When Eli attended a Waldorf preschool in California, we participated in an autumn lantern walk for kids that was quite magical -- sunset, kiddos, and candles glowing in homemade lanterns. Thus when I heard there was a similar event here in North Georgia, I tracked down information about it.
We found the group wonderfully welcoming.
This morning after breakfast, Eli and I made a candle lantern out of a jar, tissue paper squares, thinned glue, and some wire.
This evening as the sun began to set...
We found the group and hung out with them in the cool evening.
Kids ran across the grass in packs and waited for the darkness to settle.
Apple cider made it a little easier to wait.
Lanterns were ready.
There were extra lanterns for folks who forgot theirs. The organizers thought of everything -- spare candles, lighters for the grownups, and even flickering electric tealight candles for the lanterns to be carried by wee tots.
There were various designs of lanterns, everybody bringing what they'd like. Next year we want to try this sort of lantern made from paper wrapped around a balloon and stiffened with glue. Once the glue is try and the balloon popped, the resulting lantern is held aloft by strings and a stick.
But Eli was pretty happy with his lantern too.
The group paused to read a poem in unison from little cards printed out on thick paper and brushed with autumn watercolors. (Such a lovely little touch!)
Ready?
Off through the Historic District...
We made a detour through our favorite independent book shop...
Then through a dark, leafy alley...
Into the neighborhood...
And back at last for a rest on the grass.
To see our lantern walk in California beneath the eucalyptus forest, click HERE.
