Last Friday we headed off to the Renaissance Festival. We got uber-discounted tickets through a homeschool co-op, Brian took the day off, and we dropped off the girls at Michele's so we could have optimal fun time without a weary toddler and a nursing babers. 
Jay practicing his jousting skills...got it on the first try! (Click on photo to see Jay's face up close!) What an amazing day! We walked in the front gate and were greeted by a medieval townscape. As we began looking through several shops of chain-male (sp?) and leather goods we heard a tune playing and a saw crowd of children gathered around the most magical looking person I've ever seen. She was a fairy, complete with wings and sparkles, and she didn't make a sound except on her fairy flute, on which she played a little tune for us. She moved with such grace, almost floating, and when her tune ended she knelt down in front of the boys and reached in her pocket for two small fairy stones which also sparkled with glitter. Now, I'm not a huge poetry/magic/fairy kind of girl (sorry, Vonda!), but the moment almost made me cry for the sheer beauty of it. It was like we had stepped into another world that we were allowed to visit for the day before returning to life as we know it.
One of the best parts of the day: a mongo turkey leg!
The rest of the day we packed in as much of the sights and tastes as we could. We watched a magic show and Jay "volunteered" his dad for one of the stunts up on stage (this turned out to be Brian's highlight). We played with juggling sticks that we could not put down and allowed the boys to use their birthday money to buy some of their own. We paid $8 for them to take the shortest elephant ride known to man, but hey--they got to ride an elephant! We watched knights joust and a man breathe fire. We ate a turkey leg, yummy crepes, cheese curds, a slurpee, and ice cream. We got to each hold a real sword (only $500 and it could be yours!), Brian helped the boys fire real crossbows, and at the end we all did some climbing on a tower (my highlight!). It was an incredible day!
Go, Mama!
The boys are at that age where knights and swords and castles are about the coolest things ever, so it was such a blessing to go and be a part of that world for a few hours. I think they will remember our day together for a long time. I know I will!
Our little knights
6 comments:
Thank You, Lord, for the experience of magical blessings such as these!!!
What a wonderful memorable day. We went last year, with the nursing baby, but we all had a good time. My little boy loves all things knights realted as well and he's still talking about our visit last year.
ps My husband is still talking about the food. :)
I love days like that--the ones you actually take with you into the rest of your life instead of leaving behind. Fun day--fun pictures. Thanks for sharing them with us!
Hey, you like to rock climb?! Maybe you will come with me one night for free climbing at Midwest Mountaineering. I've been searching for a willing soul...
hey you- i've finally discovered your awesome blog!! i'll visit often. we'll have to swap renaisance stories- i loved J jousting!! and your fearless climbing- go girl. see ya soon. -anushka
What a fun day!! My boys LOVED the pictures and wanted to go. Maybe next year. Your family is inspiring!! You have four children and yet you get out have have fun together. Jen....you go girl on that rock climbing wall!!! I tried that before and it looks a lot easier than it realy is.
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