1860s reenacting

A Short Visit

Dear Sis,

We decided to come, for a short, but very enjoyable four day visit.

We went to Red Oak Town for the very first time. We had the pleasure of meeting a few awesome fellow historical crafters, but didn’t actually spend much time chatting. It was crazy hot and rainy, we never really settled in, and my kids had an epic meltdown with every cannon “Boom.” But, the town was really neat! I wish I had gotten more pictures. But, my hands were always full of a bag, snacks, and water, or a screaming kid. 

Grant – not hiding how he felt. Look at the dry ground, can you believe it rained multiple times that day?

It was so hot, that we ended up stripping the kids socks and shoes off and letting them run in bare feet. Poor little Grant had a mild heat rash on his chest when we left. I definitely, need to make him a sheer dress! We decided to stop for some much needed ice cream.

The kids had a blast going to play grounds, playing with each other and the neighborhood kiddos. They didn’t have as much fun when we dragged them around shopping, but I now have a long dress (that isn’t historical lol) to wear to this summer’s weddings.

We didn’t have much time for crafting. But, you got got close to finishing William’s Civil War outfit, and I worked on your linen traveling bag. Hopefully, I will finish that soon!

We also did a stinking cute cousin photo shoot for the grandparents.

Love,

Jamiegoof

Greenwood Cemetery

Dear Sis,

Mekaela and I crashed a Civil War cemetery tour open to the public today in period costume:) 

We pointed out a grave stone with William’s name on it. He got very somber, touched it softly, looked at us and said, “I miss him.” 

All the pictures are compliments of our friend Mekaela, except this one, because she was too busy being in it:)

Yes, we put him on a monument! 

Yes, we put two kids on a monument! She woke up from her nap and wanted to play too.

It was a fun morning!

Love,

b

 

 

Battery Hooper 2019

Dear Sis,

Last year you ventured to Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village with me with a three month old! This year we decided on an August event since baby sister is due in September:) 

I hope it was worth the travel and sewing days:) The kids had fun and we stayed cool enough to make it through alive! Summer events when pregnant, in hind site, perhaps not the best idea:)

Despite your dismay at the brightness of the pink fabric you ordered online, I think your bonnet and apron pulled it together nicely! You are now the fuchsia dress queen:)

Civil War Maternity wear is funny. Nobody who didn’t know could tell I’m five weeks from having a baby. Maybe they just thought I was fat:)

Although it stared raining, William diligently awaited the 3 o’clock cannon blast. “The Boom” is by far his very favorite part of this event! This year and last:) Come to think of it… Battery Hooper 2018 was his very first event ever!

Love,

b

Caesar Creek Pioneer Village Spring 2019

Dear Sis,

I finished my gestational period look just in time to go to Caesar Creek Pioneer Village today. I figured we needed something to break our glum mood after the departure of Daddy and Papa Carmin Friday. Poor William was a mess without understanding. Toddler emotions are tricky. 

The event was just what we needed. We received a warm welcome at Miss Patty’s cabin as usual. She asked after you and Evelyn:) Although no one from our reenacting group was in attendance, I met Hannah, who is in our age range and lives close enough to sew with Mekaela and I! This time I wasn’t foolish enough to leave without exchanging contact information:)

William enjoyed playing with a half dozen kids of various ages:) He was also fascinated with the outhouses. I guess that relates to his motivation to potty train:) In any case, through not whole-y expected, the outhouses were a lovely back drop.

William napped heartily on the 45 minute drive home and then again on the couch with me for another hour. All the excitement and fresh air wore us both out:)

Love,

b

Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village

Dear Sis,

We had a lovely time at Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village. We spent a rainy day in Hawkins cabin. Miss Patty warmly welcomed us and our munchkins. He even made a private nursing space for Evelyn. 

Evelyn breezed through her first event napping, drinking milk, getting diaper changes, and being held by adoring fans.

William was his usual un-shy self. Greeting everyone… especially the children that entered Hawkins cabin as if they were coming just to see him!

I got to help prepare rabbit soup on the hearth, while Dana made some marvelous lemon curd to go with the delectable sweet potato scones Patty made.

It was a special treat to have both a period lunch and a tea in one day! Not to mention the live music and dancing. We went home damp and tired, but very happy:)

We even got some lovely mother-child shots to remember the occasion!

…and a sister shot compliments of Dana.

Love,

b

William’s First Event

Dear Sis,

Yesterday morning we got up early to bake biscuits, boil eggs, and make chicken salad. After our lunch and snack were packed into a basket, we loaded the car and made the drive to the Battery Hooper event at James A. Ramage Museum, in Ft. Wright, KY. 

It was a perfect first event! There was a park, a petting zoo, and a small encampment to explore. Not to mention, the homemade ice cream sold by the church next door. William wasn’t board for a minute! He especially enjoyed the musicians, the bunnies at the petting zoo, and the hourly cannon fire. 

As a civilian demonstrator, William made my contribution easy. We educated the public and even some re-enactors about infant/pre-potty trained toddler dress during the mid-1800s. William also took great pains to demonstrate period eating:)

Dana even got a great picture of William and I… on our way to get some homemade ice cream:)

We are super excited for next months event and hope you and Evelyn will be able to join us!

On a whim, I asked Josh tonight at dinner, “If I made you civil war clothes, and you were home during an event, would you go with us?” To my surprise he said sure! I know nothing about men’s wear. I have some homework to do:)

Love,

b