Here are our tentative plans for this Christmas season. We love to have company, so please join us for any of these events!Nov 29th -- Christmas Tree -- We go to a farm in Washington County and cut our own tree. The kids love it, and the trees are cheap. Call for details.
Nov 30th -- Von Trapp Family Christmas -- Descendants from the actual Von Trapp family (think Sound of Music) will be in Portland to perform. We haven't seen this before, but think that it will be fun. You can find out more at
http://www.vontrappchildren.com/ Dec 5th -- "Follow the Star" Live Nativity -- The Seventh-Day Adventists put on an extraordinary live nativity for two weekends in Gladstone, Oregon. You move through several locations and see Herod, shepherds, Roman soldiers, and the Holy Family. The event is free, but it can get crowded, especially on the second weekend. Visit
http://www.followthestar.us/Dec 6th, 7pm -- Lake Oswego Ward Christmas Party -- Christmas program with food. The party is free and kid-friendly.
"A Christmas Carol" at Portland Center Stage -- A fabulous telling of one of the greatest stories ever written. There are many dates and times, but most of them sell out. More info at
http://tickets.pcs.org/buytickets/calendar/view.asp?id=3681Dec 12-13th, 8pm -- Portland Mormon Choir & Orchestra -- Scott sang with this group last year -one can only imagine how much better they are now. They put on a great and moving performance. Here are details
http://www.portlandmormon.org/"Polar Express" at Mt Hood Railroad -- This is a real train ride in Hood River, OR. They serve hot chocolate, sing carols, and arrive at Santa's village. It is a fun experience, especially for the kids. Visit
http://www.mthoodrr.com/Polar_Express/MHRail_polar_express.htmlDec 20th -- Christmas Ships -- Decorated boats sail up and down the Willamette River with lights and fanfare. On this date, the ships will be cruising past Lake Oswego. The event in Milwaukie has a bonfire, carols, and treats. More info at
http://www.christmasships.org/-- Handel's "Messiah" -- Performed by the Portland Baroque Orchestra (PBO), this is Scott's favorite Christmas event. The masterpiece "Messiah" is performed in its entirety on baroque-period instruments, with a small chorus, by extremely gifted musicians, in an intimate setting. It is difficult to remain unmoved. This sells out quickly, and we would love company. For tickets or more info, visit
http://www.pbo.org/Dec 24th, 11pm -- Midnight Mass -- There is something very special about passing the midnight hour on Christmas Eve with fellow believers-all while listening to beautiful song and scripture. We usually celebrate this event with the Catholics, and like to visit new cathedrals. Call us to find out where we will be.
Here are some other great events/activities that we haven't put on the calendar yet:Gospel Christmas -- This is a fun concert with lively (sometimes racous) gospel music. Visit
https://www.oregonsymphony.com/concerts/performance.aspx?perf=1212SC09Festival of the Lights, The Grotto -- Beautiful setting, wonderful music, petting zoo and other activities for the kids. More info
http://www.thegrotto.org/events/lights.htmZoo Lights -- Train rides and animals. See
http://www.oregonzoo.org/Events/ZooLights/index.htmPeacock Lane --
http://www.peacocklane.net/If you have any suggestions of activities that we haven't listed, please let us know.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!