"Friendly" Family Competition

I thought I would be the one adjusting to Bobby's ultra-competition family: the many annual 5k competitions, always out-doing each other in behind-the-boat water sports every summer, and many other activities that are the joy of this active family. But, Bobby has a few new competitions to adjust to himself. Not tests of physical abilities, but mental and creativity acuity, and yes, even luck. My mom's family has an annual predicting-college-football-bowl-winners contest every year in memory of my grandfather. That contest  is largely based on luck, because if it was based on skill, my uncle would be the perpetual champion. (Okay, so he's won more than anyone else, but my win was solely luck-based). The newest family challenge is restricted to the cousins of my generation. An ultimate test of creative ability. Gingerbread house decoration. Bobby and I thought we were winners for sure until we started getting emails with other entries. Pretty sure we were beat this year, but we will be more prepared for next year and have a full arsenal of edible decorating tools available! I wanted to share some pictures with you all, so enjoy!!

First, is our entry:

We thought our graham cracker car and chimney were pretty awesome. He's not in this picture, but there's even a gingerbread santa in our chimney. (He suffered a broken leg during the postal service flight and resembled Gingy from Shrek more than santa).

Next, my sister and her boyfriend's entry:

Love the orange and blue (go gators!), and the pretzel fence is the best!!

Next, is my cousin, Erin, and her boyfriend's entry:

Their ginger bread men are having a mini marshmallow snowball fight, and they also thought of the fence, making theirs with gum drops.

Lastly, my cousins, Brett and Chad:

They had a marshmallow snowman, hershey's chocolate driveway, and gum drop greenery. And a santa. I know their's is much better than ours, but I am slightly suspicious. Their parents were the organizers of the competition, and they might have had an unfair advantage with previous house decorating experience.

Bobby and I are ready for next year. He's adjusting to my family's version of competition, and I'm adjusting to his. (Next is keeping up with his family during our post-christmas camping trip!)