Journey to Bethlehem

We went with the Nelsons to the Journey to Bethlehem in Manhattan Beach. It was an interactive, hands on opportunity for Alex and Ben to walk through the city of Bethlehem during the time of Christ's birth. There were hundreds of people dressed up as everything Bethlehem would have from carpenters, brick makers, beggars, bakers, artists, iron smiths, perfume makers, Roman soldiers to arrest you- everything. There were live animals (including a camel-so cool), music, dancing, baskets to help weave, bricks to mix, pour, mold, and make, tin to pound out, wood to plane, grain to grind, pottery to make, Mary and Joseph riding a donkey looking for room at the inn, and angels proclaiming Jesus birth. They even gave us shekels to spend while were there on food and wares. It was amazing and beyond incredible! I was blown away! It was a wonderful and amazing night!

Grace

Alex and Ben's friend Grace came over to play today. They had such a good time - they even helped Mr. Dibble with the leaves.

Historic Rancho Guajome Adobe

Alex, Ben and I attended "A Victorian Christmas" at the Rancho Guajome Adobe with the Pira family. It is an old rancho that was built in the 1840's and remained a working ranch well into the 1900's. It is owned by the state now and is part of the park system. Alex and Ben got to make a hand dipped candle, a corn husk doll...I made one too.... took swings at the Christmas pinata and got a bag of candy. We even made a hand dipped caramel apple, a reindeer bag and wove a God's eye for our Christmas tree. (which they did entirely by themselves!) We had a wagon ride, ate fresh grilled tacos, and watched traditional Mexican dancers. Not to mention getting to tour the Rancho and see all of the antiques! The volunteers were all in period costume, it was delightful. The Historic Rancho Guajome Adobe was decorated using natural material that a family from the 1800s would have used to make wreaths, garlands, centerpieces and other holiday decorations. This was our second year going - we will miss it next year!

More Pictures

Still More Pictures

Fort Point

We then went over to Fort Point National Historic Park and had a picnic lunch and took a walk along the shore of Crissy Field. We got to help a catch crabs - and learned how to hold them so we don't get pinched. Ben said he wanted a crab trap for Christmas - I told him we would see, and he decided, " I'll ask Grandma!" Grandma, I think they are on to you! We walked over to the Presidio and saw so many neat things. I think their favorite was the looking for "treasures" along the water. They found crab shells, mussel shells, and neat colorful rocks.

Lombard Street

Dan had to go to work - so Alex, Ben, and I went on an adventure. We started out day by a drive down Lombard Street - three times. We then decided it would be fun if we got out and walked down it and up it. Very was super fun.