Run to Renn

We finally went to a renn faire! The Oregon Renaissance Festival was splendid. I realized that this was the boys first time going so I made them a costume that I think turned out great.
Unfortunately Charles wouldn't wear it at the fest so he has to wear it for Halloween. Because I am cruel like that.  Here's Devon approaching the Queen.

Her Majesty:


Lizzy was knighted and presented to the Queen. the Queen said that she liked her dress and that they matched. Lizzy was so excited.

There was some fighting.


Drinking.

And making merry.



Fighting a knight.

The kids painted the Painted Lady.

And popped gigantic bubbles.

Along with some impressive aerial acrobatics from the High Flying Fools  that Charles and I got to participate in. What happened is Pester was on the ring holding Lucretia by his feet and I put Charles on her stomach and Pester lifted them both up. We had a great time, but had to leave before the joust. I can't wait to go back next year!
 

Where has the Summer Gone?

Here we are in October and I haven't posted a thing in months. Agggh! This will be remedied! So on with the show...

Grandma came to visit along with Theya so we took them to the Fort. Here they are playing a ring toss game. Looking Fabulous Mom!
 

I can't get him to do this at home. Maybe I should have Daniel build one Hmm..




And had a mini cone:

We got prehistoric at Omsi.



digging up bones.



And got some new chicks.
The kids tried out Karate:

Our apple tree cracked:

Got a little wet.


Played with the cousins.



Gearing up for the forth of July parade.



And just had a blast.

Busy Bees

In case you were wondering, here's the story of our bees: We had wanted to have hives for a little while now. Daniel went to all the classes offered locally. We read up on beekeeping and finally purchased the accouterments for 2 hives. The magic day arrived and I, wanting to document this momentous occasion, stood back camera at the ready. Daniel set up the hives and began opening the boxes that the bees were shipped in.

He couldn't get the smoker to work so he just went ahead and transferred the panels of bees. Here's one of the boxes the bees came in:

Here's our empty hive.



 At this point I stopped taking pictures since one of the bees decided to investigate my hair and that was quite distracting! When it stung me I abandoned all decorum and ran for the hose. After a good soaking I went inside to find an ice pack for my throbbing head. Poor Daniel just helplessly looked on as I scrambled around quite frantic. When he finished transferring the last of the bees he came in and removed the stinger for me. That was great.
 Since then I haven't had any issues with them though. Devon even hugs the hives and the bees just fly around him! After a few months I had Daniel take some shots of the hive. Hopefully we  can get some honey this year!