And Festivus is Spanish for???

Hardly a day goes by when Ben doesn't learn a new word or phrase in Spanish. The immersion program is very effective and we're really pleased with how he's learning about different cultures. The student body at The International School is very diverse, which is great. As such, they've been learning about different holidays at school. The latest celebration they've studied is Hanukkah. They've decorated menorahs with glitter (lots of glitter) and learned about dreidals. When Travis asked Ben how to say "Hanukkah" in Spanish, he said he couldn't remember. Later in the day, however, he came up with the answer: "Kwanzaa!"

A Snowy Gift

We all know Portland and snow just don't happen all that often. The weathermen like to tease us about it, get our hopes up, and then let us down when it doesn't materialize. Last Sunday, however, was a little treat. While certainly it didn't stick, it was pretty. And the big flakes were a perfect accompianment to the annual trip to the tree lot.

After we selected the perfect tree, and I completed the application of the lights, it was time to decorate. Ry tried to find the perfect approach, and then with Ben's help, jumped right in.

And for the finishing touch ...

And a Decorating We Will Go ...

As is tradition, Ben and I spent some time putting together this year's addition to Gingerbread Lane. This year's home features excellent construction - all the load-bearing walls are properly aligned to ensure adequate support for the roof. Windows in every room allow lots of natural light to shine through. The roof features multiple colors and icicles drip from the overhang. The yard is exquisitely landscaped and attracts animals of all sorts. Cute kid not included.

Chopsticks

We're a Thai food kind of family. We like the Pad Gai, the Pad Thai, the Pineapple Cashew Fried Rice. Something about the fresh flavors, the cilantro and the peanut sauce. Mmmmm, Thai food. Anyway, we don't make it to Chinese food very often. In fact, until recently (and an obscenely long line at Laurelwood), Ben had never had Chinese food. In the spirit of adventure, we stopped at a Chinese place with a flashing neon sign proclaiming Portland's Best Chinese food. How could that go wrong?

Ben was super excited about trying something new and spent a lot of time looking at the menu. After being talked out of the lobster (he does have good taste), we settled on some shrimp and vegetables. And, he insisted on using chopsticks. He did quite well - and the food was quite tasty.

Thank You, Polar Express

Ben is always full of questions. How do things work, why is something a certain way, why did I wear that today. Lately, as you can imagine, many of his questions have been centered on the Big Day featuring the Big Man. Yes, Ben is full of questions about Santa and all things Santa related. It's clearly weighing on his mind if we can start a conversation on the way to school and then pick up right where we left off when I pick him up at noon.

He wants to know where the elves live, what they do when they're not making toys, and where Santa lives. Also, Santa is pretty old looking according to Ben, so he's probably going to die soon (Ben is a bit of a realist - no problem with the idea of where dinner comes from). Who will deliver the toys then? Next, can Santa see everything? If Santa knows everything, why do you have to say what you want for Christmas out loud? If you put your hand over your mouth, does he know you're smiling? See, lots of questions.

I've gone with the approach that Santa, and Christmas, are magic things. They don't necessarily have an explanation. Santa is able to do these things because people believe in him and in the magic of Christmas.

Cue The Polar Express. First introduced to Ben thanks to Auntie C, the book tells the story of a boy who isn't sure about Christmas anymore. Should he believe or not? The movie expanded on the theme in a beautiful way, with lots of detail and wonderful imagery. Ben saw where the elves live and work and how they fill the big bag of presents. Just the kind of concrete items Ben needed to confirm the magic. The magic of Christmas, at least for a little while longer, is safe.

Of course Ben being Ben, he announced that evening that we now know two people who are magic. There's Santa. Then there's that guy at the bank who made a quarter mysteriously appear from behind Ben's ear. He was definitely magic.

Brrr Lights

Officially labeled Zoo Lights, I think they are misnamed. The terrific Oregon Zoo transforms itself into a winter wonderland with thousands and thousands of twinkly lights and creative moving displays to delight young and old. Unfortunately, they forgot to heat the place. It was so, so cold on opening night, the Friday after Thanksgiving (see, I'm catching up).

We (Zuzu, the boys, the previously mentioned Charley and Miss Rachel and I) made the journey to the zoo on a clear, full moon night. Despite layer upon layer (see Ry channeling the little brother from A Christmas Story), we were a bit chilly. Ry couldn't actually lower his arms. This might have been the start of the grumpies, but I think it was mostly due to the frigid temps.

Ben seemed to enjoy the trip (I think the elephant ear helped keep his spirits up). It is a different experience to see the animals at night - they are quite active. They're probably wondering what all these people are doing interrupting their normal peace and quiet. Ry melted down once his little hands turned to ice, but he was momentarily refreshed when he visited the penguins (very hard to see in the dark).

Final review: Zoo Lights are definitely worth the trip. A thermos of hot chocolate, some hand warmers and battery operated heat socks (they make these - Travis has them) definitely required.

Family Time

Like I said, I never promised to be a regular poster. Now, I find myself in the position of playing catchup. I think about what I should post, wonder how I should write about what happens in our world, but right now, that's about as far as I'm getting. I'll try to make amends.

First, I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Ours was a little hectic, but nice. Grani came to visit for a while before turkey day, which is always a nice treat. We have some new artwork on the fridge as a result. Sorry about the icky kid germs, Grani. Also in attendance was one of Ben's most favorite people in the whole world, Charley. I think he's happy that Ben no longer calls him Darla, but I have to say that the rest of us did enjoy that nickname. Charley was joined by the lovely Miss Rachel, who totally rocks. She fit right it, jumped right in and was an excellent house guest. Ry was a huge fan of both Char & Rachel, although he did express a *slight* preference for Rachel - over every other person in the house! She was the enabler of Ry's raid on the munchie table, but she also taught Ry to take time to smell the flowers.

See, if I were a good blogger, I'd have a picture of this activity, which was very cute (although getting a little old now that she's no longer here). So, imagine Ry wrinkling his nose as Rachel (who is also not pictured here) lifts him up to smell all the flowers, including those made from cornhusk. Got the image? Good, go with it.