Alphabet Animals at the Zoo

"Animals, animals
All at the zoo...

Come to see the animals
And they can see you ...

A is for the Alligator
B is for the Bear
C is for the Caterpillar
Creeping everywhere..."
- John "Kinderman" Taylor





With the holiday parties and family gatherings coming to an end, we were able to have our first play date today with all of our old friends. We all met up at the Fort Worth Zoo this morning to see the animals in action. The children gazed with wide eyes as we strolled by each habitat. Most of the animals were outside soaking up the rays.


After 3 hours of wonder and awe, we headed across the street for a quick picnic and to ride the Forest Park Train, our favorite Fort Worth attraction. A 40 minute train ride along the Trinity River and a box of popcorn can bring a smile to any child's face.







We concluded the day baking and decorating animal shaped cookies at Grandma's house.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

"We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
And a Happy New Year."








We arrived home safely and the boys did wonderful during our 18+ hour trip home. Santa found us at Grandma's house and left too many toys (as usual). The weather here has been amazing...blue skies and temps in the 60's. We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

Banana Boat Song

"Day-oh, Day-oh
Daylight come and I wanna go home!
Day-oh, Day-oh
Daylight come and I wanna go home!"
- Harry Belafonte

Bags are packed. House is clean. Taxi is reserved. The weather is in our favor, hopefully no delays. We are coming home! We now just have to survive 16 hours of travel time with the boys.

Upon our arrival into Texas, Grandma will anxiously be waiting for us at the airport. Our schedule is full during our stay as we try to see all of our friends and family, visit our favorite attractions, take a road trip to Oklahoma, eat at our most missed restaurants, get a "good" haircut, enjoy some sunshine, take advantage of our free babysitters, go to a real grocery store, and meet the newest member of our family, my niece and Godchild.

We are departing Helsinki on the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice. To imagine just 6 months ago we experienced 23 hours of daylight and now the sun rises at 0930 and sets at 1510. After tomorrow the days will slowly increase in length, reaching 23 hours once again in mid-June.

When we return back to Finland winter should be in full force. Temperatures around -20 Celsius, snow on the ground, and more daylight will welcome us. Safe travels to everyone this holiday season!

White Christmas

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
with every Christmas card I write.
May your days be merry an' bright
and may all your Christmas's be white!"
- Irving Berlin


Dreaming may be the closest to snow most of Europe gets this Christmas. With record high temperatures throughout the entire continent, the holiday spirit is at a low. Thanks to Global Warming, 2006 is the sixth warmest on record. Many families planned ski vacations to the Swiss Alps for their holiday and now have to turn it into a hiking vacation. One of the top British Christmas destinations for 'believing' families is Rovaniemi, Finland the home of Santa Claus. Tourist flock there to enjoy sleigh rides pulled by real reindeer, Santa Park, Santa Claus Village, and snow ball fights. The town that sits on the Artic Circle that is usually blanketed in white is green this year.


Helsinki received it's first snowfall of December last night. With a forecast returning above freezing tomorrow, the snow will soon disappear leaving the city without a white Christmas this year! In the news today, even the animals of the city are being effected by the warm temperatures.

We Three Kings of Orient Are

"We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star.

O Star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright.
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light."
- Rev. John Henry Hopkins


Big's preschool had their Christmas Play this afternoon at Finlandia Hall. All 4 locations of his school gathered to perform on stage. Big's classmates were dressed as 'Baby Kings' as their skit was looking for the King of Christmas. Their only line spoken was "Where's the king?" along with singing various carols and dancing with angels during the 2 hour show.



Out of his 6 classmates, 5 showed. Out of the 5, only 3 were brave enough to dress in costume and walk onto the stage. I am sad to say my child was not one of the brave ones today. After an hour of struggling and bribes (a package of M&Ms in his pocket), I did get his costume and crown on long enough to take a few pictures. After all that he would not let me leave the dressing room without him.





Unfortunately, Big watched the play from the front row on my lap. When his class first stepped on stage, he mentioned wanting to join them so I encouraged him to participate. He made it up the stairs and about 10 more feet before "freezing." Needless to say he rejoined me in the audience.








I was quite proud of all the Baby Kings and their performance today. Hopefully Big will gain enough courage to join next time.

