The Christmas Festival

We have started doing more and more things with some of our neighbors that have young kids. Our neighbors next door to us have a five year old daughter, Avery, and a two year old son named Luke. This semester, we have taken turns making dinner every Tuesday night. It has been a lot of fun to get together with them. Last Tuesday, Krista (the mom) and I were talking about how we wanted to start taking advantage of some of the activities (especially free ones) that are in our community. We decided to start with going to the Plano tree lighting. It was last Friday night, and it was COLD, but a little cold didn't stop us! We bundled up and headed out.

Jackson wanted to get a scarf to wear. He was very insistent on it. So on the way home from work/school, we stopped at Wal-Mart. Did you know that Wal-Mart does not have scarfs for boys?? I couldn't even find any for men! Hats? Yes. Gloves? Yes. Scarfs? None in sight. So, we headed to the ladies section to find a neutral scarf. We ended up with the one he was wearing. There weren't many neutral options. Jackson was set for the night at least!


We got to listen to a children's choir.


Lauren was all bundled up. I kept checking to see if she was warm enough. She had on so many layers, I think she was too warm! Her nose never even got cold!

Luke, the two year old neighbor ended up getting really cold, so after walking around the festival and enjoying hot chocolate and funnel cake, we decided to start heading home. On our way out of the festival, we noticed a living nativity that was in front of a church. Jackson and Avery got really excited to see Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

One of the Wise Men passed out chocolate coins. He was so kind. Jackson was really hesitant to go up to him like all of the other children, so he went to Jackson. (Jackson gets a little intimidated with any type of character -- ok, not a little -- a lot!)

The church was hosting a "Walk Through Bethlehem" and invited us to visit. We went inside and had a wonderful time!

Lauren and Mommy

The had all sorts of crafts and activities. They talked about bread at this station and had some for the kids to sample. They also had ornaments to paint, leather to stamp, tin bookmarks to punch, etc.

After we finished the stations, Jackson had another hot chocolate. What a fun evening!