Trial and Tribulations

No, not my trials and tribulations, that was the name of the second event at the Pioneer Village. Our town was the site of the only trial in which Lincoln represented a slave owner, and it seems to have been a turning point for him.
Anticipation! The trial took place in 1847, so I got to make a 1840s dress for myself. I love the '40s, such a classic and flattering period.

Back in the schoolhouse again. The whole village was alive with reenactors, and the kids added a lot of life to the scene. And they were great fun to be with as well!

A different view of my dress, which, because of unforeseen life circumstances, I ended up making in 5 days instead of the planned for two weeks. Not something I hope ever to do again! I could have pulled that off with ease when I was single, but let's just say I'm still not ready to look at my sewing machine yet. I hope to have recovered in another week or two. Or three.

We had a lot of free time in the afternoon just to talk to the other reenactors and enjoy ourselves - and we did! Kyle came out and we had a little date afternoon. It was SO much fun.

We really enjoyed the reenactment of the trial - very interesting and well done. Do you see that bonnet in the midst of the crowd? I loved some of the other outfits! (Should have taken more pictures.)

At the end of the day, Kyle brought the kids out, and here we are with Mark, Lauren and the horse. Truth to tell, fun as it was I was very glad to see my little people again. We went around and looked at everything together. Just a fun, fun day, and well worth the crash that came afterwards - I really needed that nap. I'm so blessed to have an understanding and indulgent husband!

Anyway, it was fun!

Brush Arbor

It might be a bit confusing, but there were two events at the same location in the past two months. Both involved dressing up, and both were very fun! The first was and old fashioned Brush Arbor meeting.

In the mid 1800s people would construct a building, or arbor, out of brush to house a visiting pastor for a series of meetings. In late July all our local churches worked together to host a weekend of evening meetings, and on one afternoon they had different reenactors at the Independence Village just north of town, showing how early American culture was impacted by the Bible.

Haley and I were delighted to pitch in and plan some things for the kids. They got to interview the barber/undertaker . . .

. . . and watch the blacksmith at work! He was quite a character, and very fun to talk with. We also made a stop at the jail and the general store.

Haley and I led the kids in a round of croquet, and we also had old fashioned games for them to try. Corn hole toss, string games, graces, marbles, checkers, a clothes pin game and stilts were among the activities available.

We also studied a bit from the New England Primer and wound up with a mini spelling bee. The kids were delightful to work with and, although the afternoon started out quite hot, we girls loved dressing up! It was a really fun weekend!

Just Life

Stephen is staggering around everywhere now, and quite thrilled with his new skill. It's so fun to be big!

Something fun to do with and Aunt. Like those lips?

Fresh pears and apples - must be time for a smoothie! It's getting fairly cool now, so that might be the last one for a while.

I'm not sure why this one is turned, but Alaina decided she should take her nap on the piano bench. Had to snap a picture . . .

Happy Monday everyone!

A Word from the Socialites

It's been so long since we've posted! I guess we've been a bit worn out by all the daily busyness.

We have been having fun with company lately. We just finished a wonderful visit with the G. family, which inspired lots of good cooking on Kyle's part.

Alaina and Stephen loved the extra attention from Jaimie! (Thanks guys for coming down - let's do it again!)

I have also been working like crazy on a sewing project - there should be lots of fun pictures to share soon.

Happy lovely, fall Thursday!