Christmas Countdown - Day 9 {A journey}

Jenn told me about a living nativity tour that her family goes to each year.  Unfortunately, we were too late to get tickets so I made a mental note to check it out earlier next year (as you may expect, mental notes are tricky and often forgotten). A few days before Jenn was scheduled to go, she let us know they had a few extra tickets in their group and we come along if we liked.

We told Karsten we were going on a journey to find baby Jesus.  We got all bundled up - it was only 28 degrees outside - and hoped the boys would be warm enough.

Liam was so bundled up that when he fell over, he couldn't get back up.  Yep, just like in the Christmas Story.  So, he stood and let Scott feed him a cookie because he couldn't bend his arms to get the cookie to his mouth himself.  Perhaps I overdid it with layers for him - but I think he stayed warm!


Elam enjoying a cookie


Trying to figure out how to move in all these layers of clothes.


He eventually plopped down on the floor and gave up trying to walk.


The journey was on a mulched path, so our stroller wouldn't work.  Thankfully, the church had a few jogging strollers they were able to loan out to people.  So, we put Liam in the stroller, covered him up with a quilt and he was nice and toasty.


When we got to the first stop on our journey, our tour guide told us that there would be a bonfire at each stop and that we should get close and try to keep warm.  As we inched closer to the fire, Karsten said 'where are the marshmellows to cook'.  Haha - nice, thanks for that Karsten.  Everyone got a good laugh and agreed that smores would be a good addition.


Jenn and Elam listening to the story about Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.  There were dissenting opinions about if the baby was real or not - we think it was a very realistic looking doll because after all, it was only 28 degrees outside and that baby would be freezing!


The last stop on our journey was the tomb.  By this time, Karsten was being carried by Scott because he was tired of walking and was cold.  When we stopped to listen to the story, he said 'I wish I could go in there and play'.  Of course it was in a loud, clear voice that everyone could hear.  :)


Elam got cold and tired of walking as well.  I think he may have been a warm scarf for Jenn.


It was a fun night - hopefully we'll be able to go again next year.  It was a great way to help Karsten understand the real meaning of Christmas.