Baby Jesus

This past Friday, we spent the day focusing on the real reason for the Christmas season ... Baby Jesus!

We went to a "Happy Birthday, Jesus!" party in the morning with our MOPS friends. Ryan had fun playing in the bounce house, doing puzzles, playing basketball and the drums, chasing some of the other kids around the gym, eating pizza and cupcakes, singing Happy Birthday to Jesus, blowing out some of the candles, and drinking lots and lots of juice {when R gets the un-watered down variety, he chugs it!}.

That evening, we went to the Bethlehem Walk 2011, which is put on by a local Methodist church. It is basically a walk-through experience that simulates the town of Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Jesus. It is very cool!

At the entrance to Bethlehem. So glad Grammy came with us!!

Helping the winemaker squish grapes :)

Smelling some herbs {garlic, ginger, anise} at
the vegetable and herb stand.

Sampling some dried fruit {raisins} from the fruit stand.

Visiting with the dove lady outside her shop.
This bird was beautiful!

We went to the Bethlehem Walk last year as well, but I think I liked this years experience better because I loved watching Ryan take it all in this year. He LOVED Baby Jesus and was not happy that he couldn't see his face {he was a baby doll wrapped in blankets being held by Mary}. Thankfully, Mary and Joseph walked around with him at the end of the nativity performance so we DID get to see his face. Twice in fact since we stayed and watched the performance again at Ryan's request :)

The nativity

Watching the nativity performance with Grammy.

Getting to see Baby Jesus's face ... R was so happy :)

I am not sure what Ryan will think of his visit with Santa Claus this year {we will find out on Friday}, but I am happy to know that he was thrilled with Baby Jesus!!