In The Library

"There's a special place I know
That's not far from you or me.
It's a place full of surprises
And it's called the library...

You can read about flying
'Round the world in a balloon
Or find books about people
Who landed on the moon.
There are stories about things like kings
Who dance with their fiddlers three
Or you can read about kids
Just like you and me."
- Sesame Street



The boys and I took a bus to a library in Espoo (a suburb of Helsinki) this morning for an English story hour. 10 children gathered in a circle on a colorful rug and listened wide-eyed as 3 books were read aloud. The stories were all about Christmas and snow, appropriate for this season. Between each book, a familiar song was sang with simple hand gestures. Following the stories, the children were given paper Christmas trees to color and gingerbread cookies as a snack. We all enjoyed the hour and meet some fellow Americans, which is always nice.


The group meets the second Saturday of each month in Leppävaara. We will definitely try to become regulars. Big listened very patiently, following all instructions. On the other hand, Little was running around 5 minutes into the first book yelling "snacks," "water," & "juice." What a difference 14 months can make.

Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

"Cellophane flowers of yellow and green
Towering over your head.
Look for the girl with the sun in her eyes
and she's gone.

Lucy in the sky with diamonds.
Lucy in the sky with diamonds.
Lucy in the sky with diamonds."
- The Beatles



"Pre-Christmas celebrations of Swedish-speaking Finns include the Lucia festival. Thousands of people line the streets to greet the radiant Lucia and her maidens. The Lucia is chosen from among ten candidates by popular vote, and the winner is crowned at a ceremony at the Helsinki Cathedral on 13 December at 5pm. At 6pm the Lucia descends down the steps of the cathedral and begins her procession from the Senate Square.

According to the old Julian Calendar, Lucia Night was the longest of the year and was therefore full of dangers, as the power of Lucifer was at its greatest. In some parts of Europe, Lucia is considered to be the bride of Lucifer. According to researchers, the Lucia cult reflects Christian elements as well as possibly two pagan gods, representing good and bad. The worship of these pagan gods eventually gave rise to the celebration of the saints.



THE LEGEND OF LUCIA

Lucia was a young maiden from Syracuse who converted to Christianity. However, her mother Eutykia had promised the girl to a pagan chief for his bride. Lucia refused to comply, and as a result of the disagreement Eutykia became ill. When the doctors failed to cure her, Lucia managed to persuade Eutykia to pray. Upon doing so she got better and converted herself to Christianity.

This infuriated the pagan chief, who turned in the maiden. The punishment for converting to Christianity was to be burned alive. On the stake Lucia prayed to God for salvation, and the flames did not harm her. The executioner finally thrust his sword through the maiden’s neck. It took a long time for Lucia to die, and even with the sword in her neck she was able to talk to the crowd and to receive sacraments.

According to another legend, a Roman man fell in love with Lucia’s beautiful eyes and began courting the young maiden. Lucia was so distraught that she tore out her eyes and gave them to the man. After this a miracle occurred: the maiden got new eyes that were even more beautiful than the first. She still refused to give herself to the Roman, who eventually killed her. On the basis of this legend, Lucia is to this day the Patron Saint of the blind and seeing impaired.

Lucia celebrations began to spread after the year 600. The tradition became popular among Swedish Finns in the last century."
- Hot Winter Helsinki

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

"It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.
There'll be much mistltoeing
And hearts will be glowing
When love ones are near.
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year."
- Eddie Pola and George Wyle


The St. Thomas Christmas Market kicked off today and will be open through the 20th of December. Since 1993, the market has offered over one hundred stalls selling handicrafts, foodstuffs and baked goods for the Christmas table. Visitors to Esplanade Park can even enjoy delicious warm food and drinks while admiring the work of craftsmen. Santa Claus is even hanging around the market to pass out candy to the young.




According to tradition, Christmas arrives with St. Thomas. All Christmas preparations should be ready by St. Thomas Day, which is celebrated on 21 December.

