meandering sentiments of a missionary wife and mom: holiday frolic

On the Eve of Christmas Eve we galavanted over to the Heights church where we've been attending for a year and a half. It's the second year that Justin Unger has taken on the feet of creating a winter wonderland with lights, decor...and arranging all other festive muses. Last year it was only on Christmas Eve. So, we had the family fun of my mom and Andrea's family here. However, this year it was for two nights which was brilliant considering the crowds. Twenty minute candle light services in 30 minute increments from 6pm-9pm, I must say, is another brilliant set up. I would've liked to catch the light show coriographed with music on video....However, I'm not sure it would've done it's spectacular-ness justice. The line for the hayride was surprisingly long, but worth the hour+ wait. It was beautifully put together with the narration of the Christmas story. Had I been more timely in getting out there it wouldn't have been so difficult to partake of it all. In order to soak it all in, families really do need to plan on attending both nights and get there at least an hour earlier before the "open". Will there be the opportunity next year? It all depends on what the Lord has planned.

the chocolate factory tent

I had the hardest time trying to figure out the best camera setting for this night shot. In any case, it was nice to have carolers singing out there amongst the crowd as we all socialized with coffee, hot cocoa and cookies. Incredible ambience.

This is how one can know the limitations of their camera even if it is 12 megapixel....it's still not yet quite as clear as you hope it'd turn out to be in the dark.....

the arch leading to the path towards the cross

Looking back from the cross

What fun when much to our surprise the entire Moffit family was there! We were hoping to see some of the girls, but we didn't know their parents would be there as well. Poor Mav was too miserable to indulge us with a smile. I couldn't quite figure out what he was trying to ask me.....