Monday, November 22, 2010

Want to play a game of dreidel? It's easy!

The Lizard King isn't Jewish, but Princess and I have decided that he is by marriage. I am Jewish. Always have been. Princess is Jewish. We just do things a little differently.  While neither LK nor I are believers, we have both embraced the beauty and traditions of Judaism. 

Hanukkah is very early this year! The first night is December 1st. Good thing I got my shopping done early!! I just need to get out the menorahs, wrap, decorate (the day after Thanksgiving) and we're ready to go! Princess pulled out her dreidel and has been playing with everyone. Want to learn how? Come on!

First find a willing opponent...or two...or three. 



This is a betting game, so you'll need poker chips or (traditionally) those chocolate coins, also called Hanukkah gelt. We used beads from Princess' play room.


 And of course, a dreidel!


Decide who goes first. In our house, it's always the youngest. Ante up! (Put one in the pot.)


Give it a spin!


Shin = put one in
Nun = you get none
Hay = take half
Gimmel = get 'em all!

We play until someone has all the beads. Oh, did I mention that math happens. Yeah. It happens in this game, too. Lots of counting and dividing in half. If you end up with an odd amount to divide, we set the odd one aside. Give it a go! It's lots of fun!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Can You Kindle?

I've had a Kindle for some time now. It sure makes reading 5 pound Diana Gabaldon books easier! The Lizard King got his after coming home from Afghanistan. He read on it for a while, then he started his new job. Now he doesn't find much time to read. 

LK and I were planning to buy Princess a Kindle at some point, but hey, why wait?! LK decided to give his Kindle to Princess and she was ecstatic!! Now we have a new addition to our night time routine.