Last night, the kids and I made a quick trip to Belleville, Illinois, to take in the Christmas lights at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. As usual, it was beautiful. Above and below were taken at the Lourdes Grotto where the nativity is kept. Tanner’s silhouette gives you an idea of its scale. 

There was something a little surreal about being able to go right up to Mary, Joseph and the baby — especially since they were life size. I usually think of nativities as something that you view as an outsider looking in, but this felt like we were participating in it. Especially when I knelt down to take a photo for a different perspective. I realized quickly that this was indeed a different perspective, but not just for the photo. I was kneeling next to a kneeled shepherd. Wow, what a strange feeling. 

While some people left prayers and offerings…

…little Brynn left the best offering of all. It had fallen to the ground and was preserved in ice. It’s one of the sweetest things I’ve seen and totally summed up the vibe of this beautiful place. 

And of course there were lights. Lots and lots of lights. 

Such a lovely night and time well spent. 

On a random note, I got the biggest kick out of this photo of Murphy from this morning. He’s rubbing his face on the Christmas tree branches and all of the ornaments in the picture seem to be startled by him. Pocahontas is looking over her shoulder, the angel is looking right at him and Donald Duck is totally hiding from this enormous intruder. 

Crack. Me. Up.