by Mark
Things seem to go so quickly here. I thought that Christmas was yesterday and now realize that it was actually a month ago. We find ourselves in the position of having several events that we want to share with you but they have gone by so quickly that the moment has passed- Toby’s Christmas program is one of them.
We’re still trying to figure out the context of Christmas in Mongolian popular culture. It seems that most of what we associate with Christmas is celebrated at New Year’s. Tinsel is everywhere. And when I say everywhere, I mean everywhere. Its sewn onto clothes, it hangs in the market, it hangs from the ceiling, its put on cars. Come to think of it, I don’t think there was a place I didn’t see tinsel- except on the horses, although the camels did have some.
Toby’s tsetserlik put on a Christmas program. They were to dress up as different animals or Santa Claus- why? I don’t know. The program was at 10:00 AM and thankfully we were off of language school.
The Assembly Room-Can you spot the hidden use of tinsel in this picture?
I have no clue, don’t ask
Toby getting candy from father time- pictured behind. Candy plays a huge part in any celebration- most importantly CHOCOLATE! We put in some money for a gift and are still eating some of the chocolate that came in it. (Don’t tell Toby that)
Toby mugging for the shot-He looks pretty good in a tie. Behind Toby is his teacher, she has a wonderful heart and seems to like Toby. Levi is there with a wolf hat.
Class Shot- Toby on the left, than Levi (4th from left) Eli is front row (4th from right)
Panda reveals his 1st secret identity (he’s really batman underneath the shirt and tie)
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January 24, 2009 at 11:45 am
Elizabeth
Toby, you are the cutest Panda! And to think, you are really Batman the whole time!
It looks like you have some very adorable kids in your class. Do you play with all of them? Who is the funniest in your class? Who do you like to sit next too?
Do you get to eat tasty snacks at school? What is your favorite? Do you sing songs at school? Do you speak lots of Mongolian, now?
Anna has a boy in her class who came from another country. He only spoke Dutch, but now he likes to talk to her a lot in English. He is one of her friends. I bet you are learning fast like that!
We love you and love hearing about you!
Aunt Beth and your cousins, John, Charlie, Michael and Anna
January 24, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Granna
The children are sweet. When little girls get to dress in frilly dresses and little boys in wolf hats and panda bear masks, what does it matter if you don’t know what it’s for? Just the fun is enough.
Toby does make a cute Panda, but we’re all glad to know that he is actually Batman or maybe even Spiderman! With his tie on (so cute) and half his shirt-tail hanging out he looks like a harried US businessman or possibly even a mini-preacher. Must be the super-hero’s secret disguise. It’s a good disguise, Toby. The red sandals look pretty comfy too. Are they your indoor shoes?
We love to hear about Toby and Annika’s school events. Love to all, Granna
January 25, 2009 at 5:40 am
Amy
Toby looks so handsome! It’s fun to get to see his class and teacher. Toby, how is your Mongolian coming along? Is it getting easier to talk to your new friends? Do you already know more than Daddy and Mommy? Be honest!
Love to all!
Aunt Amy
January 25, 2009 at 9:09 am
Grandma Linda
Toby, I wish I was at your Christmas Party. It looks like you all had a fun time. I love the little white dresses that many of the girls wore. Your room was decorated so nice with the tinsel. Were you a panda that night, or a grown up Toby?
Thanks for sending the pictures. Hugs from me.