create a nativity contest

So we might make this an annual event :)

Tuesday afternoon I kept the big kids home from school (the pollution was terrible, the exam prep at school is boring for my non-exam-taking kiddos, and I just like it better when they are here anyways so I don't need too much of an excuse!)

I launched a "create a nativity" contest and gathered the troops. 

This involved an enormous amount of craft supplies and about ten minutes of clean up when all was finished.  Worth it.  

The only requirement was that the scene include Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus.  Everything else was optional.  

Late afternoon I quickly created the awards and Matt announced them at dinner (with all kinds of drum rolling and fist pumping and general excitement - like we needed to crank up the energy level at dinner!)

And here's how we "all" win .....

This was a HUGE hit for everyone.  John Paul was working on a different nativity scene this morning before breakfast..... next year, round 2 :)