Gingerbread house

This week, I had the good fortunate of being invited on a holiday light tour with some of my classmates at our small-town fitness studio. We took a limo (my first ever limo ride!) to see the Jolly Holiday lights display in Des Moines. On our way back, we stopped by the most amazing light disply at an old country-style home. The family encourages visitors to walk along their sidewalks, around their home, to see their entire display. Such a geneerous gift to the community! A sign at the entrance tells the story of their gingerbread house.

"Welcome to the gingerbread house! This display began in 1999, when my girls were young. Now that they are grown, we put it up for others to enjoy! Please feel free to walk the path into the backyard and go up on the front porch to see the Santas in the windows! This is our gift to the 'kid' in all of you! We do not take donations, but would appreciate it if you would take an envelop out of the red box and make one to Special Olympics Iowa! Merry Christmas! Bob, Lori, Michele, Ashley, Melissa and Jordan."

A Christmas tree was featured on the side of their house. I can't believe their collection of Christmas decorations. The "ornaments" on the tree are adorable.

Could this bike be a present from Santa?

Many of their decorations were nearly buried in 2-foot snowdrifts.

Their yard was completely filled with an assortment of Christmas decorations, including a beautiful snow-covered Nativity scene, up close for all to see.

It's so wonderful to see the Christmas spirit is alive and well in our Iowa towns.