Weekend Festivities

Since moving to Arizona we have been so fortunate to move into a fun ward with a lot of newly married couples such as ourselves. Last weekend we were invited over for dinner by our new friends the Nelsons. They invited another fun couple, the Laytons, as well and we all participated in a friendly gingerbread house making contest. This contest was complete with a trophy for the best house. Each family was responsible for purchasing their own kit, and candy to decorate. We had a great time putting them together. Unfortunately Scott and I didn't realize the creativity we would be up against.

Aaron and Trine made a tropical home for Santa Claus with tye died "fruit by the foot" with shredded wheat on the roof. They spread out brown sugar for sand, and blue icing for the ocean. Little life saver-life preservers lined the house, and lastly they made a beach towel out of sour candy. This was our favorite house, so creative!



Mark and Dani's house was a little more conventional with candy lining the roof to look like Christmas lights and Santa being pulled in his gingerbread sleigh by his reindeer. They were having a hard time getting their house to stay together, but in the end I think it turned out really cute. The issues with their icing can be seen by the sliding peppermint over the door of their house.



I found a really cute gingerbread kit at "Trader Joes" that resembles a winter lodge. It came with little icing people as well as fruit snacks for the roof, and chocolate candies for lights. We had sprinkles as well, but our icing dried too quickly so we used it as ice melt on our pathway. I think it turned out pretty darn good.



This is a close-up of our cute little icing people.



On Sunday we were invited over for a festive Christmas dinner at my Aunt and Uncle's house in Gilbert. They really get into decorating their home for the holidays, and it doesn't disappoint. My Uncle Jeff really puts a lot of time and effort into their decorations, and each time I see it, it becomes more and more spectacular.



After dinner we all hopped into the car and drove around town looking at Christmas lights and stopped by the Mesa Temple to see their display. It was really fun to see so many people walking around the temple grounds, and the nativities and lights really get you into the Christmas spirit. It was fun to notice everyone walking around in their short sleeve shirts without jackets; that would never happen on temple square in Salt Lake City.