Back in time

We finally got back in time again this year (AKA the MD Renaissance Festival). For a while we were going every year, but the years got busy and we've missed a few. So last weekend we got together with Noni, Grandpa Donuts and Uncle Jon for a trip back in time.

It was a beautiful, if a little warm, day. Erin decided she wanted to get her hair braided. Finally it's long enough to really hold a pretty braid. Since it was hot, she picked out one that was completely up. It definitely suited her.

Before she got to see it herself.

We spent a lot of the day wandering between shows. There were a few musical groups that the kids really enjoyed, a group of singing sirens known as Sirena, and some drumming and piping Germans, Wolgemut. This is the first year that the kids have really, really been into the shows, especially the music. Erin was totally engrossed by Sirena and when Wolgemut finished their first show she begged to come back to the next one.We also caught several comedy shows including a crazy wire walker, some dagger throwers, a sword sallower and sword play act. We also finally made it to one of the jousts.

Of course there was lots of food on a stick, fried food and sweet treats (and adult beverages for the adults). Jeffrey purchased a new sword,which he sadly shattered 2 days later, and found a place where he could practice his archery skills. Erin used some of her money to ride an "Authentic" Renaissance elephant. Clearly not at all authentic, but how often does one get to ride an elephant.

"Authentic" Elephant

Archer at work

Last but certainly not least there were the bubbles. Lots and lots of bubbles. It's always my favorite part of the day. Watching the kids with their bubble wands.  The sun shining on their faces through the bubbles.Their eyes sparkling with true childhood.  Bubbles are magical, won't convince me otherwise.

Beautiful bubbles

Smiling through the bubbles

Such focus

So the magic of stepping back in time had not been lost at all. Erin has already picked out the braid she wants to have next year, and Jeff is preparing to save his money for a better sword. We are so blessed to have family who find our quirky taste in fun to be enjoyable and are able to spend a day together unplugged from the iPod and DS and just enjoy the Faire. Until next year!!