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The imPORTance of Advent



We have a rather unique Advent calendar (although, my sisters' families also have them, as my parents gave them to us). It's an Advent ark!

Inside the magnetically latched compartments are different animals. Ideally, since they came in pairs (even though we know there were more than just two of every kind of animal on the ark!), one animal from the pair goes on one side of the ark and his or her mate goes on the flip side. (Yes, the ark spins on its axis.)

So, there is a fun element for the kids in being able to open a special door every day, place an animal on the deck of the ark, and then, halfway to Christmas, spin the boat around and do it all over again. We usually count up the numbers to the 24th, but I'm sure many would be happier counting down to 1-day-left!

...unless you're RJ2, who is still trying to understand how a calendar works. This one does not have the names of the days of the week on it, nor does it have a week of seven days. Opening up only one day at a time?? Waiting until tomorrow?!!!?



So, while CJ has been named the official calendar helper of Advent, RJ2 is learning about the animals. Did you know that the animals talk and visit with each other (usually, "on the weekend," as she likes to note)? And, sometimes, dinner has to happen at our house, and the boat has to be "docked," because the animals would join us at the table and most likely devour everything (unlike most nights at dinner!).



"Mom, can I please play with the boat?"

It's a lot to take in, but their enthusiasm is what's more important (so long as RJ2 doesn't drop another animal on the floor! CJ doesn't remember how many animals she dropped when she was RJ2's age).

Maybe we all need to put down our anchors this season, and wait for the return of the Dove....

Comments

Kelly said…
Wahoo - I loved the last statement. You really brought it home. You got me...hook, line & sinker! Appropriate for boat story, don't you think?
Sue J. said…
And did you know that there is such a fish as the wahoo? It's true--ask my parents...they've caught them before.
On Purpose said…
Kids are what make the seeking of Jesus so much fun...curiosity, excitment, questions, joy! Thank you for sharing a family tradition and your "boat"!
Bonita said…
That's a beautiful ark. I want to play!
Edie said…
I want one of those! That looks like so much fun. Now I have to google the ark and the wahoo. LOL.
Edie said…
HaHa! You are the first thing that comes up when I google advent ark.

HaHa again! My word verification is comen. (Like Come In.)
The Patterson 5 said…
I love that RJ can't wait and all the animals have to come out and join you all at dinner! How fun!
What a cute calendar! I went hunting for one for my youngest and the only one I could find was a santa with numbers and as you open each one there's a piece of chocolate inside! Of course, she LOVES it. However, yesturday's seemend to be missing the candy. When I asked her what happened, she said it just "fell out!" LOL! Love the kids!

Sonya
Edie said…
Yes I did know about the *wise guys* (LOL) all along. I can't fit more than three. So that's likely why there are always three! LOL!
My ADHD Me said…
I remember how hard it used to be....waiting.
I LOVE this ark.
Anonymous said…
I LOVE this advent calendar. I think it would serve so many purposes...and provide a mom with so many teachable moments. I also like the pic of how it's docked on the fridge during supper time. Isn't their innocence a reward in itself?

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