Bates Family Christmas part 1

As many of you know years ago The Bates side of the Family decided that with two fireman and a nurse in the family plus all the many families to visit and celebrate Christmas with that we would celebrate our Christmas NOT on Christmas. We also said it would be more then just opening presents, we wanted to enjoy each other as a family, while making new traditions for the girls. In years past, we have actually had sleepovers, but with every one's busy schedules, only one day worked out this year, so it was set, December 22nd, was going to be our Bates Family Christmas.

This year was Jim and Cyndy's turn to host, so we gathered at their house to start our annual Gingerbread making contest, numbers were drawn and the teams were set. Team 1: Lori & Melissa, Team 2: Dan & Cyndy, Team 3: Jordan & Grandpa Jim, Team 4: David & Alyssa. All the supplies were laid out, the timer started for 1 hour to build our homes.

And the Finished Products!!

you can double click on a picture to enlarge it

Jordan & Jim's

Complete with a stream, teeter toter and swing set.

David & Alyssa's

A two-story Beach Bungalow with a patio and complete with surf boards, a private pier, an ocean view and Santa and his sleigh on the roof.

Dan & Cyndy's

Lots of green landscaping on their cute house with sugar cube pillars, a wishing well and Santa on the roof.

Lori & Melissa's

The Grainger barn, inspired by our Michigan trip last summer. Complete with grain silos, wishing well with bucket, tire swing in the barn, fire pit in the trees and a Ranger.

I have to give a HUGE THANK YOU, to my friend Evey, she was in town again from California visiting her parents and came by to see us, well get this she watched/entertained Ashley and Allison while we built our gingerbread houses...isn't she awesome! Thank you again so much Evey for your help, we really enjoyed seeing you again.

The Judges: Uncle Bob & Delaine

Waiting for the results...
...and the winners are....

1st Place goes to Lori & Melissa

Alyssa & Dave came in 2nd Place

they didn't choose 3rd and fourth place

All the houses turned out really good this year, I have to say our gingerbread houses have come a long way in the last couple years, click here to see our 2009 houses and here to see 2008's houses. Lori is the undefeated one, she hasn't lost yet, but just wait, were taking her down next year. =)

Thank you all so much we had such an amazing time.
Check back tomorrow for part 2 of The Bates Family Christmas.