For those requesting info on the live Nativity, it was just south of the Celebration Center, but I believe that the night we went was the last night they were doing it for the season. I'm sure it is an annual thing though, so there's always next year, SORRY! This was our first year going. but speaking of live Nativities look at this AWESOME pic of my friends family here. Totally the best Christmas card idea ever!
Well despite our current chaotic living environment, this has been such a great Christmas season. I am finally feeling like I have presents figured out and almost entirely shopped for, and we can relax for a few days at least. We're going to have to start painting and staining and flooring here soon, and I may have an entirely different attitude on the season. So I wanted to be sure and document these last moments of peace enjoying the Christmas spirit. We had the chance last night to go out to dinner as a family to a real restaurant instead of McDonald's which was actually quite enjoyable. We then went to a live nativity scene in Nibley (and of course I forgot my camera.) Even the kids seemed to really understand the significance and reverence of that Holy night by seeing that scene. We walked up a long snowy road to a farmhouse with little paper lanterns lining the way. We passed the Bethlehem Inn and stood by the fire to warm up a minute and then entered the stable. There were sheep, donkeys, goats and even a camel. It really struck me how humbling and spiritual a barn could really have been. They had a narration of the story playing while live actors played it out. There were only a few people at a time in the barn so it felt very intimate, and even the kids were very reverent while they pondered what had happened that night. Cate got so excited when she saw the star and said "the star! my found it!" it was so sweet, she kept whispering to me and pointing "baby jesus, baby jesus." We even got a hayride back to the van. I hope the kids got a much out of it as I did. With all the hustle and bustle of the season that night was just what I needed to bring into focus Christ's humble birth, and the glorious gift His life was to us all. My goal is to keep that spirit fresh throughout the holidays, so simple and so powerful. Tonight we made a gingerbread house from a kit I got at Sam's. That was the best ten bucks I ever spent. It had all the frosting, candy, and gingerbread we needed, and the kids had a blast. It only half wrecked my kitchen, which was nothing compared to if I had made it myself (which honestly I wouldn't have had the energy to do). So all I need to do now is neighbor gifts and get Christmas cards out!
I also finally got to see TWILIGHT! I went with my sisters and had a total blast. Except for the fact that Cami who sat next to me actually fell asleep for most of the movie. That's right completely passed out. She didn't read the books so that's her only excuse. I kept turning to her to laugh or comment and she was snoozing away. I have to say it was great, I don't think anyone could have nailed it the way the book did, but on their budget they pulled it off pretty well. We took the liberty of hitting Denny's at midnight since the kids were asleep anyways, and laughed until I could have puked. Everyone in the joint had to have thought we were drunk. Oh my goodness I have funny sisters! We haven't been out on the town without kids or husbands ever I don't think. Thanks to our husbands and my dad for being such good sports. Dealing with a bunch of sick kids couldn't have been fun. And true to form we all got each other sick. The flu tends to be an inevitable companion to our family get togethers, but I actually think it's worth it anyways.
Here's Coley passed out on the couch with the flu. 
