Karnival

Temp +6, mild, bright, light cloud cover

Today we celebrated Karnival at the Åpen Barnehage I take the children to. Normally Karnival just means an excuse to dress up and have a bit of a party, it is a relaxed affair - and for the most part home made costumes are the order of the day. This year, our lovely Barnehage leaders (Rita and Sissel) decided on a theme, and in the run up we have been able to make accessories and to bake 'boller' (sweet bread rolls). The theme was 'Hakkebakkeskogen'. This is from the very popular Norwegian children's classic by Torbjørn Egner (1955) (also wrote Kardemomme By), and features some charming characters such as Klatremus (climbing mouse), Mikkel Rev (a sly fox), Bamsefar-Bjørnemor and son Brumleman. So with all the children decked in mouse or fox ears and painted faces we had lots of fun playing 'Katta i sekken' (cat in the bag, a variation on a pinata) and singing songs, plus eating the very fine 'boller'. I am now thinking that we probably need to invest in some of these classic books (and CD's) to introduce to the girls, so that they can learn to love the stories that their friends and neighbours know so well.

On another note, it is the first day of March. Here are some things I am looking forward to in March, celebrating some friends/family birthdays, getting ready for Easter (although unlike Christmas I am unsure of how we will introduce it to Naomi), seeing more spring bulbs come out, having mum visit, lengthening days....