LIVE NATIVITY...

I, like so many others am playing catch up, trying desperately to post all the christmas photos before they become passe. We had the neatest experience with the kids this year and plan on making it a tradition - we visited the live nativity in Alpine. We were able to see it the very last night it was running - otherwise I would have alerted all my family and friends that it was a must see... They do it every year -- so I will keep you posted next year! It was incredible... The kids had so much fun seeing (and even petting) a camel, a donkey and sheep up close. There were different representations of normal life during that time - i.e. what it was like to bake bread and make clothing. I think the whole experience made the story really come to life for them. The sweetest part was how reverent they became when entering the barn where "Mary" and "Joseph" held their "Baby Jesus." The children all stood so quietly and were mesmerized by the little scene. It was a really tender and special memory for our family and the perfect reminder of what we really celebrate on Christmas.


I know this seems like a funny little photo, but I couldn't resist documenting a dream fulfilled for little Coley. He LOVES school buses. Everyday we drive Bella to school in PG and we spot four or five on the way out. He ALWAYS asks, "Is that my bus? I want to go on a bus!" Well, for the nativity they make you park your car at a church and they bus you up to the location... He was giddy happy. Too cute!


Dave and Shelby and Girls on the bus


They had a real camel!






























Our beloved Mimi and Papa


At the very end, we all tried to squeeze into Papa's truck so that we could get back to our cars sooner than having to wait for the bus to pick us up again... So many people in such a tiny space - it had us all giggling the whole way back. :)