From all across the holler,
from every nook and cranny,
all the piggies are arriving
for the yearly hootenanny.

And so they came, from far and wide to join us for our Reformation Day Faire. What a rich time of fellowship we had, fantastic food, musical specials, and deep, heart felt messages. So many pictures from this event tell a different side of the this story, and yet, there is no way to post them all. So, these mini blog posts will have to suffice for now. When I get them all into a web album, I'll be sure so post a link. Enjoy and we'll see you next year!

John, the King of Spaghetti this year!

The fabulous peasants, working away in the kitchen.

And such happy ones too! They are the best helpers, after all.

Rebecca (now Loomis! :)) and I.

Some lovely ladies gracing the counter top with their presence.

Emil - n - Emma...trying to be Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, maybe?

Miss Bandy and Miss Farmer say "Hello!"

My darling parents, at the end of the day, still looking so adorable!

Three cheers for Anna, who called dances despite a cold and very sore throat!

Taking hands down the line.

Lots of people dancin'...what a beautiful sight!

We call them Robin Hood, Maid Marion and Little Geneva.

Looks like Jeremy has been caught red-handed! :)

Brothers do-si-do-ing.

Aaron decided that he would make a better Fred Astaire. :)

The last dance brings us to the end.
We were so amazed with the turnout this year, and can't wait for next year to come around!
Thanks for reading!

The Highland Games...a chance for men, young and old, to show their strength and skill with long pieces of wood, formally known as cabers, as well as with giant rocks! While some ladies may find these events fun, I prefer to sit on the sidelines, cheer for those I know, and photograph the event! The Highland Games are a favorite part of our Faire, and this year we had many talented...um, tossers(?) among us! The Lord was so good to us, and sent us a beautifully sunny, warmish day for our celebration. The ground was a bit muddy, but we were so thankful for the sunshine, we figured we could handle that. The giant rock did leave some holes in the soft ground by the time we were done... :)

Spectators and competitors alike gather 'round for the games.

Yeah, that's one big rock!

See, I told ya' so.

Okay, it's the last picture of the rock toss. Very impressive display of strength.

Aha...our Italian visitors. Josh bids farewell to his bride so he can partake in the... (come now, humor me...drumroll please!)

...Caber Toss! No, that's not Josh, that is Caleb...but Josh did have a turn!

A different Josh volunteers to toss the log!

Up, up...

...and away!

I have no idea who this little guy is, but he was so cute, I had to post the picture of him.

Ahhh, the joys of Christian fellowship!

What's this I see? Aaron is thinking about tossing it.

Thar' she blows!

A sleeping baby is a beautiful thing.

Two lovely ladies watching the games.

Mr. Evans was in charge of the Highland Games, and here he is posing with the winners! Congratulations, y'all!

Baby Bella...isn't she a cutie?

Getting instruction for the boffer war.

The little man is still a too young to take part in the battles, so he practices on Dad instead. Look at the determination on his cute face.

Mr. Bond watching the war.

Another squire climbs the ladder and becomes a knight.

Oh, it's a solemn moment.

And here he stands, ready to conquer evil in the King's name!

Check back soon for the conclusion!

I think this was going to be the longest post on Reformation Day. I took over 500 pictures throughout the weekend, discarded the bad ones, sorted through the good ones, and ended up with about 400 when I was done. I had 50 pictures selected to show our off our Towne Square, but thought that was too many to put into one post. Back to sorting and choosing the "cream of the crop!" Maybe I'll upload all the photos to a web album and post a link when I've finished the blog series. We shall see... For now, here are the few, the proud, not the Marines, but pictures from a lovely day!

Zach and Nathan learning how to make rope.

Sir Riggenbach, and is that a monk, Robin Hood, or one of the Merry Men?

He said he was a candle maker, but I think he was royalty in hiding.

Now say, "Daddy has stinky feeeeeeet!" Very good! :)

Oh...he's looking awfully mischievous!

Prince Phillip studies the chess board and wonders where to go next.

Her ladyship bestowing knighthood on a very worthy squire.

Grace and I embroidered our smocks with Elizabethan Blackwork patterns. While you can't see much of it, her neckline was beautifully done!

We were delighted to have our friend, Hohn Cho, fly out for the weekend!

The little lady thinks it's time to rest.

The townsmen talking.

Lady Riggenbach shows the girls how to weave.

Miss Natalie looks dangerous with that wooden mallet.

Aha! The daughter of the nobleman in hiding has also learned the fine trade of making candles.

Some of the town minstrels.

An afternoon serenade.

A young gentleman on the square is enjoying the music.

A lovely job, don't you think?

Capturing every moment.

Courageous young men ready for battle.

Awwwww...it's the Little Man.

He won't rest until he finds and rescues his Sleeping Beauty.

Brothers.

All for one, and one for all!

My lovely mother showing examples of exquisite stained glass.

Ahhh, the simple joys of childhood. That looks really uncomfortable...

*gasp* What's this? It looks as though the minstrel is being carried through town!

He's not looking too happy with the situation.

The town mayor finds out that the minstrel stole the purse of a lady...

...so he got locked up.

More delightful music.

Getting ready to head off to the Highland Games!

Ahhh, the little princess has fallen asleep. To be quite honest, that sounds wonderful right now, so I shall bring the post to a close and get my beauty sleep. :)

Part Four: The Highland Games