Thanksgiving Feast

Every year our school puts together a Thanksgiving celebration with entertainment and food. The day before all the children bring in veggies and the older ones cut and cook a soup. Other classes bring desserts and breads. YUM YUM!

Now for some of the entertainment. This year Elijah is learning how to play both the violin (as of several weeks ago) and the ukulele. This morning I went with other parents from his class to learn a bit about the violin and how to help our budding musicians. It was quite the crash course.

Aila was dancing to the music.

They are playing 'I Kona' which is often favored by hula dancers. It was written by George Kelepono in the 1920's. It speaks of the ocean off Kona, which is often so calm that it reflects the clouds.

After a filling lunch, the kids played Makahiki (Hawaiian) games. Tanta Rosa helped Lotus' kinderhale class with one of the games. Here they took a rounded stone and 'rolled' it through two wooden stakes. Luckily the students on the other side were not too close.

Aila with Elijah's teacher, Ms. Pena and a fellow student.

Nature Table

We are always finding something from either nature or self creations to add to our Nature Table. Nature tables are found in each classroom of a Waldorf school. They follow the natural cycle of the year. The changing seasons are depicted indoors. Creating this indoors helps sharpen ones observations of the outdoors.


Rhythms are so important in our daily lives and the nature table is one aspect to help us consciously experience the rhythm of the year. Children become aware of nature at work in their surroundings.


Wanted to share this easy and beautiful paper tree made from a paper bag.

NOVEMBER

The sunlight fast is dwindling,

My little light needs kindling,

Its beam shines far in the darkest night,

Dear lantern, guard me with your light.

We have now entered the 'rainy season' and are so glad to see soccer season come to a close. The past two weeks have been more of a mud bath on the field but of course it was all fun. 

I have been doing a bit of knitting as of late and although I am trying to knit the 'correct' way (European method) I still cannot resist returning to the old English method which mom feels is too much work. I guess it is true - you can't teach an old dog new tricks. After 40 some years, I think I best stick with what I know if I plan on completing my projects. I have included a pic of my tiny turkey I completed for the nature table.

On the 10th the school had their annual Lantern Walk. The children worked on making their own lanterns and practicing their songs to sing while we all walked together across our campus letting the glowing light of our lanterns guide our way. It begins with a story and ends with the release of a very large lantern into the sky and wonderful shared treats.

Lotus made this felted pumpkin at school for our nature table. Another budding artist in the family.

Luckily, you cannot see the stuffing like the flash picked up here.
















There is much more to come!

Halloween come and GONE!

October is a piper

Piping down the dell,

Sad sweet songs of sunshine,

Summer's last farewell,

He pipes till grey November,

Comes in the mist and rain,

And then he puts his pipe away

Till Autumn comes again.

For so many of you November is more than mist and rain. We are so blessed to have the type weather to wear summer wear for Halloween and take that leisurely stroll/run from house to house. Last night we enjoyed meeting old and new friends at a Halloween party. Later we took a break and went for a LONG stroll through a neighborhood taking candy from strangers whom we once new? Aila never whimpered while checking out all the unfamiliar scary faces.

 Elijah as the grim reaper with his buddy Cameron as a bloodied roman soldier. (Too hot for the mask)

Home grown pumpkins are scarce and imports are pricey. So...what to do? Well, go pick up a coconut off the ground and paint it like a pumpkin.

Glad it is another year until the goblins and ghouls come out to play!