thankful

Children Circle Nursery School has been a home for Jack and our family for the last two and a half years.  The community there is something that I am so grateful for everyday.  Just how amazing it is can be seen on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving when they hold their annual Thanksgiving feast.  The children create decorations for the feast like the leaves below that they paint and on which they write what they are thankful for.  The leaves are hanging everywhere the day of the feast.  The children also help set up for the feast the day before.  The director of the school makes two big turkeys that are so delicious and then each family signs up to bring a dish of their choosing.  

When we first arrive the children play and adults talk -- all of the families and staff of the school.  Then we head inside for a crowded but intimate storytime let by a few of the teachers, in which they read books about gratitude and thanksgiving.  The children are then excused to wash their hands and find a seat at the long table.  Adults either stay with their child, if necessary, or go pick up a dish to serve to the children.  You see, the adults serve the children and staff and then eat afterwards.  The children have been practicing at school how when asked if they would like some of a particular food to either say, "Yes, please." or "No, thank you."  Everyone eventually eats and then cleans up after themselves, followed by more playing and talking.   It is a fun and nourishing tradition that I will miss next year.