Thursday I learned that a friend had Nutcracker tickets for Friday she couldn't use. I hemmed and hawed about what I should do; I didn't have anyone to watch Brian, but the tickets were free so if he acted up we could leave. Finally I said to myself, This is silly. It's free Nutcracker tickets (a show Elizabeth will love) for goodness sake. Just go!
School lessons were scrapped for Friday and we went to the early-in-the-day show. Thanks, Heather!
It was snowing as we left.
The scenes were beautiful!
This little guy made it through the whole 2 hour show!
Elizabeth seemed so grown up.
In the evening, my mom (who's a children's ministries director at a local church) had organized A Night in Bethlehem at the church. So many volunteered to make the event happen. The church multi-purpose building was turned into Bethlehem - complete with a stable with a real donkey and calf - and kids could be counted for the census, experience Shabbat prayers, see baby Jesus, Mary & Joseph in the stable, do crafts at different stations around the room, taste foods, etc. Many times my children were told how much God loves them. Over 500 attended the event that only spanned 2.5 hours. I could imagine how crazy it must have been in the little town of Bethlehem, when there was no room at the inn. (Though modern day folks sure smell better!)
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| griding up grains with stones to make flour |
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| the goats! |
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| drawing coins from the era |
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| making flour |
We crashed (late) after all of the excitement. Surely a day to get into the Christmas spirit!
wow- that is a friday to remember!! what a great way for the kids to understand and experience the christmas story!
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