We made (what is becoming our traditional) balloon lanterns at the preschool this week. Last night we celebrated Martinmas and gathered by the lake near our preschool for our lantern walk. (See previous festivals here and here.) The crazy weather we had all week had finally calmed and while the night was quite cold, at least the winds had died down. Our group has more than doubled from our previous years so I was thrilled to see that every family was there.
I would have loved to get photos of the group to show the parade of children walking along with their glowing lanterns, but it is a challenge to remain "present" while leading and attending a festival. I did sneak a (blurry) photo of Julen as at one point he shot off ahead of the group singing our lantern song at the top of his lungs.
While there are many wonderful variations of a lantern song, the one we use is a very simple one, just perfect for our preschoolers to learn.
My lantern, my lantern, shining near and far
Shining like a moon, shining like a sun shining like a silver star.
The lanterns really do look pretty with the light glowing through, like here, with the sun shining in on some waiting to go home.
While I had hoped to try a different kind of lantern this year...like this paper bag version, or maybe one of these found at Flickr
paper, autumn leaf, glass jar, potato (?), tin can
I found that sticking to what was familiar and what I felt was easiest for my group to do was the best way to go. Maybe next year we'll venture out and try something new.
Happy Friday!
