[Image]Warning--this contains spoilers! Yes, you already know the story of the Nativity, but if you didn't know which kid had which part this year and don't want to know ahead of time, come back to this blog in a couple days.

Last Christmas Desert Boy had the chance to be a sheep in the Nativity Play. He played his role so well (Baaaa) that this year he is going to be a wise man. He even had to memorize a line, which was easier for him than for me. Ah, the flexibility of young brains!

[Image]We went to the dress rehearsal today, which is a much easier place to take photos than during the actual play. We could wander around and no one cared. We also had fun watching funnier moments of the practice, like the overly dramatic Joseph dreaming about the angel Gabriel informing him that his fiancee was with child, a child of God.

[Image]The very pregnant Mary was obviously uncomfortable, continually adjusting her giant bulge.

[Image]The angels always steal the show. They are so darn cute, and they have the funniest expressions.

[Image]For instance, get a look at the two angels' faces while the other one is saying her line.

[Image]Mary and Joseph were looking a little bored by the whole thing. I imagine that during performance night their adrenaline with a huge (by our standards) audience looking on will keep them looking peppier.

[Image]Here Desert Boy makes his visit to King Herod, perched high up on his throne, with the other wise men. He is carrying gold and is appropriately dressed in the same color. He looks so cute. Just wait, you'll see. My camera wasn't doing so great in the low light conditions, but they ran through the play twice, so I had two opportunities to photograph.

[Image]The shepherds, sans sheep today, look on as the action takes place.

[Image]They sang lots of songs, and it put everyone in the Christmas spirit!

[Image]Emma really liked bobbing to the music.

[Image]She managed to pay attention for short stretches, then got wiggly, especially when I wanted to take photos of Desert Boy.

[Image]Her expressive eyebrows show a little worry. I'm not sure why.

[Image]Desert Boy continued his trek.

[Image]Desert Girl filled in for the sheep for a little while. She's not too good at sitting still, so she made the shepherds do some work.

[Image]Meanwhile the wise men are saying their lines, and Desert Boy, once encouraged to speak loudly enough, nailed his line.

Proud mama beams.

[Image]The final number is Joy to the World. It sure was a joy to watch them!

Good job, Sharon, for pulling it all together! And being so patient with the kids--not many people could do that.

[Image]We hope you have a wonderful Christmas!