Willamette Mission Reenactment June 30th - July 4th 2007

WARNING- TONS of pictures!

We arrived home last night after a 5 day reenacting event at Willamette Mission State Park. It was very warm in the middle of the days and afternoons but thankfully it cooled off with a lovely breeze in the evening right in time to cook dinner.

The weekend started off with a few of us (David, Heather, Taylor, Gracie and I) setting up our tents on Friday June 29th. It actually rained a little on us while we scurried around getting our antique furniture out of the moisture. After we finished setting up we drove home to jump in the shower and tidy up to attend a wedding. David and Taylor went back to WM (Willamette Mission) from the wedding and the rest of us went home for the night, not getting home till 10:30 pm. The next morning started at 4:30 am for mom and a little later for the rest of us! Whew! We arrived back at our tent site by 8 am and then rushed around getting the camp site tidy (we had pulled everything into the middle in fear of rain that night), getting dressed, doing hair and greeting friends. Saturday night was a dance, and thankfully it cooled off nicely so we didn't get too hot. Sunday morning was church, then battles and soaking feet in cool water! That helped a lot and with our big skirts no one would ever know we had bare feet in cool water! Over all we had a lovely time sitting in the shade with friends while watching the children play tag.

Also, David was able to celebrate his 21st birthday on Wednesday the 4th. It certainly wasn't a relaxing day but I think he loved being there. We gave him his birthday party at home last week so we wouldn't forget or not have time to do it after the event (that has happened before).

This event we missed our friends the Jantzen's, C's and Lindgren's. It was strange not to have them there and very different than our "normal" events since there was so little public except for the 4th when there were mobs of people.

The children had a long desired water fight on Wednesday sanctioned by the mothers!

Mrs. Struth made David a cake for his birthday Wednesday and the only candle she could drum up was this poor thing that had wilted in the heat! The cake was so delicious and it was such a kind thought on her part! Thank you Mrs. Struth!


Daddy watching the dance Tuesday night.

Girl's shoes and skirts during a dance.

Mommy in her coolest bodice.

Lydia keeping cool.

Skirt, drawers and toes! Oh my!

Lydia looking lovely, dirty face and all!

You can see her wet dress.

Dad fought in three battles this event. He loved it even if he did get quite warm!

The only place we could lay Lydia down to sleep was in the shade. She took her much needed naps like this every day.

David enjoying some hand-cranked ice cream that friends shared!

I'm here making doughnuts over the fire in a dutch oven! They were so yummy!

Taylor and Benjamin playing with other children in the cool of the evening.

These children were fascinated with Lydia. They just stared at her for the longest time!

Lydia with a handmade ball.

Gracie in her new hoop.

Taylor

David playing tag with the children. You would think he would have been worn out with all the battles he fought, but no, he enjoyed playing tag!

Ummm...even daddy played tag for a little while and split his britches in the process!

Boots and toes

"Did you say I could have some mommy?"

Lydia eating her lunch.

You can see David in the ranks on the far left with the grey hat and Taylor in the center with a black hat.

David is on the ground after receiving a "wound".

Well I hope you enjoyed these! Please leave us a note and let us know what you think.

~Amber for the Family