Sunday, April 13, 2014

Festival, Field Trips, and Fun

On the very last weekend of March we visited the Renaissance Festival for the second time ever. 
We started our afternoon with the joust. I thought the kids would dig it, but I think they were really hot so they couldn't appreciate it while it was happening. They seem to like it more in retrospect. Oh well. 
If we were hot, how did those riders feel? And their horses?? 
I tried to feed Ezra in the arena, but that was impossible and he hated it. So we found a nice little spot of dirt around the corner from a show. Dan and the kids watched a fiery sword swallower and went off to buy a fake sword while I was fending off several crazy people with tattoos and brown teeth trying to see the baby under his cover and talk to me about breastfeeding. 


We got in for a total of $10 somehow, so we spent some money on stuff inside the faire. Gwen got a fairy wand, Asher got a painted wooden sword, and they got to go on the man-powered ride below. We also ate food: sausage on a stick, pizza, and a bread bowl. We didn't go for the "turkey legg."


I borrowed a more comfy baby carrier from my friend, and it was great for me, but Ezra did not like it. He does not like to be carried for some reason. So Dan propped him up somehow in the stroller, and he had a fantastic time in there. 

See how much fun he is having? At least my Chunky Monkey is not crying. 
We enjoyed the small petting zoo, we saw part of a falcon show, the kids played at the playground, and we saw a contact juggler (he has one ball and it rarely leaves contact with his body). I learned how to do that in college along with everyone else in the BFA so it wasn't earth-shaking... but he was pretty good. Last but not least as we were leaving the festival we saw Twig the Fairy. She is basically the Disney Princess of the Ren Fest. She gave our kids special rocks and played Gwen a little tune on her crazy flute thing.
   



Dan thought this sign was hilarious. 


Last week Gwen had another field trip... this time to the grocery store! I thought it was a funny thing to do since she's been to that grocery store many, many times with me. But we had a guide and the kids lined up and marched through the store. They got to tour through the back and feel how cold the freezer and refrigerator sections were. They got to have small snacks in all the sections and some of them were chosen to be leaders of fruits, veggies, etc. Gwen got to be the leader of dairy. She had a little laminated card necklace and everything. At the end, they pretended to buy something and check it out. Gwen chose a Red Bull. Ha. They got some goody bags as well, and Gwen just couldn't stop talking about hers. She is such a cute wanna-be grown up. 


Dan and I saw Copperstar's production of Oliver at the Mesa Arts Center last weekend. We were invited as VIP guests for the opening. It was a good show and I really enjoyed it. It was also fun to see so many people with whom I have worked in the past. 
  
Last but not least, my Mom flew in on Friday, and we attended another performance at the Mesa Arts Center Saturday night. 
We don't know why, but the trees at the MAC were wearing sweaters.
I knew she would love it because she is a fan of Glenn Beck, and also because I know she loves good music. The EVMCO did a presentation of patriotic and religious songs- narrated by Mr. Beck. The first song they did was "How Great Thou Art" and it brought down the house. The choir and orchestra is made up of over 1300 volunteers of all ages, and they were all out singing. The children appeared in the balcony and the youth were surrounding the audience, it was amazing. I know quite a few people in the choir and orchestra, so that was really fun for me as well. Apparently the whole show will be available on iTunes, but I'm glad we saw it live. I have never been to a show where there were 5 standing ovations. 
P.S. All of them were completely deserved. 

3 comments:

Tracy Mills said...

Sounds like you have been having lots of fun. I totally want to go to a Ren festival sometime. And you look really cute in that pic.

Glad you had fun with mom. Miss you guys... hope I get to see you again soon!

William said...

You have been busy! Ezra looks so healthy!!! :) The show you and Mom went to sounds amazing. So glad you got to go. I'm glad to hear all is well in your neck of the woods! Love you.

Kristy said...

All sounds like so much fun. I'm glad you got to have fun doing lots of stuff before it gets hot. :)