Christmas Candies and Ward Party

After making Christmas candy last year and since we aren't making it home for Christmas until late, I decided to make candy on my own this year. Which really worked out since they were having dessert contest at our ward Christmas party. Sadly, I am terrible at being patient and pretty bad at making caramel. Gratefully Ellie and Jake will eat just about anything sweet no matter how funny it looks.

For the ward party, we took marshmallow balls, tuxedo brownies, and caramel pretzel sticks. Sadly, even this a display like this, I didn't win the blue ribbon.

 The Saturday of the ward party was busy because Jake was on the non-committee, committee for the party. So we arrived early to set up and Ellie just ran around with other kids while we kept busy. Eventually her friends showed up. 

Kate and Ellie, the almost twins.

Ellie and Elena, almost inseparable.

I know she looks more Valentines day than Christmas. I just don't have any cheesy Christmas outfits and 10 minutes before running out the door, Ellie hid the cute Christmas ribbon I was going to tie in her hair. (Hiding things is her new favorite game. The sad part is only about half the time does she actually remember where she hid something.)

Part of the activity was house decorating. Scrooge here didn't want any preview photos of the masterpiece.

A few members also presented the Nativity. Ellie seemed really interested in watching, that is until we started singing. 

Yes, she was really dancing to Christmas hymns.

After the presentation, a special guest arrived. Ellie understands that you sit on Santa's lap and have a picture taken, but she doesn't understand that you ask for gifts which is really nice right now.

Finally after long work, the cookie house was finished.

Casey, Jake, and Ryan with the final project.

I know many of you are asking where all the decorations are, why isn't it all pretty and colorful, etc. This picture doesn't do it justice but this is an exact replica of the Hong Kong Temple covered in icicles (although it's not supposed to be that cold in Hong Kong). That is a tiny angel at the top, complete with candy cane trumpet.