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!

Socceropolis

Just after his second birthday, Eric saw some kids having a great time at a soccer camp at the park near our house.  He was dying to join in the fun.  I talked with the coaches, and they said they take kids as young as two at their weekly classes.  Socceropolis is a non-competitive skill building soccer workshop.  Eric is nearing the end of his second eight week session.  It is an hour of solid drills, with several water breaks.  The players get quite a workout.  Eric loves it.  His focus is pretty remarkable.

Eric was disappointed that he only scored two goals during the scrimmage.

Eric really likes his coach, "Coach Milton".  He and his wife Valerie have run these amazing soccer classes and camps in Santa Monica for fifteen years.

The little soccer players await instructions by sitting on their soccer balls.

Olivia and Conrad enjoy some crackers, while Eric is on the field.

Noah's Ark

On Thursday we visited The Skirball Center.  They have an amazing, interactive Noah's Ark exhibit.  We really enjoyed the experience (so much so that we were the last to leave).  

Eric and Olivia played for hours on the Ark.

There was a great baby area with adorable little animal blocks.  Conrad loved it.  He's ready to be down and playing now.

Here is a shot of Conrad eating a lion for lunch.

Extra, Extra Read All About It!

Here is the scoop:

Olivia has a blog!  

Conrad - Six Months Old

Here is Conrad at LA School of Gymnastics, during the kids' classes today.  He seems interested in the rousing political discussion I am having with Kimber Scott (an old LA 1st friend whose daughter is in the same class as Eric). Olivia snapped this cute picture.

My Hair - Before and After

Friday night during trick-or-treating.

After the reunion, Saturday night.

I got my hair cut Saturday in preparation for the LA 1st Ward Year 2000 Reunion.  I always know it's time, when I've worn a ponytail for several weeks straight.

The reunion was amazing.  If I look tired in the "After" pic, it's because we were out sans kids until after 1am.  Oh, but what a night.  I can't quite put across in this post, how much fun I had seeing people that I hadn't seen in seven years (along with those we see often).  We caught up and talked about the old days and laughed and laughed.  It was a perfect night.  

As a mother of young children, I am not in my most social time of life.  I put so much into taking care of my family, and am learning so much as a mother.  That said, I also really enjoy a good party!  

It's Halloween! It's Halloween!

For the last five years we have hosted four families for dinner and trick-or-treating on Halloween Night at our place.  This year we broke with tradition.  

We spent the glorious night in Santa Monica, hosted by the Christensen's.  As our families grow (now seven kids and four babies under one [babies not pictured]) our Halloween procession has become quite a sight.  We made our way from Shawna and Jared's place on 4th Street to 16th Street, stopping at all the shops along the way.  Soon we were ready to hit some houses, so we turned up 16th toward San Vicente.  Just as the front runners of our group made their way to the houses with the FULL SIZE CANDY BARS, people started dropping like flies.  Feet were aching, and some of the kids (and adults) just couldn't go on.  Doug and Jared coordinated vehicular transport, and we all made it safely home.  Back at home base, we enjoyed chili and homemade apple pie.  

After dinner, the kids played as if it was the last night on earth.  We called it a night just after 10 o'clock.  As we drove home, Eric whispered, "I love Halloween, Mommy".