Back to Bethlehem

Our ward hosted a wonderful Back to Bethlehem 

experience this year for our ward Christmas party.

 I was on the committee and spent more hours than I'd like to count 

crafting Roman soldier costumes and helping make Roman coins.

Hyrum was supposed to be one of my Roman soldiers, 

but ended up having to work that night.  

Even if Hyrum didn't end up wearing one, I was pleased how well the Roman costumes turned out despite my penny pinching ways.  The only money spent was on a sheet used to make both tunics and dollar tree brooms used for the helmet plumes. The broom handles doubled for the spears. Everything else came from my "stash."

 

Jotham was the tax collector and I helped 

take the census and run the money changer booth.

While we worked Gavin ran around like a little orphan boy.

 

Hannah helped take the census, until she decided she was done 

talking to people. Oh, my beautiful little introvert.  On the plus side,  

it helped her decide that a job in costumer service would not be in her future.

Mark was a shepherd the pageant.

And Hollie and Gavin sang with the primary.

At home later that night, Hollie counted and counted.
She was so cute.  Not one of the 617 leftover Denarius coins was left uncounted for.

 

Hollie and Gavin had so much fun they played 

Bethlehem children for the next couple of days.

Our own little Bethlehem dinner almost paled in comparison, 

but still it remains one of my favorite family traditions.