Holiday Festivities

 Since Toe spent last December 15-31 in the hospital last year, we've been trying to celebrate the holidays throughout the month (in the off-chance that the hospital experience is repeated. Toe has been on antibiotics for almost two weeks). We've had some great experiences. We decorated the house (all but the tree - haven't gotten to that one yet...). We pulled out and assembled the Christmas train. Toe played with the Playmobil nativity. Here are some of our celebrations:

The TRAIN:
J's mom got this train for Toe when he was maybe two and we assemble it each year. The coal car's wheels have broken, but the rest of it has held together remarkably well considering the train spends about half the time on the track and half of the time "off-roading." This year, Toe has been much better about keeping the train on the track and enjoys having his figurines take rides to places across the country.

 HOLIDAY CONCERT:
Toe says he thinks this tie looks like a peacock. Last year, he was in the hospital and missed the concert. This year, the second graders sang "Rock the Holly" "While the Miller Sleeps" and then they sang "We Need a Little Christmas" with the first graders. They had hand movements. It was so adorable, I cried through the whole thing. Meanwhile J waved like a madman to get Toe's attention.... and then Toe started waving back. It was a pretty great experience (and we came away with no photos from the event...).

 COOKIES:
We drove over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house, where we baked Iced Sugar Cookies (with a recipe from a neighbor from my childhood) and Esses (The recipe calls for a full pound of butter). We made the dough at our house and took it to Dama's to actually make the cookies.

Toe and Dad add sprinkles to Esses

Sunny was VERY interested in the process

Choosing cutters

Making Esses

 HANUKKAH
We also spent much of the week reading about Hanukkah celebrations and traditions and the Holocaust. We lit the candles with a prayer for loving kindness, understanding, and compassion...

We've also been brushing up on Christmas carols and of course the story of the birth of the baby Jesus!
Up Next: Zoo Lights!