Architects might take their lunch to work, but they don't usually eat their work. 

The six adults and nine children in Plains Dec. 6 and 7 all nibbled on their house trimmings and outdoor fixtures at the Dog Hill Bistro, but their small dwellings were edible. 

The adults had their third annual Adult Gingerbread House Class on Dec. 6 and the kids held their fifth annual Gingerbread House Class the next evening. Both turned into competitions. The houses for both were on display at the Dog Hill Bistro.

For the kids, "building inspectors" Steve Seilhymer and Cliff Allred gave a special certificate to each child. Jace Russell nabbed the "Best Doghouse," Eloise Riddle took the "Best Roof Design" and her sister, Lilly Riddle, took the "Best Flowers." 

This was the fifth year for Taylor Saner, the only 11-year-old in the kids' class. She was awarded the "Best Icicles" award, said Kathy Logan of Dog Hill Bistro, who added that the kids' class was less chaotic this year because most were older kids. Eight girls and one boy from ages 3 to 11 took part in the class. Logan said most of the parents have fun helping their kids with their houses.

The best adult gingerbread house was left to the public to vote for their favorite. Angela Muse got the most votes for the second consecutive year, said Logan. Muse said she was surprised to win a second time in a row. "Now I'm going to have to do something different next year or step up my game," said Muse, who will receive a $10 gift certificate from Dog Hill Bistro.

Muse spent more than an hour on her house. She made a highly ornamental house, including a candy kisses chimney top. Her husband, Tracy, made a jail last year, but wanted to go for a more traditional, but simple house this year.

When Logan started the gingerbread sessions, it was just for kids, but she decided to have one for adults after seeing how much fun they were having with their kids. Attendance was low this year, going from 20 in 2018 to six this December. The cost to enter was $20 for adults and $10 for kids, but that included the pre-made gingerbread house parts, melted granulated sugar for the adhesive, tube frosting and dozens of candies for the trimmings. Logan even saved bags of Valentine's Day candy so they would have hearts.

Participants had to sign up in advance because baker Bryan Brooks had to make the gingerbread pieces ahead of time. This year, he had to make custom parts for Eric Meckler, who decided ahead of time to design a windmill in honor of the Dutch Christmas, which was Friday, Dec. 6. Meckler nabbed second place in the People's Choice.

"We've had a lot of different houses, but this is the first time for a windmill," said Logan, who added that she loves seeing the work and imagination both adults and kids put into their houses. In the adult class, Tracy Muse created an old-fashioned jail last year. Terry Christensen made a train roundhouse. Todd Logan, Kathy's husband, built a bar last year. "We had some really cute houses this year," she said of the adults. She didn't want to sway any judging by picking her favorite. "I think they get almost as excited about this as the kids," she added.

This was the first year for Rochelle Lukehart, who went with a lavish gingerbread house, including a candy cane doorway. "The day I forget to be a child is a bad day," said Lukehart. She and Erika Olson were the first to finish. Olson went with a Scandinavian style house, complete with candy cane eaves.

Logan said the adults might have eaten more of their trimmings than the kids this year. Tracy said he could tell his house was nearly done because he was almost full.

Ed Moreth

PRETTY HOMES – Angela and Tracy Muse work on their gingerbread houses at the Dog Hill Bistro. Angela was last year's People's Choice Award winner.

McGowan Grocery donated the candy and Mountain West Clothing donated prizes for the kids.