Riley and Avery

So, we headed out to the Colorado Renaissance Festival today and the girls had such a blast, as did Rudi and I. By the time we headed out, the girls were in a frenzy to get there, thanks to Caitlyn telling them all about it and how fun it was. They were both in their car seats ready to go by the time Rudi woke up and began getting ready. It was funny.

Rudi had never been to a Renaissance Festival before and he was pleasantly surprised. We spent a good deal of time on the way there making fun of all the Ren-freaks that go to these things all dressed up. Well, about halfway through our visit, Rudi starts talking about how it must be fun to come dressed up. Then a little later he mentions that he wants me to make him a pirate outfit to wear next year. Hmmm, a convert, perhaps? Avery wants to be a fairy and Riley wants to be a princess. Anyway, have tot get the sewing machine fixed. Rudi says that he wants me to get started on the costumes so they'll be ready for next year. And he urged me to get the sewing machine fixed regardless of cost. All I think it needs is a tune-up.



Riley rode on a llama and wanted to ride on the elephant but was not old enough (she had to be 5) so she's looking forward to that for next year. Avery is really proud of herself for riding the butterfly ride. It was a man-powered ride, meaning that two dudes spun it around. And it was free. I helped Avery onto the ride and one of the guys helped Riley in. At the end of the ride, Avery stops on the other side of me, and the men start lifting the children out. Pretty soon I see them spinning the ride around until Avery was right in front of me and the guy says "She absolutely will not let me touch her. I guess you don't have to worry about her running away with a stranger!" It was kind of funny.


This is Avery watching the parade/procession that passed right as we came in. There was a freakin' elephant! It was quite crazy. And people walking around on stilts. Avery was nervous/really interested.

Oh, and they had belly dancers who were phenomenal! We stopped by just to look and stood in the back. Pretty soon Riley had sat down on the back benches. Then she scooted up a row. Then she asked me to come with her closer. I went a little closer and she wasn't satisfied until we were in the front row. And Avery joined us. They were both enthralled.

This is Avery in the middle of saying "Duke." She talked about Duke the whole time we were at the festival. In particular, she kept saying "I want to go to my grandma's house because I miss Duke! He's the best Dukie I ever seen!" I mean, over and over and over again, talking about Duke.


Oh, and Riley said a funny thing while we were there that gave me a revelation. We passed by a children's dress shop at the festival and Riley asked if she could get one. I said "No, I can make one of those" and Riley says "We're a making family, aren't we?" It made me realize how snarky I am when confronted with the prospect of buying something that I could make myself. I guess I do say that a lot.

We were able to make it through five hours at the festival with only buying a shaved ice to eat. Thanks to my marvelous food-packing and planning abilities. I brought diced chicken for the girls, as well as mandarin oranges, grapes, pretzel sticks, granola bars, string cheese, bottled water, and frozen bottled water to keep the food cool and for a cool drink when they melted. Oh, yeah, and I brought carrots.

Ugh, I am so tired...I'll blog more later if I forgot something.