Liberty Parade & Gingerbread Nativities

This past week we kept busy with Christmas activities. Tuesday evening was the Liberty Christmas Parade.  Because Josh is involved with their Student Council, we went so Josh could participate in/walk in the parade.  I don't have many pictures of the parade, because, let's face it, there's just not much to the Liberty Parade.

Kamden, Keelan, & Tillman excited about the parade getting started.

Tillman playing with a light-up star wand Dan bought her. (spoiled rotten)

She was entertained the entire night. 

Here comes the LMS Student Council. 

They raised enough $ at the parade to sponsor 1 1/2 students for their Christmas is for Kids project!

Josh/Santa running over to say hi to the kids. 

Here comes Santa!

Friday night we made gingerbread nativity scenes with our Sunday School class, which turned out to be a very fun/messy/cute activity that helps keep the focus on the real meaning of Christmas. Before making and creating, we took time to read all the kids the Christmas Story from a children's Bible so they would know why we were making nativities instead of gingerbread houses. 

Kasi reading the Christmas story to everyone.

Another look at the group with Kasi reading.

Me trying to explain to Tawnya how to make a sheep using a marshmallow & licorice. 

The kids waiting patiently while we started passing out the supplies. (candy)

Matthew working so intently on his manger.

And...this is what Josh did all night. :) He and Braden were in charge of keeping Tillman and Hadley occupied. We didn't bother making a nativity for them b/c Kasi and I were so busy the entire night helping out and keeping supplies filled. 

Here are some of the final products from some of the older kids. 

You can see: manger, hay, sheep, horse, baby Jesus, Mary...this one is missing Joseph.

I think they all turned out really cute!! It was a lot of fun, and such a mess. I'm soo glad Christi offered up her house so I wouldn't have to! :)