Simply put, we build a structure out of mostly graham crackers. Melted candy canes are the "glue". We melt the candy in an electric griddle, then dip a graham cracker in it, then attach it to another for a nice, strong joint.
This technique for making a strong wall is exceptionally good.
We have a history of going all-out. This year we were a bit more conservative, confining our efforts into about 2 1/2 hours of construction and decorating. Here's the results:
I built each of the kids a tiny little house and let them decorate it. They enjoyed it a lot, and ate way too much candy.
Josephine already has a bit of a tummy ache.
Lisel is quite proud of hers.
Bennet built a really nice yard around his.
I built a nativity,
and Chester built a ship crashing into a bridge.
Some of the others built really nice houses.
Clearly, their decorating sense is better than mine!
They also brought the nice kinds of candy. Yum!
You can always tell a more engineering type. They build such great structures that they run out of time and don't end up decorating them. The structures are so cool, though, that they really don't need decorating, do they?
A double water wheel.
Look at the spiral stairs on the inside of her tower!
And a space ship.
Yep, we had a fabulous time. Thanks to Dan and Hannah for taking the ball and running with it this year. All photos, by the way are by Dan, and can be viewed for real at Tiger Photography.
Hello, I just found your site while looking for some activities to do with my nieces and nephews. I really like your Jesse tree ideas. My husband grew up celebrating advent with a Jesse tree. Anyway, I am wondering what kind of candies do you need to melt for the "glue"? Or does that matter much? Thanks
ReplyDeleteJessica
What amazing structures! I found your blog while searching for the Think! blog. My daughter and I have been enjoying those challenges. Anyway, I love these!
ReplyDeleteDana, www.alexml.blogspot.com