Christmas Eve Part 1

Christmas Eve:  You may have heard that Mari P was sick in the AM.  She stayed on the couch for most of the morning.

poor sick girl

the rest of us did PT with grandpa

and we baked cookies

had to make some spritz!  (I let Mariposa work the cookie
press when she was feeling better and after she washed all
the germs off her hands)

 At 2:20 we left for town to get to church early for the Christmas play.  Our priest, Father Peter, writes a new play every year for the 4pm family Mass, and he always makes sure that everyone who wants a speaking part will get one.  It is amazing!  The kids look forward to this every year; it is a major part of their Christmas experience.

Bunny was a nun this year, "Mother Prioress"

James was a Roman soldier

Mariposa was feeling better so she was
able to be an angel as planned

We got a great spot, front row on the side of the church so
grandpa could stretch out his leg (knee replacement in Nov).
It was wonderful not to sit in the long pews!  Better to manage
all the activity with the kiddos.

 Bunny's part as a nun was kind of like a narrator.  There were 4 nuns and they commented throughout the play.  She had many lines to memorize, and she did great!  We are so proud of her and she found that all her school training in poetry memorization has paid off.  :o) 
At one point the angels came in.  They were discussing what kinds of gifts to bring to baby Jesus.  Mariposa had a cute little line, and she was fabulous!!  I am so glad she was feeling better and was able to participate.

Mariposa is toward the end of this line

 The Romans were next.  After the angels brought all their gifts...so many large wrapped boxes that you couldn't even see the holy family (get it? the lesson was how we think more about shopping than Jesus)...the guards were called in to protect the gifts (since the gifts were SOOOO important).  James was awesome!  He spoke very loudly and clearly as Roman #1.

James is the first Roman, in the red and gold helmet
(Bunny is sitting in front of the altar)

 In case you were wondering about Gemma...well, she made it through one rehearsal on Sunday and I quickly realized she is WAY to comfortable in church.  She was all over the place.  Honestly I couldn't trust her to even stay on "stage."  So we just had her sit in the pew.  She was sad when she put 2 + 2 together and saw all the angels up there :o( but it was the right decision.  Maybe next year.  So, other than Gemma, they had a great time and made fantastic memories while learning a valuable lesson about the real meaning of the season.

My wild & crazy kids

 Then we went to grammae and papa's to open gifts.... to be continued... ;o)