Renaissance Faire Joy!!!!

We love going to Renaissance Faires, and have a three year tradition going! This was a lovely one outside of Louisville- not too large, and not too small. It was perfect weather, with lots of shade, and great kid friendly entertainment.



The bag pipes were going as we walked in- what a great way to start our day! I love bag pipes. :)
This was a great Magic show- so much that we saw him perform twice that day- once when we first got there and once before we left. It mystified Kathrynn, and sparked her to give me a magic show that night. :P


Kathrynn's outfit was picked out days before the event. I'm not quite sure of the thought process.... in years prior we've dressed up in period, but it was a bit too hot for us to do that, so I think this was an interesting way for Kathrynn to dress up, but not be too hot in her usual princess warrior outfit. :P


The rides section was a lot of fun. This bucket ride would have made me hurl, but she loved it and went on it two times. :)





Throwing knives is actually a lot harder then it looks!

My man having some cider and a turkey leg! :)



The horse show was exciting!


I loved this couple- their outfits were so beautiful. :)



While waiting for the pirate performance to begin, we listened to a musician sing lovely Scottish songs..... Kathrynn had some fun with the camera. :)


A performance by a pirate! The performance was called "Under the Sea" and required audience participation. Great fun!

Wes got Kathrynn a bow and arrow..... she's been practicing every night since we got home.

I think this was our favorite Ren Faire so far!!!! :)

Father's Day Joy!

Some people poo-poo Father's Day. In fact, I think maybe I've even been one of those people..... Back in the years when i was still nursing and physically almost always attached to Kathrynn, I was a bit of a cynic. Yes, me! ;)

But the truth is, my Wesley has always been a great father, and has always deserved special kudos on Father's Day. Even back in those days (read: years) when Kathrynn was not all that interested in being with him, and maybe even especially back then, Wes was still a great father- working hard to provide money for rent, food for us to eat, and most importantly time and space for me to be with Kathrynn.

These days, Kathrynn is attached to both of us. She loves her Father with intensity and joy alike. She looks forward to being with him and talks about him throughout our days when he is not physically with us.

My appreciation for Wes has grown over the years, as his connection to himSelf and his daughter has expanded throughout the years to places of amazing Authenticity which has brought about wonderful growth for all our family.
I continue to appreciate, immensely, how I am able to be a stay at home Mom (only working a very part time job) because of Wes' devotion to his family.
So, Happy Father's Day, my sweet Wesley. :)

Our sweet family, out to eat for Father's Day brunch at our favorite place to eat, Farm. http://www.farm-bloomington.com/farminfo.html


Kathrynn found this cute little bug outside the restaurant.
Kathrynn drew Wes a slew of pictures... Most of them were around something they both have oodles of love for... Star Wars!
Then onto playing w/ Wes' Father's Day gift.... a karaoke machine!!!!!!!
Fun times!!!!



Happy Father's Day!!!!

Holy Toledo!!!!

We went to Toledo Ohio a few days ago to see my parents and my 94 yo grandmother.

We had a great time! We played lots of cards, went swimming a few times, went to the butterfly house, and were all entertained by many of Kathrynn's spontaneous creations! :)

We were already playing crazy eights the first night. :)


We went to the butterfly house the next day.


Mimi was a very popular person in the butterfly house. She had over 6 butterflies on her at one point, and many of the visitors there took her picture. :)

Kathrynn was so excited when she got a butterfly to land on her. :)




That afternoon we went to a wonderful lake that has a great beach. It was a bit cold, but Kathrynn got in a few times. :)


This was one of Kathrynn's first creative creations..... A scavenger hunt. :)
She hit notes throughout the house leading to the eventual treasure.


During one of the last stops everyone had to give Kathrynn a hug to pass the "gate."

The treasure was a rabbit family and food made out of paper. :)



More crazy eights!

Mimi, Mom and I went to a tea house for lunch one day. Fun!



Wes, keeping it real for everyone! :)


Swimming with Grandpa Phil!



Another performance, this time she performed some UU choir songs. :)




Kathrynn put on a imprompto performance involving a character she made up using a mask and a "hat." (arm chair cover)
:) Dadda was the translator, as her character could not speak.






Another set of performances, before we headed home. She sang three songs from the Mama Mia sound track. :)



Just one more round of cards!!!! :)

It was a great weekend! :)