Over the river.......

.....and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go....."

Despite living in a country that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, we have spent the week partying it up and talking about the Mayflower!  We started last Saturday at a dinner with our friends Tom and Linda Bartlett.  Tom is American but lives in England with his British wife Linda and their two teenage children.  A few of the other guests were ex-patriates and it was interesting to hear their perspective on living in the UK.

 One of the tables at the Bartlett feast!

Linda, one of my new British friends

The Teen Table

On Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, the parents of my class surprised me with presents, cards and flowers.  Colleagues also brought gifts.  I feel so grateful to have landed in such a welcoming and kind community!   I led a school-wide assembly to talk about the origins of Thanksgiving and how Americans celebrate today.  Then all of the classes participated in Thanksgiving activities.

 Turkey making

 Indian corn project

 Trying pumpkin pie

 Measuring out the Mayflower

Classic art from the four year olds in Reception

 Lots of handprint turkeys and Indian corn art!  The older students even created an outline of the Mayflower using exact dimensions.  My mom, "the Amazing Nana", made enough pumpkin pie for my entire class and all the staff of Bliss to try!

The local paper came and took photos.  Here's a link to the article:   Chronicle Article

And this past Saturday we hosted our own Thanksgiving.  It was fun to share the holiday with new friends!

 Sarah, Av and Jacqui hang out on the couch with me before the big feast.

 Teens take over the kitchen!  It was fun to watch Abbie's friends try pumpkin pie for the first time!

 The Nana and Adrian prepare the turkey.  Adrian is looking like a character out of "Texas Chainsaw" with the electric carving knife.

 Tim, Sarah and Av

 Beaver Cottage is a little small, but everyone was happy to make the most of it!

 Adrian, The Nana, Gillian and Tony.  Tony was a Fulbright exchange teacher to Maine in the early 80's.  He and Gillian, and their two sons, lived up near Gardiner.

Celebrating with Melissa and Dave.  Melissa works with my as my teaching assistant - I couldn't run my life without her!  When I count my blessings I count her twice!

We had a wonderful dinner!  And, naturally, we are still eating left overs!

At my Bliss assembly I shared this song by Mary Chapin Carpenter.  Beautiful lyrics and some lovely images.......

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!