, Paris.

Biscuit was most excited about seeing the Eiffel Tower so we went there first thing. It did not disappoint although she wasn't fully satisfied until she got to go to the top.

My in laws mostly wanted to see the Lourve. And they did.

We gave Biscuit the camera (flash off per the rules). Can you tell this is us in front of the Mona Lisa?

I'm not sure which was more exciting to Biscuit. Going to France or losing her first tooth. That breakfast baguette was the culprit and the tooth was swallowed. Oops.

Don't worry, the French tooth fairy understood and left chocolate.

And the touring continued

As did the pastry eating (in scenic spots)

We saw several sites from Madeline. And even recreated the jewel thief chase in Place Vendome. Turns out that makes sense, the whole square is lined with fancy shops and jewelry stores.

A ride on the Ferris Wheel in the Tuilleries was the treat for the best behaved traveler. Biscuit won hands down. She was SO GOOD. Seriously. So good. It was amazing and much appreciated.

And then we were on our way home.