Birthdays in the Southern Hemisphere: Niko's Big 1-0 and Kaia's 8

NIKO AUGUST 20th, 2012

Niko:  10th Birthday.  Party at school. Skiing on an active volcano.  Asado (Grill). Enough said!

Begins with a rainy walk to school in wintery August.....

Birthdays are always celebrated as they deserve to be celebrated at Waldorf Pucón!

Niko's teacher Leka

Yes, that mountain man is Derk in
winter fur

South American Asado, Chancho en Piedras, and Gramma style oven baked potatoes

.... and ends with a great day on the slopes of Volcán Villarica with Grampa and family.

KAIA DECEMBER 1st, 2012

Kaia turned 8 on a beautiful early summer day on December 1st.  Our "winter baby" turned "summer baby" and enjoyed bowls of fresh strawberries and games on the beach.  Presents from family in Sweden and U.S., Skype conversations with Grandparents, and a birthday party at school all made it an occasion to remember.

Cousin Maren has always known JUST what to get for Kaia!

And things don't get better than those boots from Aunt Heidi

Birthday snack times at school are always a treat with lots of singing, homemade goodies, and of course Tortaza - the ritual stuffing of the face of the birthday child into their own cake.  Kaia was spared entirely; Niko given just a little nudge (see video below).

It's hard to find online, but rather than only singing the Spanish version of the typical English Happy Birthday song, our Waldorf community also sings this great birthday song which is supposedly Argentinian in origin.  Here are the lyrics, and you can hear at least a little of the song in the video below.

Un año mas de lluvia viento y sol

Un año mas de lluvia viento y sol

hoy es tu cumpleaños los que te quieren estan con vos

hoy es tu cumpleaños los que te quieren estan con vos