Independence Day

"Let Freedom ring, let the white dove sing
Let the whole world know that today is a
Day of reckoning
Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong
Roll the stone away,
Let the guilty pay,
It's Independence Day."
- Martina McBride

89 years ago, Finland claimed its independence from Russia. Now a national holiday, business are closed, flags are flown with pride, and parades are marched throughout the city. The main event of this holiday takes place at the Presidential Palace. Political figures, celebrities, and other famous names fill the 2000+ guest list that walk the 'red carpet' into the gala. Locals watch TV as the event is live and critics discuss the attire. Rumor has it the musical group Lordi (Eurovision Song Contest 2006 winners) is not allowed inside with their masks on this year.

Families can show their pride by lighting 2 candles in their window at 1800. Historically these two candles were used as a sign to inform Finnish Jäger troops that the house was ready to offer shelter and keep them hidden from the Russians.

Happy Birthday

"Paljon onnea vaan.
Paljon onnea vaan.
Paljon onnea 'Big.'
Paljon onnea vaan!"
- Happy Birthday in Finnish








Today our 'Big' turned 3 years old! We celebrated the event with cake, candles, and presents. Finnish tradition mirrors American with birthday celebrations. The only difference is individuals are also recognized on their "name day" (the Saint's day they are named after). Since our children are named according to the Saint's day on which they were born, there would be no difference. Big, thanks for an amazing, life changing 3 years!

Ginger Bread

"Ginger bread, ginger bread,
ginger bread, ginger bread,
You're full of sugar. You're full of spice.
You're kinda naughty, but you're naughty and nice."
- Frankie Avalon


Another wet, dark, and dreary Monday in Helsinki, Finland. Today we decided to pass some time by decorating our ginger bread houses for the holidays. The boys had so much fun, but probably ate more candy than what actually made it on their house.

What's Your Name

"What's your name, little girl,
what's your name?
Shootin' you straight, little girl,
for there ain't no shame.
What's your name, little girl,
what's your name?"
- Lynyrd Skynyrd


Today we attended a friend's baptism of their 3 month old girl. Held in the Helsingin Tuomiokirkko (a.k.a. Helsinki Cathedral), friends and family filled the church as the child was not only welcomed into the Lutheran faith, but her name was also revealed. It is a very common Finnish tradition to keep a baby's name secret until the Christening or naming ceremony. This superstition dates back to ancient beliefs that supernatural influences may cause harm to their infant. But once the child is christened, then they are protected. Others feel as if saying the child's name before baptism is bad luck. And there is the belief that the child's name is not used, because it has not been "given" yet. Until the baptism or naming ceremony takes place, the child is referred to as a nickname such as Peanut, Bump, Strawberry, etc.




We began the day playing on the Cathedral's stairs, hoping it would tire out the boys. Unfortunately, once we went inside they enjoyed the new scenery and got a second wind. After a few games of chase in the pews, crayons and stickers covering the program, and a handful of matchbox cars (along with car sounds) raced on the seats, the ceremony ended.





We then walked a few blocks to the reception where we were all pumped with coffee and sugar from some wonderful Finnish pastries.

If We Make It Through December

"If we make it through December,
Everythings gonna be alright I know.
It's the coldest time of winter
And I shiver when I see the fallin' snow."
- Merle Haggard

FINALLY...The month I have been waiting for ever since, well ever since we boarded the plane to come over here! The month we get to go home.


Spring was dreary but exciting. Everything new and waiting to be discovered. Summer was beautiful, full of visitors, vacations and sunshine. Autumn was colorful. Smiles still covering strangers faces. Winter (even though it is not officially here yet) has been nothing but gray skies, constant drizzle, accompanied by VERY little sunshine. I now understand why Finland once led the world in suicide and alcoholism rates. The drab environment, lack of socialization, and never-ending darkness leave some people hopeless.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a serious diagnosis for many living in the Artic region. The lack of daylight is the perpetrator. Happy lights, increased consumption of Vit D, or a week vacation at a tropical destination are all recommended treatments.

We are all hanging on by a string but counting down the days until we get to come home. Everyone I have met claims November and December as being the "roughest months" and I now agree. Once we return in January, the days will be lengthening 5 minutes with each sunset and the ground should be covered in snow, illuminating the remaining darkness.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

"You better watch out, you better not cry.
Better not pout, I'm telling you why.
Santa Claus is coming to town."
- Haven Gillespie and J. Fred Coots




Today was the day Santa Claus came into Helsinki from the North Pole to kick-start the Christmas spirit. He arrived on the 3B tram into Senate Square where he was greeted by a choir. He climbed the stairs of the Cathedral to join in on a few carols then proceeded to his sleigh.


