Chapter 7- Gingerbread

Gingerbread, specifically gingerbread men (or women) were Ziva's favourite things to bake. She and Natalie made them every Sunday. I would have included Tony in that statement, but he just ate the contents of the empty mixing bowls most of the time.

The way they were made was really simple

Ziva got everything out and called her family in. Natalie and Tony ran in, excited.

Natalie got the recipe book out whilst Tony put his arms around Ziva and kissed her.

The girls began to make the food as the male tried to eat the mixture. Ziva karate-chopped him. Hard.

The mixture was put in the oven, then removed and cooled.

The icing was put on by Natalie. Tony liked the tickle her at that point.

The gingerbread men (or women) were being eaten during a movie

It was lovely for the family.

One memorable day was when the family were watching 'Independence Day.' Tony had felt something hit the back of his head in a sharp manner.

"What was that?" he asked.

"Probably your imagination," Natalie had replied.

"Or not," Ziva had smirked.

"Was that gingerbread?" Tony picked up crumbs off the floor.

"Yes," his daughter had grinned before picking up another bit, hitting him on the forehead.

Her parents gasped and began breaking parts off, ready to defend themselves. There was a silent moment before Ziva broke the 'gingerbread' silence. She gave a well-aimed throw at Natalie. Who had retaliated. Fast

And soon enough, the 'Gingerbread Wars' as Tony so rightly dubbed them became as much of as a tradition the baking.

Even when Natalie was in college, she started doing it with her friends in her sorority. Tony and Ziva continued to do it as well.

Boy, they loved gingerbread.

Please review and peace be with you xxx