THE PAR-TAY!

For the last few years Tyler and I have thrown mini gingerbread house contest parties. This year we stepped it up and invited 40 more people. After changing our backyard into a living room (Christmas tree and all) as well as a campsite and then likewise changing our living room to have prime gingerbread making conditions, not to mention a 3 minute Goodwill trip where the oh so UN-flattering on a pregnant body, 2XL, knit sweater was found...we were set.
Here is a run down of the festivities.

A few ugly Christmas sweaters...

complete with gold leggings...sweet!

The winning couple. His zip-up woman's sweater had the 12 days of Christmas and each day's accompanied item (i.e. turtle-doves). Way to shop for this one!

So after socialising over food, hot drinks and the cozy firepit, the real competition began...gingerbread houses! I have to admit, my pictures don't do justice. We have some creative friends. The bar is set, I'm pretty sure people will come with floor plans in hand next year.

The Kenney/Pickett Compound, complete with all resort amenities.

I loved the Parkes "house" or rather ark.


The clock tower

Way to be creative with a failing house Bennetts ;) I think it is awesome.

Quaint little house.

Pharris' campground was awesome...loved the little fire.

And the Leeflang's winning house. The details on the house were awesome, the fire with roasting marshmallow, the car parked in front, the stack of fire wood, it was great. I guess it wasn't a fair game, they've had a little more practice than the rest of us on their real house.

Three of the many pregnant women there. Erin is due the 28th and I'm the 29th. Alie, although you cannot even tell she is pregnant, is due a few weeks behind us. Fun little friends our boy will have.

We ended the night next to the fire. All in all it was so much fun. Thanks to all our fun friends for coming and making it great! On our smugmug site is some video of the sweet lighting decor that Ty did in our backyard.