Lantern Walk

Madeline's school, ChildRoots, holds four big events each year: Drum March (Spring), A Day at the Lake (Summer), Lantern Walk (Autumn) and Winter Fare (Winter). 

On Friday, October 25, 2013, we had the Lantern Walk! The children prepare for the Lantern Walk by decorating lanterns (Mason Jars) with paint, string and beads. At Maddy's age the decorating consists of painting the jars and she informed us that hers was blue! The children do not paint/decorate their own lanterns, rather they all decorate lanterns together and then they choose the lantern they want at the walk. 

Maddy's classmate Carson's mom (Malena) invited everyone in Maddy's class over to their home for dinner before the walk, as they live just a few blocks from Fernhill Park where the Lantern Walk is held. Malena made macaroni and cheese for all and it was nice to hang out with Maddy's classmates and the other parents. Maddy's teacher, Krystal, also joined us for dinner and the walk.

After dinner the kids put on their Halloween costumes and we trekked to the park.  The lanterns lay waiting at the track. Maddy and her friends picked out their lanterns and we headed to the path through the woods guided by luminaries (and some ChildRoots teachers).

Along the path, ChildRoots staff were posted at intervals, handing out treasures (such as a button, a leaf, decorated paper, a feather) placing them in the child's lantern (lit via LED light). Some teachers played instruments as well. It was a magical walk in the dark, something the children rarely get to do! At the end of the trek, fire dancers put on a show that mesmerized the sleepy little ones. 

Underwear!

Dora Underwear!!!

Yesterday (October 10, 2013) Madeline's teacher Krystal sent me a message letting me know that Madeline saw a pair of Dora underwear in the "Lost and Found" (note here: the Toddler specialist and Madeline's classroom teachers put together a "Lost and Found" box filled with extra underwear - clean of course - to have on hand during the potty training phase) and DEMANDED to wear them.  Threw a little temper tantrum, in fact.  And so it begins!!  We are THRILLED that Maddy is showing interest in underwear.  If I would have known the effect Dora underwear would have, I'd have bought some awhile ago...but really, there's no rush.  And this phase is going to be interesting - lots of "do you have to go potty? or poop?" and accidents will happen, I know.  Today I took Maddy to a public restroom at the grocery store for the first time.  Luckily she didn't really have to go, because I was NOT the quickest on the draw since I insisted on covering that toilet seat well before setting my little one on top.  She was so proud at the store...she picked out her own Dora underwear and she is very excited to wear them. Hooray! Wish us luck!

Bella Organic Farm: October 6, 2013

In the Pumpkin Patch

For quite some time now I have wanted to visit a farm during autumn to enjoy the festivities and I finally got my chance!  It was all I'd hoped for, and more. The weather was beautiful and Madeline, Steve and I took full advantage of everything Bella Organic Farm had to offer.  We went on the Cow Train, the Grain Train and checked out the Hay Maze.  We had snacks, and even had a beer (well, Steve and I did) with our friends Eric and Melissa and their family.  I went into the big corn maze but unfortunately did not have time to venture far, as Maddy's nap time was approaching.  I'll need to do that next time.  So much fun - I definitely want to do it again!

Hay Maze

On a hay ride!

On the Grain Train

You guessed it: The Cow Train

I love the cow train!

The Fausts and the G's

Melissa, Eric and Althea

Dora the Explorer and School Friends at the Children's Museum

A happy girl

October 5, 2013 we headed to Portland's Children's Museum with some of Maddy's classmates.  Maddy's teacher Krystal organized the weekend outing but she unfortunately was unable to make it.  Those of us who went enjoyed ourselves immensely - especially little Maddy, who is quite fond of Dora the Explorer, who happened to be the Star of the day at the Children's Museum.  Even though Madeline already saw the Dora exhibit this summer in Minnesota, she was stoked to see it again, along with her friends from school!  It was nice for me and Steve to have some time to hang out with the other parents, too.

Henry, Kai and Daniel in the Water Play Area

Maddy, Finley and Kai

Kai and Maddy in Tico's Car

Swiper, NO SWIPING!!

Kai and Henry

Maddy and Henry (one of her best buds)

Henry, Kai, Maddy and Daniel in the "Dig Pit"

A Good, Good Man

Last night when I was putting Madeline to bed, right before I was going to make my exit, we had the following exchange:

Maddy: Oh! My baby stroller is downstairs!

Me: It's okay. You can bring it up tomorrow.

Maddy: Ok. I'll push it up the stairs?

Me: No, Daddy can carry it up for you. 

Maddy: I'll carry it up in one hand?

Me: No, honey. Daddy can help you.

Maddy: He's a good, good man.

Me: What? 

Maddy:  Daddy. He's a good, good man for carrying my baby stroller up the stairs.

Kids do say the darnedest things.