The Live Nativity

After church on Christmas Eve, we drove to Rexburg, Idaho to see Aaron's brother Jared, who lives with their Aunt Janis on her dairy farm. A few years ago, one of Aaron's cousins lost a son to cancer. He was Ethan's age. Starting that year, and every year since, their aunt has put on a live nativity in memory of her grandson, Dallin.

Janis's family even built a real stable for the performances. Neighborhood kids act out the parts and sing the carols. It was fun to see Mary ride in on a real donkey while the sheperds were out in the field with sheep (one of which tried to eat the microphone). I have to say, my favorite performer was Jared as the innkeeper.
After the show Aaron's mom took the girls to pet the sheep. (I think the sheep was more nervous than Vanessa).
We huddled together while sitting on straw bells singing Christmas songs. The Christmas hymns brought tears to my eyes. I thought it was the most appropriate way to remember Dallin, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, who made it possible for all of us to live again as eternal families.