This was yet another busy week for us as we prepared for the big production of “A Family Christmas” at our church. It is an event they have held for the last few years that is done as an outreach to the community. Last year they had over 3,000+ attendees. They have an outdoor living nativity with a re-creation of the streets of Bethlehem (including the manger scene above with a real baby), a “Toyland” children’s choir and hand bell ensemble, horse-drawn carriage rides, train rides, a petting zoo, a marshmallow roast and Victorian carolers.
I have been practicing with the carolers since July and was blessed to be a part of the music ensemble. We did three performances each night – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – which included traditional Christmas carols and several other arranged pieces like "All is Well" and "Dona Nobis Pacem". Some of the vocals were acapella and for some, we were accompanied by the hand bell choir. The best part was getting to wear the Victorian costume (see picture below), which thankfully kept us warm in the 40 degree weather!
Ryan was also involved in the construction of the Bethlehem set, which began in early November, and he signed up to help direct traffic two of the nights, as well. The first night, however, he and Lauren got dressed up in their Christmas attire and he took her out on their first “date”. The father-daughter date was a tradition that my dad began with me when I was little and is one of the best memories from my childhood. So, it is really special to see Ryan do the same thing now with Lauren and to have him show her how a gentleman should treat her on a date.
He took her out to a nice restaurant for dinner and then brought her over to the church to enjoy the activities and hear me sing. When they came to the church, they were able to take a train ride, roast marshmallows and walk through the living nativity, which was amazing! (The pictures really don’t do it justice.) Since we had to be there for all three nights, we were able to break up the activities so we had a chance to experience everything. Overall, it was a fun and festive weekend. And, although it was exhausting, it was wonderful to get to share the Christmas story with people who wouldn’t otherwise come to church.
2 comments:
CUTE! Kim I have to say I was hoping for a belly shot... but that darn hand warmer thing was always in the way. Hmm... did you do that on purpose? :) Such a cute family!!
I have been to something similar a few years back. But nothing as cool as yours! That sounds very fun!!
RT: Glad to hear you're keeping good chivalry alive, both for the glory of God and the raising of Lauren. It's fun to read the blogging that you and Kimberly have been doing....Ryan swinging a hammer and directing traffic...can see him doing that...hopefully he didn't attempt both at the same time...also, deep-fried turkey!?...who knew...!?...
I'm headed for my second surgery on Dec. 18th...this one will be a real bear, so thanks for your prayers...thankfully by doing it I can rest in the 98% cure category. I will update my blog soon...
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