Renaissance Festival

We joined a few friends (and bumped into several more!) for a day at the Renaissance Festival. 

Jousting and sword fighting, blacksmiths and fairies, magicians and comedians, fine ladies and peasants - we filled our day taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells (JUMBO turkey legs) of this time period. 

Our knight lost the jousting tournament, and when he dismounted his horse after the tournament he engaged in a sword fight with the other knight. Jaxton didn't realize this was part of the show and was a nervous wreck that "a knight was going to get killed right in front of us!"

Jaxton and is buddy quickly engaged in their own word fight after the show - because Fanta bottles have more than one use, you know.

Jaxton was an eager volunteer during a magic show, and cooperated hilariously. I didn't have my camera out quick enough to capture the first minute, but the following video is pretty cute. 

The falconry show was interesting and impressive!

A real life fairy!

It doesn't matter where we go, if there are animals my kids will always say that was their favorite part. The petting zoo here was no exception. And for the record, I want a goat. A little black and white pygmy goat, please.

Friends! I'm thankful for the chances we have to play together and to learn together. Home school community is so important.

Calling All Super Heroes!

Super heroes. Friends. Cake. Games. That's all Jaxton asked for when we began talking about his fourth birthday party, and it all seemed simple enough to make happen.

I'm thankful for a husband who kicked it into high-gear and organized several fun super hero-themed games for the kids, and for two older boys who were amazing assistants! The cherry on top? Nana was visiting that same weekend and got to enjoy watching Jax run wild with his birthday party buddies.

The kids enjoyed an hour of Stick the Star on Captain America's Shield, Villian Tie-Up, Balloon Blitz and Challenge, a Kryptonite Scavenger Hunt, Kryptonite Removal Relay, and a Super Hero Training Course. 

Then it was time for cake, snacks, and presents! I loved watching the cluster of heads all pressed in to see each gift Jaxton opened and to take excited credit of "That's from me! Do you like it?" So sweet.

And apparently, because a two-hour Super Hero party wasn't enough, everyone stayed an hour longer to play outside while the adults relaxed and chatted inside. No major messes and no major injuries, but for certain a majorly good time!

Happy Fourth Birthday Jaxton!