Gingerbread houses.

Since we now live in a place whose weather doesn't reflect the holiday season, I am realizing that it takes a little more effort to create the holiday spirit. While I do miss snow, and at least the chance of a white Christmas, I'm not complaining. I like being creative with Christmas activities and I also like that we can still get outside without too much bundling.

Last week we had a few of our favorite friends over for a gingerbread house-decorating play date. We had so much fun! It was as chaotic as you'd expect it to be with four toddlers hopped up on sugar running around, but I loved it. I love having people into our home. I also love watching Meredith love her friends. It is, by far, one of my favorite recent developments. She was just so excited to have so many people she loves in one place.

The houses turned out as you would expect a toddler-decorated house to turn out. Not the most beautiful, but cute nonetheless. And all four of them definitely ate way more candy than they put on the houses. I think it's safe to say we all had a good time.