Traveling Crèche or Nativity Scene Exhibit

I was fortunate enough this weekend to take my two young daughters to see this wonderful exhibit. This three day event was held at our local Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Both my girls had been feeling a bit under the weather, and I waited until the last day in hopes that they might have recovered from their colds. Even though they were still a bit sniffly, we bundled up and headed out to our 'secret' destination.

I find that a well kept secret with 5 and 8 year olds gives me much needed peace of mind. In the afternoon, I let them know that we would be going out for a drive to see something. I was pestered from that point on with questions, but I reminded them it was a secret and they would find out when we were on our way.

As the afternoon progressed, the designated time finally arrived! The girls bundled up warmly and we got into the car. On the way, the girls continued to guess, a few blocks from our destination I gave the girls a flyer to look at, it was clearly titled "Crèche Exhibit". Of course, neither had ever heard the word 'Crèche' but they quickly understood when I explained that we would be viewing a Nativity since we had several at home.

During that last few blocks, we talked about the fact that there were about 900 on display, and that they were from all around the world. Both girls were excited, and were ready to leap out of the car when we arrived.

As we walked in, a representative greeted us at a small desk and asked if we would like to sign in. She then gave each of the girls a sheet with a dozen close up photos of different figurines in the display so they could play 'I Spy' and find those figurines as we looked at each one.

Each of the girls was excited about different scenes, and we photographed many of their favorites. They found about 8 of the 'I Spy' figurines before we ran out of time. Near the end of the tour that wrapped around a large gymnasium, we met another representative who asked if we would like to have pictures done. In a small side area, they were offering costumes to dress up in for a photo with the baby Jesus. Both girls decided to dress as angels and had their photos taken. I also took a picture or two with my camera and was given a slip with the information to find my photos the next day at their website.

The girls took off their costumes and we finished our tour. This tour was so much fun for the girls, when we got home; I uploaded all of my photos and cropped them appropriately. I also adjusted my computer so that when it goes into a screen saver mode, it is only viewing the various Nativities that we saw. Both girls are tickled pink each night as they watch the scenes go by from their beds which are in view of my computer screen.

I hope to take the girls next year and add to our photo collection. The entrance fee to this exhibit is the perfect price for everyone "free". I spend $3.00 afterwards at McDonald's for drinks as we headed home to help with the dry throats from their colds.

All in all, it was a perfect afternoon for the three of us!