I love this event so much, there is such a wonderful sense of community among the reenactors and the spectators. We always love being able to catch up with our friends that we haven't seen in months or sometimes years. And the best part is the kids learn about history while playing! Carolyn simply LOVES to come to the events and dress up, it's as good as dressing up as a princess and going to Disneyland to her!
This year our camp had so many kids! We camp with the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers and they have been so wonderful at handing us down lots of clothing and shoes! Thank goodness too, because she grows out of her stuff so fast, she barely gets to wear it to an event before it's too small.
You can tell the kids didn't have any fun at all!
And once I got Cassie to sleep, she slept great! The trick was, she likes to fall asleep somewhere dark and quiet, which was hard to come by. Although our tent was dark-ish, it was right near all the commotion. But in the shade of the trees, away from the crowds I was finally able to soothe her to sleep and then she slept right through all the action in camp!
My friend Heather brought the game graces for the girls to play and Carolyn even allowed her to teach her! It's a fun game where you toss a hoop back and forth using the two sticks.
Don't think I forgot about the battles, there were two each day. I attended some of them, others we completely missed because herding a 3 year old can be tricky, it's a miracle we make it to most daily events on time!
Here are the Crown Forces before battle.
Our handsome British Marines
Off they go, about to get shot and land in goose poop!
Why yes, Cassie did sleep through the battle, including cannon fire just like this!
Our friends even brought picnic snacks for the battle.
Our friends and allies The Jolly Boats/Royal Navy.
After the battle Ben demonstrated how to remove your lock from your musket and clean everything.
And resumed his role as loving Daddy.
And we had some friends come visit our camp.
We had an even better view for the dusk battle - Rebel Butts!
Lots of spectators came over to cheer on the crown forces!
In this battle the British were caught "off guard" and were socializing right before they were attacked.
New day, new outfit! Of course this was by accident, we arrived in camp to discover we left Carolyn's gown at home air drying in the garage after needing an emergency wash job. Good thing we have such nice friends that were willing to loan her a gown!
We attempted to go to the church service being held, but due to the wardrobe mishap and a tantruming toddler, we arrived right as it was ending. Here is Ben dragging Carolyn on our way.
So instead we did a walk about and got to visit some friends, Carolyn found a blanket of their things on display and gave a cooking demonstration to some visitors.
Another day, another battle!
I loved that these girls were tending the wounded.
Time to celebrate, victory!
More camp activities, this time rolling a hoop!
A popular activity in camp is training up future soldiers!
Even the girls enjoyed enlisting in the army!
Our boys looked so handsome!
But could anything be cuter than this?
I'm so glad we take the time to participate in this hobby, I hope our girls will have great memories of it.
How fabulous to read about our HISTORY____we so enjoy the Civil War days here in Lake County Illinois. The horses, the reenactors...iand all the detail. My mom collected 'war' memorabilia, and I have sold quite a few things to re-enactors. I would love to read even more about your events. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI like history, and I think re-enactments are an awesome way to understand if far greater detail what historical living was really like - carrying your own water, supplies, etc; realizing every time you take advantage of a modern convenience (like running water and bathrooms and the car to get you there) that our ancestors didn't have those luxuries, etc. I'll bet you and your children understand details and aspects of history that history teachers and professors don't even get. For me, the photography aspect (using my modern digital camera, included) would be why I would like to attend a re-enactment as a spectator. (I could even try a costume, but the camera would be a must have, ruining any authenticity). Thank you for sharing photos!
ReplyDeleteHello Loni, nice to meet you! I am coming over from Friday at the Fire Station with Jen. How fun that you go to different reenactments! I've become involved with a sewing group here in the Dallas, Texas area called the Time Travelers. They get together as part of the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Costumers Guild and recently a friend, Laura of Decor to Adore, held a Napoleon and Josephine tea at her home and we all dressed up in Regency and Federalist style clothing.
ReplyDeleteGood meeting you and I hope you will stop by! Stay well and your daughters are precious!!
Sending virtual hugs your way,
Barb
www.frenchethereal.net