Birthday Party for Jesus

Our small group held it's annual Birthday Party for Jesus. We had 16 kids over - 15 of them were 4 or under!! Traditionally, the oldest child reads the Christmas story and we eat cupcakes. This year, we also incorporated a sensory activity and an opportunity for each kid to donate quarters or dimes to the Metro water bottle fund. (Our church is collecting dimes and quarters to help provide potable water for third world countries.) I'm really happy we were able to continue the tradition and help instill in our kids the real meaning of Christmas. All 16 kids gather in the living room.

Becca did a fantastic job reading the story of Jesus' birth!

As part of the activity, Erin assigned every kid a part. Lucas, Tyler, and Zack were wise men. They needed cool shades because they were following the bright star. (And because Erin didn't have three crowns)

Koen and Brayden were shepherds and got to hold these cool staffs.

The group traveled to each room upstairs to see if there was any room for them at the inns.

Daddy, says, "No room here. You should have made a reservation!"

Making slow progress back downstairs and to the basement where...

the Star (aka Josh) was waiting to point them to the stable.

Claire was also a sheperd.

Mary and Joseph proudly show off their baby Jesus.

After the cupcakes Delaney, Claire, and Lilly spend some quiet time reading with Mr. Jason. It was pretty loud and chaotic at our house. Delaney was having a hard time having so many people invading her space and playing with her stuff.

Brody (10 months) and Luke (1 year) showed up in the same jammies :) I bet they are going to be good buds growing up.