Neighborhood Christmas Pageant

We have the most incredible neighborhood in the entire world. I am convinced. {And shouldn't everyone feel that way about their own neighborhood?}

Each year, we gather together for food, fellowship and entertainment - courtesy of our 16 neighborhood children. We throw together costumes, the older children assign parts and write lines. And 15 minutes before the neighborhood arrives the kids run through practice once and somehow manage to pull off a wonderful production of The Christmas Story to the delight of everyone. {Our shepherd, Tarver}

{Our little lamb, Langston, trying out a magi crown}

{Our little lamb in his costume!}

{Our innkeeper, Ryland}

{Our Joseph, although when not on stage he goes by Braden}

{The loveliest of hostesses, Kay, holding Jesus}

One of the shepherds, trying to decide if he's the star of the show.

You are a little big for the star, Jamer.

During rehearsal, the lamb got a little unruly and frustrated the efforts of this shepherd.

Joey, taking it all in stride. Does he not know of the hard journey he and his betrothed must soon make? Or is he only thinking of the snacks that await him upstairs after the show?

A confused shepherd. He thought this was the year he finally got to play Jesus and hang out in the baby cradle during the performance. Sorry, Eric. Maybe next year!

Beautiful Addie studying her Mary lines.

Renee, you are the cutest wise man I have ever seen.

The unruly lamb taking Joseph's donkey for a spin.

Who invited this guy?

Angelic Leah.

There's that little lamb, chasing a mouse from the stable and making much work for his shepherd.

"Baa!"

The acting of the shepherds gets better and better with each year. They truly look 'sore afraid'!

Look at the little tail!

Meanwhile, up in the kitchen, guests and food start arriving.

Pre-showtime mingling. . .

Another wise guy? Hey, where did your lamb costume go?

Showtime!! Places everybody, Places!!

Mary and Joseph rolling into Bethlehem. . .

The Innkeeper suggesting they try next door. The Innkeeper also trying to fool us into thinking he can read by saying his lines from his card.

If at first The Bethlehem Inn has no vacancy, try, try again.

Sore afraid, I'm telling you these shepherds are great actors.

The cast of the 2010 Whispering Pines Christmas Pageant

Great job, guys!