Stepping Back In Time

Last weekend we made our annual pilgrimage to the Shire.  We dressed accordingly and headed to MD for the Renaissance Festival.  It's a part of the fall that we all look forward to.  We met up with Uncle Jon, Noni, Grandpa and took off for another time. 

It was simply a gorgeous day!  Amazing weather.  Not too hot, not too cool.  As always, upon entering the kids wanted to make a bee line to get their faces painted.  This year Erin wore a super cute pirate girl dress while Jeffrey got another year's use out of his knight costume.  Erin chose to get "princess eyes" for her face paint, and Jeff asked for a knight sword, complete with blood because he had just slain a dragon ;)

We spent the rest of the morning, taking our time and wandering through the Shire. We stopped in at the honey shop which is always a favorite.  Erin and Tom did some juggling.  The kids got their pony rides and Jeff tried out a few games --- a crossbow game and a Jacob's Ladder (those climbing ladders that flip over if you don't balance right). 

We also caught a few shows.  We saw the end of one show where the highlight of the performance was the actor walking a wire over the audience with 3 swords in his hands.  Oh yeah -- he wears a kilt :)  Uncle Jon always likes the Rogues and the kids really enjoyed their music.  Then we went to see a Hack and Slash "Ale Show" that was just silly and fun.

But, as always, the Bubble Fairies were the highlight of the day.  We made a few trips to visit the Bubble Fairies.  Both kids have become old pros at making amazing bubbles with their wands.  Erin really enjoyed making bubbles for the younger children who were there and didn't have their own wand (you must purchase a wand to make bubbles, and we did that several years ago.  We continue to bring them back with us each year).  We stopped back at the end of the day for some extended bubble time.  The lighting was just gorgeous and Erin's favorite Bubble Fairy was there.  Erin looks for this Fairy every year.  She loves how they play and make bubbles together.  They stood and made bubbles for close to an hour at the end of the day and it was wonderful to watch. 

I Captured This Image Just As Erin's Bubble Burst.  You Can See It In The Picture.

So, we had a fantastic day.  Great time with family.  Great food (love the Steak on a Stake and Peasant Bread) and Cider.  Can't wait until next year!!!