Christmas 2012

(I know I'm way behind - but better late than never!)

We had a FANTASTIC Christmas!  Unfortunately, the Mr. was working every night in Dec and Jan, meaning that he was either sleeping or exhausted most of the Christmas season, but we managed to keep him awake for a few festivities!

One of our favorite traditions is a carriage ride through the city.  Portland puts on a beautiful show with beautiful, twinkling lights all around, and Christmas displays in shop windows.  It was very, very cold, but fortunately we had our face masks and a thermous of hot cocoa to warm us up.

I'm not sure why the children's eyes are closed here...

Saying "Thank you" to the horses.

 We also hosted a marvelous Christmas Caroling party in our Neighborhood which was SO much fun we will certainly be making it an annual event!  Unfortunately, though, in all the chaos of the evening, I apparently failed to get even a single picture! :(

Christmas Eve (afternoon - The Mr. had to work at 5pm), we enjoyed our annual Nativity Play and Jerusalem feast.  Wiggles played the part of Mary, while Grins was the very kind, tender and dutiful Joseph.  Our well-loved zebra made the perfect donkey, though his 'costume' didn't disguise all of the stripes.

Note the 'baby' beneath Wiggles' tunic, and Grins' broomstick staff.  I adore make-shift costumes!

Grins played his part perfectly - he was so gentle and helpful with Wiggles!

Preparing the 'manger' - and Grins 'brings forth' the baby...

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and laid him in a manger...(note the empty cow costume...we need more actors!)

Have you ever seen a more adorable Nativity scene?

Then Angel, the angel, told Mom, the bathrobe-wearing shepherd, the "glad tidings of great joy"!

Love this angel!

And then...wise men, coming from afar. (Note the Mr's tired eyes - the poor dear!)

They follow the star...

The wise men bring their gifts

 That Mary sure loves her baby Jesus!

Then - our Jerusalem feast.  Grilled lamb, grilled asparagus, grapes, pears, goat cheese, figs and bread.  SO delicious!!!  We eat on the ground, with our hands, as we imagine they did so long ago.

After our delicious dinner, the Mr. headed off to work and the children and I continued the festivities.

Sprinkling "reindeer food" on the front lawn...

Milk, cookies, and a letter to Santa (and carrots for the reindeer, of course!)

 And then, off to bed...