Every year during the Christmas season The Grotto in Portland, OR puts up thousands of lights and presents different concerts and displays commemorating the Season. We used to take Ashley and Amanda when they were little and wanted to take the others to enjoy it this year also. For some of our family members the Catholic overtures are a bit overwhelming.. but we all just tried to enjoy the lovely Christmas concert, petting zoo, puppet show and the thousands and thousands of lovely lights. It is intended as an outreach for the greater Portland area and is amazingly popular. Despite our differences in many things, we appreciate the Catholics' desire to bring the message of Jesus to a very dark and lost city. It was fun to walk down memory lane with our older kids and enjoy it a-new with the littles.
The concert was held in a large Catholic church. The huge murals of the life of Christ went all the way around on the walls- From birth to reserrection. Between that and the enormous statues of Mary, Grace was so overwhelmed that I finally had to leave with her. She said after we got outside 'Mama, it's like they view Mary as a God' "That is so horrible!"
The petting zoo was so fun and worth the 30 minute wait! Grady was kind enough to buy me a hot Americano to help warm me up a bit! (he knows my love language!! :-)
Striking a pose with the camel!
So cute!
This musician was playing some lovely Christmas songs on his xylophone-type instrument
We loved learning about Francis of Assisi. Have you ever learned about him? He abandoned a life of luxury for a life devoted to Christianity after reportedly hearing the voice of God, who commanded him to rebuild the Christian church and live in poverty. He is the patron saint of animals and the environment.
He is quoted as saying:
"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words."
Wow, Amen. May it be said of me
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