Ye Olde Trip to Charlotte

Last weekend, The Davis family hopped in the car and headed back down to Charlotte for another adventure. This time we met Gram and Gramps at the Carolina Renaissance Festival. Both of our families had been frequently when we were growing up, so this type of festival held fond memories for both Ian and I, and we couldn't wait to share the experience with Evan.

The fair was everything we expected. It was a beautiful fall day and actually got a little bit warm. There were crowds of people interspersed with fairies, kings, queens, knights, jesters, and all other manner of Renaissance folk. There were stalls where you could buy everything from a wooden sword to a fairy head dress or pet dragon. There were large hunks of meat on bone to purchase and consume as well as all manner of alcoholic beverages. Shows of every kind greeted us as we rounded each corner: comedians, jousts, jugglers, men on stilts, men who didn't have stilts so they jumped on each other's shoulders instead, belly dancers, and fire eaters. We didn't know where to head first.

(The crowds enjoy the festivities.)

(Belly dancers)

(The royal court marches by.)

Fortunately for us, toddlers always know what they are interested in, and it is almost never what you expect. The first exciting site that Evan had to stop and explore was the gravel on the ground-little rocks, how fabulous! Then, it was on to the fake flowers in a flowerpot next to one of the vendors-we even missed the king and queen walking by to examine these beauties. Another popular sight to see was Gramp's water bottle-it was also fun to drink out of.

(One of Evan's favorite sights-fake flowers!)

(Another favorite-Gramps and his water bottle)

While Evan liked these rather more obscure aspects of the fair, he did also like some of the actual festival entertainment. Every time we passed a musical show or performance of any sort we had to stop, entranced. From harps to singers, they were all absolutely amazing to Evan. I think we're going to have a musician on our hands. He also thought the farm animals were interesting as usual and the camel and elephant that people were riding. The fudge that Gram purchased at one of the vendors was particularly yummy, and the red sparkly dragon that we bought for Evan kept him entertained quite well, especially if it tickled his belly. Strangely enough he wanted nothing to do with the little wooden sword that we found for him-a pacifist, I guess.

(Cool Evan tries on Gram's shades.)

(Cool Daddy tries on a hat.)

(Evan improves upon his look by adding a hat.)

(My boys)

(I love this picture!-Notice the title of the scene.)

All in all, we had a fantastic day spending time with the family, exploring the sights, and watching Evan take in all the new experiences. Ian and I have always loved going to festivals together, and taking Evan along brings a fresh eye to every experience and a new level of fun. We can't wait for our next trip to a new world!