Our Homeschool World's Fair finally took place this past weekend and...do you mind if we brag a bit here?? It was an absolute raving success!! We were all so thrilled with the turn-out and support from our little community up here in rural Maine as well as the wonderful job the children and families did in preparing their various countries. It was just too much fun...and the food was fantastic, too!
So I'm going to begin with some of our preparation first...
Since my husband and I both have Scandinavian roots...as well as Irish...him Norway and me Swedish...we chose to do Sweden. My mom's grandparents came over from Sweden and she has their Swedish Bible, a Swedish schoolbook, an old photograph, and a Swedish Bible Primer. Mom also made all the little costumes for the children as well. Thanks Mom!!
Let me introduce you to our Swedish relatives...don't they look exactly like our children...?? This is Kristin.
And this is young, dapper Lars.
And here we have our lovely Brita...holding the folkdrakt bag that she made herself.
Let's not forget little barefoot I-have-a-blister-on-my-heel Kersti, here. (Mom found this adorable outfit at a thrift store!)
Here's the Swedish table all set-up...ready to go!
While Mom was here this summer, she embellished these aprons some more for us...adding trim, ruffles, and pockets...just can't have enough of those, ya know!
These precious painted little Swedish tiles I borrowed from Heather's Swedish supply of knick-knacks....as well as these adorable hearts below with Swedish prayers painted on them. Her husband, Erik, happens to also be half Swedish. We're begging her mother-in-law to come and teach us all some songs and prayers in Swedish!
These are our Swedish family heirlooms....including the photo of my great-grandparents, Charlie and Elsie Wallgren.
And these are the folkdrakt bags that the girls made themselves...
We found these wonderful snacks at Mary's shop in Portland, Simply Scandinavian. Andrew also whipped up the Swedish almond cake from the recipe we got there. Our new favorite Swedish recipe, I must say! The round of Farmer cheese was also a great hit....served on these large round rye crackers called Korsnas Knacke with lingonberry jam on top. Too yummy!
Mary also insisted upon giving us this CD once she heard of our World's Fair...along with blue and yellow striped ribbons and heart shaped bird seed for the kiddos to put out for the birdies. She is just too sweet...you must go visit Mary!
Books by Carl Larsson...my absolutely favorite of all time Swedish artist. His endearing renderings of home and farm life from the late 1800's are charming beyond description!
So here we are...at the Grange Hall...and Isaiah graciously posed for me under the banner that we finally finished...that morning!
But now hanging there in its proper place...it came out not too shab after all! What do ya think...????
We couldn't believe the turn-out....we were packed the entire time...which, of course, makes it all the more enjoyable for everyone!
Now let's take a meander around the room...
The Thibeau's chose to explore France...even bringing a dessert cake flavored with fresh lavender....that was absolutely scrumptious, by the way!
Missionaries from Costa Rica prompted interest in this country for the Sanders family.
An exchange student from Japan provided all sorts of interesting memories for the Day family...
Australia was also a popular country to investigate....and after spending 3 months there myself is definitely one of my favorites!
Caleb and Eli had a wonderfully creative and colorful Australian set-up!
Delightful foods and photos were found on the Grant's tables with representations from China and India. I somehow missed Eliza in her beautifully exotic full Indian costume! I also missed adorable Mattie in her little German frock carrying around a huge basket of gummy bears. Did you know gummy bears were invented in Germany? I never knew that!
The Strong's boys are learning how to sail from a retired, extremely knowledgeable sea captain that has lived in the Virgin Islands for many years. They would love to take a year to simply sail for awhile....that is if they can convince Tina (their mom...who's not thrilled about water....nor knows how to swim) that living on a boat is such a super fantastic idea! Go for it, Tina!! So they provided a lovely exhibit of those gorgeous islands.
And this was just a quick run through when I could tear myself away from our own table hub-bub for a brief peek at all the other fun stuff going on. I know I've left so much out, but please come back again next year! We may just make this an annual tradition! Thank you everyone who participated in making this whole event such a special occasion! And thank you, Sherry, for such a tremendous idea!