Tiergartenfest 2011

Tiergarten= "Animal Garden"

A large forest/wood that houses herds of deers who walk around-cage free.  However, due to all the people, the deers were hiding.  This park is right in Hannover.  There are several large wooded areas throughout this big city.

Last week, we attended a festival in this "garten."  The festival had a very natural, forestry type feel.  There were lots of wooden crafts for kids. Men were carving statues out of wood. There was a bonfire.  There were horses and ponies.  In addition, there was an old fashion type clown who the kids thought quite funny.  There was of course pretzels and brots (hot dogs).  

Matthew made a wooden advent candle holder.

Chrissie made a Santa out of a piece of wood.  Yes, my friends, Christmas has begun here in Germany.

Rick helped them make birdhouses.  In the corner of the photo is a front view of Chrissie's Santa.  She was quite proud of her creation.

Lanterns

This time of year a tradition in Germany is to walk through the woods with lanterns.  Some people made their own lanterns, others were bought.  Some lanterns actually held a candle (Matthew and Chrissie's did) while others had a light.  People were also singing a song that sadly I did not recognize.  If I had you bet we would have been singing right along.  Fortunately, in the next little, we will have other "Laternenfests" to attend.   

Matthew was having a little too much fun with Jane's light.  He had no desire to carry a lantern that had to be held still.  Forget that! He wanted something he could throw around, spin really fast, and jump with.     

At the end of the walk, Matthew decided the birds would need food in their house.  So he collected chestnuts, acorns, and...rocks.