Oliver's Advent Garden Journey

{Reflections by Mormor; Daddy and I were unable to attend.}

Went to Oliver's school yesterday to watch his class go to the Advent Garden - a beautifully set up spiral or evergreen boughs, seashells, and stars. Before the kids came into the room, we were instructed to be quiet so the children could experience the ceremony in quiet reflection (keeping in mind that these are 3-6 year olds).

They came in (Ms. Eileen was singing about time of advent) as she led the kids in holding hands with each other. She led them to the chairs and had them sit down as music was played. Oliver glanced at me as he walked in and then once he was seated he kept glancing at Ms. Eileen and then at me. He waved at me as did the other kids to their parents.

First a woman came in dressed in special dress carrying a lit tealight. She walked in very slowly, walked the spiral, lit the center candle, and then walked back out. The entire time a liar was being played.

Then it was quiet for a few moments to set the tone for the kids and then Ms. Eileen handed the first candle * to the student and he walked the spiral and lit his candle placing it on the star on the floor and walked back out of the spiral, sitting back in his seat. He sat very quietly and watched very intently as the students in front of him walked the spiral, lit their candle and returned to their seats. I was very amazed and impressed that
all of these little ones sat very quietly and watched intently all that was going on. When it was Oliver's time, he got up from his chair and as Ms. Eileen handed him his candle she whispered something to him (I was unable to hear but he nodded in agreement with her). He walked briskly through the spiral and lit his candle (he struggled a little not sure where or how to light the candle but figured it out) turned and walked back through the spiral and placed his candle on a star along the path and then returned to his seat. There were only about 4 after him and by the time they finished all were beginning to get a little antsy but still sat very quiet.

After all students had walked the spiral and lit their candle the parents sang a song and during the last verse the kids walked back out being led by Ms. Eileen and holding hands. Oliver smiled and waved as he went past. I was super excited to have been invited to attend and was so proud of what a great job he did. He looked so grown up and like such a little gentleman.

--Thank you Mormor for being willing to ditch work to go. I'm sad I wasn't able to do the same, but I'm glad Oliver had someone their to watch and report back to us.

(*The Candles the kids carried were Hand dipped Beewax candles in a real apple as a holder.  The children helped make them in class)

Quotable

This morning Oliver was riding the tricycle around the house and I overheard this running commentary going all the while:

"First I stop at the truck store and they don't have any trucks, then I stopped at Margaret's house and they didn't have any Margarets, I'm going to stop at the Farmer's Market but they didn't have any Farmers. Now I'm going to stop at the drug store and they don't have any drugs." 

Apparently all the imaginary stores were cleaned out after their Black Friday sales!


Another fun random quote was a conversation Oliver and I had in the car after school last Tuesday.

O: "I don't know what Dana is... a girl or a kid. Is Dana a child?"
M: "She's your Auntie"
O: "My auntie?! Why is she my Auntie?
M: "She's your Aunt."
O: "Okay... Well... I'm going to call her Policeman."

Rice Park Lighting Celebration

I heard on the radio that Saturday they'd be flipping the switch and lighting the big Christmas tree at Rice Park, downtown. Since setting up our own tree on Friday, Oliver's been all about the christmas lights. It's so fun to experience the holidays through his excitement. So we packed into the car and drove downtown to see all the lights. Before walking to the park we stopped for a bite to eat. Apparently, the boys don't like their picture taken while eating (I guess who really does but I took one anyways).

Then all bundled up we walked over to Rice Park to get a good spot to see the lights. There was quite a crowd but we found an empty corner with a friendly policeman. Took a few more fun photos of the boys and then waited for half an hour in the cold.

Lucius kept running toward me so I couldn't get him in focus. Finally he decided to stand still and we asked for a smile... this is him "smiling"... nice thanks little man.

Around 5:30pm they turned on all the lights, including the big Christmas tree. But the boys both freaked out because there were fireworks too. Poor things, we should have remember that from the fourth of July, but eventually- with their ears plugged up tight they watched the beautiful lights.

I'm looking forward to a wonderful Christmas season with the little misters.

Grandpa's house

Thanksgiving morning we spend with Grandpa and Great Grandma Vi. After breakfast and a some games... Grandpa offered to take Oliver on a four wheel ride before we left. Oliver LOVES his Grandpa and really likes four wheel rides so away they went. How fun for them to share a fun holiday drive.

I wanted to make sure and get a quick photo with Grandpa, cause I don't think I have one with him and both the boys. Then we headed over to Oma and Opa's house for a big thanksgiving dinner. I didn't take any photos because I was too busy stuffing my face and enjoying the company.

Thanksgiving pies Prep

Today Daddy was getting ready Thanksgiving by making a few yummy pies. He made the apple pie while Oliver and I were out on an errand. But when it was time to make the triple berry pie Oliver requested to help make it. Daddy let him stir the berries and brush the egg yoke on the top of the pie crust. He's always so happy to help in the kitchen.

We're looking forward to taste testing them out tomorrow after Thanksgiving Dinner. Hope everyone else has have a very happy Thanksgiving and maybe even a little pie!!

First snow fall

Saturday was the first official snow fall this year. We picked up a small Oliver sized shovel when we were out a few weeks ago knowing that he was going to like helping us. He absolutely LOVED helping daddy plow through the snow on our walks even if is was only a few inches.

It's not Pink Eye

Lucius has had goopy gross eyes for about four days before I got him into to see the doctor. {actually daddy took him cause I myself was under the weather}. Anyways. Turns out it's not the pink eye we feared... it turned out he had a double ear infection. Besides the goopy eyes he was not showing any other ear infection symptoms... not that we really know what to look for since Oliver is almost four and still has never had one. Lucius 3, Oliver 0.