8-30-09, MD Renaissance Festival

What is a Renaissance Festival, you say? We said the same thing. We've heard several times how "good" the Renaissance Festival here in MD is (something like the 2nd largest in the country) but didn't really know anything about it or what would take place at one. We decided to meet our good friends Ken and Christina (who live outside DC) there for the day and check it out. As the website reads:

What is the Faire?
The Maryland Renaissance Festival is a recreation of a 16th century English village. Our village is named Revel Grove, and is set on a beautiful 25-acre wooded site with 85 acres of free parking. The village consists of craft and food booths, five pubs, ten major stages, a Jousting Arena and lots of games. Every day is a Festival Day in Revel Grove, in honor of a visit by Henry VIII and his Royal Court. As such, the village will have entertainment, crafts, food, and frivolity fit for a king!

So, as you can tell by the description, there was a lot to take in this day. Much to our surprise, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Even Nikolas (who had many hesitations) had a great day. So great, in fact, we'll take mom and dad back to it with us next month. =)

The King has arrived.

A very unique lunch..... a big ol' turkey leg!

Let the jousting begin.....

There were so many games for Nikolas to play. He had a blast....and only a $1 per game (ha ha ha....only....it really added up!) BUT, he was so happy so all was well!

I think the adults' unanimous vote was for the juggling show. We thought it would be mostly for Nikolas. Much to our surprise, however, there was so much "over his head" humor that we laughed hysterically throughout the show. They sure knew how to put the "entertain" in entertainers!

A great day with long-time friends-- what better way to spend a beautiful summer day?! Thanks, Ken and Christina, for making the drive up to go to the festival!

8-14-09, Change of Command Ceremony

Sven participated in a Change of Command ceremony for the Commanding Officer. I'm glad Nikolas hadn't started school yet and we were able to go and watch the ceremony. Living the daily life of a military family makes it easy to forget the long traditions which surround such events. It was odd for me though because it took me back to KP 1992 and I felt like I should have been in uniform and out marching on the field myself. =) I guess that's Sven's world now and I'm just a bystander.....I think we're all better off that way anyway!