The Renaissance Festival

Sometimes on weekends we like to just stay at home and relax and sometimes we like to spend the day out doing something as a family. Sometimes we go out to a park and BBQ, sometimes we go Downtown, and often we'll go to one of the many local festivals. When we decide to go out Damien usually looks on the Washington Post website for happenings in the area. One of the great parts about living in this area is there is almost always something to do. During the Spring and Fall there are always lots of festivals. Yesterday Damien noticed the Maryland Renaissance Festival was going on. It lasts for about nine weeks. If you've never been to a Renaissance Festival, they are amazing! There are TONS of people and the buildings, costume and shows are great. Damien had been to many as a child and has a lot of great memories. The first one I had ever been to was when Damien took me in Arizona. The one here in Maryland has been running for something like 28 years. I guess Damien just didn't think of going the last few years we've lived here. The kids were great all day, even without naps. Micaiah just loves to be pushed around in the stroller and look at people and things. Orin is just about the opposite and loved walking the entire time and picking up sticks and rocks. We saw a play, a sword swallowing act, a show called "Fight School" and a Jousting tournament which Orin loved because of the horses. Amazingly, with thousands of people there, we ran into to people we knew: Matt & Karin Vile with their kids and someone from the Family Practice we go to. We had some yummy and surprisingly inexpensive food and ice cream. It was a really fun day together.

You can't go to a Renaissance Festival without eating a Turkey Leg. Orin really enjoyed his. For some reason people found it really cute/funny and were even taking pictures. Micaiah was on Damien's back while we ate. He'd raise his hand up every time he was ready for another piece of food. A lot of people found him entertaining as well and there were laughs coming from the table next to us. The fun of having such cute kids!

Watching the Jousting Tournament

Daddy couldn't help getting a sword for him and Orin to "fight" with. I wasn't necessarily thrilled but Orin really LOVED it. We keep it out of sight except for when he and daddy can play together.