Don't get me wrong.....I LOVE going on field trips with my kids. I can honestly say that I have been on every single one that they have gone on. But, I was not a happy camper when Ty brought home the permission slip to possibly the ONLY field trip he was going to have this year. Are you kidding me? The Renaissance Festival?? I asked him what he was learning about that his teachers would pick that place of all places. He wasn't studying anything even remotely close to that time period. I reluctantly signed the slip and checked the box saying I would come too. That dreaded day came today! I have been to the Festival probably five times (thankfully they were all with free tickets and with family or friends, and not my picking of outings either) and I have not liked any time that I have been. The first time I went was a HUGE EYE OPENER and not what I was expecting! The people who work there are not the cleanest or modestly dressed people. I know that it was the clothing and style of people of that time in history, but come on.....do it a little more tasteful for the crowds that you are advertising to visit your park. Today was even a "school day" and all of the alcoholic venders were closed and the people were supposed to be a little dressed catered to the school kids. I think they all missed that memo. Despite the constant "teaching moments and questions" from Ty, we did manage to have a great time with each other. We had to see the jousting show, per his teachers. It had changed since the last time I was there, shorter and even less realistic than before. I wasn't complaining about that one. Of course we had to partake of the famous "turkey leg". The rest of the little time we had left was just spent walking in and out of the funky shops there. We did have a great time trying on all the crazy hats they sell. Despite me hating to go there, I did have a really fun time with Ty.
The "famous turkey leg". They are sooo yummy! Kris kept calling us from work and teasing Ty that he had better be bringing one home for him! Ty inhaled almost the entire thing!
Me and Ty at the Jousting show
This was a funny act of three jugglers that we just happened to walk past as it was starting. They were really funny and pretty talented.
This hat of black goose feathers was $250!! The lady who was selling the hats wanted me to try it on after I about choked at the price. I think that she thought I might buy it after seeing how "unbelievably gorgeous" (so she said) I looked in it. WRONG!!
Ty, Cody Shull, and Chris Rouse trying on jester hats. I was in charge of just Chris and Ty. Cody and his Dad hung with us and the boys had a good time with each other.
Ty and Cody "Jamaica man!" Ty really contemplated getting a rasta hat. I told him that his light complection would give him away.
I "had to" try on the flaming pimp hat. Ty put on the black velvet one with red and black stripes. They also had a bright pink furry one that I almost brought home to Lolly. She would have LOVED it!
The boys trying on the Viking helmets. They were outrageously priced too.
Cody and Ty in the hats that they finally settled on getting along with the "purple mardi gras beads" that were their reciept of purchase. WEIRD!!
This little game was interesting and fun for the kids to try. We paid $3 for 3 tries. You had to get your feet to the top rung without falling off and the little girl running it would pay you $10. She even demonstrates how to do it. The kids don't really pay attention to how coordinated and steady you have to be, but they have a good time trying to impress each other. I told Ty how she does it and he did his best at attempting it.....to bite the dust in the pile of hay!
Right before he flipped and "hit the hay".
"Lord and Lady Driggs"
Chris Rouse, Me, Ty, Cody Shull, and Dave Shull. I walked around with Dave and Cody the whole time. I grew up with his wife in 23rd ward, and Dave likes to give me a hard time about our boys playing sports together on opposing teams. He is such a bully!