Before the parade began, the lights of Aleksanterinkatu were lit. The streets were lined with people of all ages, anxiously awaiting for the entertainment. Police on horses led the parade followed by dancers with ribbons, gymnasts, dancing angels, Santa Claus on his sled (led by more horses though), an antique truck loaded with presents, and drummers.

The Thanksgiving Song

"Turkey for the girls and
Turkey for the boys.
My favorite kind of pants
Are corduroys.
Gobble gobble goo and
Gobble gobble gickel.
I wish turkey
Only cost a nickel.
Oh I love turkey on Thanksgiving...
Happy Thanksgiving everybody!"
- Adam Sandler

This is definitly the hardest month living abroad. I don't know if it is the darkness or the fact that all of our family is around a Thanksgiving feast, enjoying a room filled with love and laughter. Today will not begin with our annual Turkey Trot run (picture is from 2005), followed by 2 turkey dinners (one with each family), and completed with the Dallas Cowboys game.

We will have the traditional Thanksgiving meal thanks to my sister's wonderful care package. Unfortunately Daddy has to work so the boys and I will cook most of the day and dinner will be at 1800.

We all have so much to be thankful for...count your blessings not only today but every day you are given!

The Candy Man

"Who can take a sunrise
Sprinkle it with dew
Cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two?
The Candy Man.
The Candy Man can.
The Candy Man can 'cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good."
- Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory



Our closet size American grocery store Behnford's now has a competitor located right around the corner. Mr. Nibble opened up a few weeks ago and we went for our first visit yesterday. Believe it or not the store is smaller than Behnford's and carries mainly sweets. The shelves are stacked with candy, chocolate, Pop Tarts, cake mixes, canned drinks, etc. The store clerk said their inventory will vary with each delivery so keep checking in. The prices seemed a little more reasonable too.





We let Big and Little pick out a piece of candy each before heading out. After a handful of Hershey Kisses and Tootsie Rolls, we were all in a great mood!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
Ev'rywhere you go
Take a look in the five-and-ten,
Glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes aglow."
- Meredith Wilson




Since Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Finland, this weekend was the beginning of the 'Christmas-Kick-Off' for some of the stores & malls to unveil their Christmas lights and decorations. Even though all the snow we were blessed with a few weeks ago has melted away, it continues to be quite magical outside with the lights shining. Next Sunday there is a parade with Mr. and Mrs. Claus through downtown. Their last stop is Aleksanterinkatu when the "major" lights will be turned on. We are anxiously awaiting that day!


Santa Claus made an appearance in Kamppi today. The children's' faces were filled with anticipation and joy as he passed out candy to each brave soul that shook his hand. I was quite surprised Big and Little had enough courage to meet the jolly man!

I will not confess how long our house has been decorated for this season...But that first big snow fall put us all in the Christmas mood.

Reading Rainbow

"Butterfly in the sky,
I can go twice as high!
Take a look, it's in a book, a Reading Rainbow!

I can go anywhere!
Friends to know, and ways to grow,
a Reading Rainbow!

"I can be anything!
Take a look, it's in a book, a Reading Rainbow!
A Reading Rainbow!"
- Tina Fabrik


Last month I discovered my new hiding place in Helsinki. Since our move I have been reading a book a week. 30+ weeks into this journey, my book bill has really added up. So I decided to get my library card and view their English selection. There are over 40 libraries alone in the greater Helsinki area which include a 2 Children's Libraries and a Music & Video Library.


I opted on the Rikhardinkatu Library. It is a 10 minute walk from our house. The 6th floor holds their "British Collection," a collection donated by the British Embassy. They have a wonderful selection of romance, fiction, sci-fi, and mystery. Any customer can check out up to 40 items for 28 days. I have enjoyed novels by Anita Shreve and Jane Green to name a few and the boys love the books I bring home for them. It is that one Saturday a month I look forward to escaping to the quiet library alone.


I have included a list of some of my favorite books I have read this year on the right, along with links to their reviews. I will continue to add others as they top my list. I hope you can enjoy a few if you have the time.