Day 19 - Posadas

Charlotte had a little trouble sleeping last night, and when she woke up this morning, she looked pitiful - runny eyes and constant sneezing.  So James and H went to church while us girls stayed home together.  At first, we just hung out in mine and James's bed, but after about 15 minutes, Charlotte felt this way about it...

She kept crawling up into my lap, so we'd cuddle for a little while and that would make her happier...

The toilet paper also helped improve her mood.  She loves unrolling it, just like her brother.

We eventually moved into her room to play, and then had lunch.  After her afternoon nap, she seemed a lot better, but we still kept her home from the activity tonight because we didn't want to get the other children sick. 

So James stayed home with Char while Hunter and I headed out to the Martinez's for Posadas, which is a tradition in Mexico that Judah, Levi, Blaise, and Simeon's grandparents used to participate in growing up.  In Mexico it lasts 9 (i think?  maybe 7?) days, but they just had a one night celebration tonight.  It is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's travels to Bethlehem and finally their arrival at the inn.

Everyone got candles, and we went outside where Monica explained what would happen.  After she was done, Hunter said, "We're going to walk to the mailbox and sing some songs in Spanish."  That's actually a pretty good synopsis.  I was pretty impressed:)

After we were done with the reenactment, we went out back so the kids could break a pinata.  Hunter loves anything that involves candy, so he was pumped...

(That's him on the far left).  Here he is taking his turn...

There were a lot of kids there, so after it was broken, everyone swarmed the candy.  Hunter ran with them, but I quickly heard some loud crying, and I knew it was him.  I walked over and asked what was wrong, and he said, "I want some candy!!!"  It was dark outside, and I guess he couldn't find any with all of the kids around.  This sweet older girl (probably 6 or 7) kept walking over giving him handfuls of candy.  I was so impressed with her thoughtfulness! 

Hunter was thankful too, and after he calmed down, he was able to enjoy his candy...

...so much that he didn't want to stick around for the second pinata.  He just wanted his candy.  Now.



It was really fun to get a glimpse into a different culture.  Thanks for inviting us Martinez's!

Our verses for tonight were Matthew 2:5-6 after King Herod asks the teachers of the law where the Messiah has been born. "“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
  are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
  for out of you will come a ruler
  who will shepherd my people Israel.’”"