Jennifro

"We so sick"

or

Homeschoolin' it at Waterford

That time of year again to frequent the lovely Waterford Festival held in the quaint streets of Waterford, Virginia.  Oddly enough, Friday morning, we all woke up really sick so I called in with the croup and set out to "school" my kids my way for a day.  "Never let school get in the way of your education" is a quote I like to pull out about once a month. 

We started at the artisan booths which were quite fascinating.  We saw demonstrations on how to oil paint on velvet, dye wool then stretch on a loom, tint pottery, brand leather, weave a basket, make fancy paper, carve wooden ducks, and create art with tiny, tiny scissors.  Learning accomplished. Onto the food.

 The town's atmosphere is purely enchanting and a step back in time.  

This quartet is as nostalgic as they come.  We sat for Zippadeedoodah, Lyda Rose and many other feel good songs from yesteryear.  All four kids were mesmerized.  This picture makes me yearn to live in simpler times when friends met for a soda at the corner store on Main and couples danced to big band classics.  Sigh.  

This kid must have made 12 witches broom.  One of us just might go home with a skill after all. After a very late lunch, I was getting on the verge of being done, then who do we see on the street.. wait a minute.......

we KNOW these people!  Running into Eric and Anjie really gave us a new lease on the afternoon and we tagged after them for the last two hours.  Camille of course was happy to see her friend.

"You MY fren!"

If you ever visit the East or Virginia, for that matter, you would really be wise to peruse some of these amazing old towns.  The homes and gardens are truly beautiful.

How's this for perkin' up a telephone pole?

This little lady in the cap here is one of the main reasons I yanked the kids.  The year before I had Natalie's silhouette done by her, so I came to finish the job.

It's pretty wondrous to watch.  The child sits with their right side facing her and she cuts their profile in about 2-3 minutes with tiny little scissors.  Next year I'm bringing Nick.  He has been dying to get his done.

Her cute little husband frames them (if you choose) and entertains the wiggly ones with puppets and what not.  He was all smiles until he found one of his wooden spoons had gone missing.  He was pretty quick to blame our little angels.  But, alas I found it in a pewter cup, right under his nose!

boys

girls

I am super eager to frame them and hang them in a little corner of the living room.  

When we caught up with E & A they had just finished watching their favorite mime and his sidekick.  They raved and raved about the charming little duo, so I insisted we continue to follow after them.  They were absolutely darling to behold!  All seven kids could not be dragged away...not even for caramel apples.

He is truly too cute for words.

(reminds me of my friend Paul S.)

This was my favorite photo of the day. Camille could not hold back during the mime's music--He on the saw and She on ukulele and vocals.  She was right at their heels spinning and smiling and spinning and smiling.  Never let school get in the way of your education...what a beautiful day.

Do your kids miss for fun?