Renaissance Festival

We took Stella to the Renaissance Festival in May. We'd only been once before and it was around 10 years ago. We enjoyed it then and knew she would love it. Getting there is such an easy drive for us-just over half and hour.  The weather was---nice? Cool, crisp, Fall like. Really, it was weird. Donald and I both wore boots and jeans and I wore a light sweater. I even put Stella in jeans and a jacket.  Very unseasonable for May obviously, but so perfect.

Before we even walked in the gate Stella spotted someone dressed as Anna from Frozen. Stella happily walked up to take her picture with her and give her a hug.

Once inside  Stella got to pet some beautiful rabbits and this gorgeous, sweet goose. She even sat in her lap. You can see the excitement all over her face!

She spied fairy wings from far away and ran to play in them.

There was a man dressed as a tree which both mesmerized and confused Stella.

Here, she's touching and tickling him.

We gave Stella a few choices of things to do and one of those things was to ride a camel. 

So we did.  I can't remember this camel's name, but what a sweetie.

She loved it.  

She picked out this sword. She initially went for one that was painted, but then decided against that and went with an unfinished one. So she could paint herself she said. For the record- August is nearly over and it's still unfinished.

The adorable crown on her head came from here, but it was a gift from cousin Mary for Stella's 2nd birthday. I think she looks adorable in it and obviously fits in great.

Obligatory gnawing-on-a-turkey-leg photo

We rode on a wooden ship that essentially was a giant ship shaped swing.  It had a dragon, named Marley on the bust of the ship and this guy would hop up and push it back and forth until it felt like you were on the automated carnival/fair style pirate ship ride. It was really cool and Stella loved going higher and higher.  The guns on the dude who made that ship rock were quite impressive!

This was our best selection on photos to post below. Yeah, she was all excited for us to do this, but then wouldn't smile. Typical Stella. Wouldn't want to let us down and semi-cooperate for a photo op.

This is a stupid inside joke from Vegas.

We sat down and watched a nun comedy show that was so funny. Really. Stella piled up rocks onto the bench where we sat while this happened so clearly she enjoyed herself too. ??

Then we watched the jousting competition. I, sadly did not have the bird's eye view that this girl had.

This was so fun and I can't wait to do it next Spring. It would be even better if the weather would be as perfect each year we go as it was this day.