To Bethlehem and Back, Twice!

Wild, wild fun for Isabella, Olivia and Lexi

One of our favorite houses in Sleepy Hollow

It was a magical night.

Eric stokes the fire by pulling on a rope attached to a pulley that opens the bellows.

Eric pounds some leather

Eric sharpens a knife

Camels had to be parked outside the City Walls

The Roman soldiers were less than friendly

Last week I learned of a church in Manhattan Beach that hosts a program called "Journey to Bethlehem".  The program runs from Friday, December 5th to  Sunday, December 7th.  Apparently the event is very popular and crowded.  Through the homeschool association, we were invited to a special preview night on Thursday.  Doug was working late that night, and we were very sad to go with out him.  Something told me that it would be worth making the trip even without Daddy. 

The kids and I arrived as the doors were opening and we waited in a very long line.  Finally, we entered Bethlehem.  First, some kind travelers shared their wealth with us.  They gave each of us a handful of shekels to help us on our journey.  Next we saw a camel.  Eric was excited to pet him.  Then, we were stopped by three wise and learned men who told us that a miracle was taking place that very night.  As we continued into the center of town to be counted for the census, we were stopped by some fierce Roman Guards who demanded that we pay our taxes to Caesar.  Once inside the center of the city, we saw artisans and tradesman, food stalls (luckily we had some shekels left), dancers, storytellers, beggars and children herding sheep through the streets.  It was quite an array.  We stayed for quite a while enjoying all that the city had to offer.  Suddenly, an angel appeared and told us that the Savior was born.  We set off to find the new baby.  Finally, we found a lowly stable with a sweet family sheltered there.  They shared with us some of their story, and we got to see and pay our respects to the Christ child.  

We had such a special and fun night, we just couldn't tell Daddy enough about it.  He insisted that we return again as a family on Saturday.  We also invited some close friends to join us.  We enjoyed the second night in Bethlehem even more.  Right after returning from from our second trip, we drove a few miles to "Sleepy Hollow" (a neighborhood in Torrance renowned for it's beautiful Christmas light displays).  We caravaned through the neighborhood with children hanging out of the sunroofs (everyone was driving about 3mph).  Many people were enjoying the amazing light display on foot.  Shouts of "Merry Christmas" rang out up and down the streets.  Finally we tandem parked and said our goodbyes.  We also exchanged children so that we could each leave with our families intact and lawfully restrained.  

If we weren't in the Christmas spirit before, we sure are now!