In the Kingdom of Osgoode, once more it is medieval fair time! We are so lucky to live within a few minutes of a great medieval fair that runs for a weekend each summer. This year, like last year, we attended the fair’s education day with some of our homeschool pals. learning all about medieval life. But unlike this year we didn’t attend the whole day as we were picking up Stephen from the hospital, so we just popped over for the afternoon.
To make up for it I took the boys to the actual fair over the weekend, something we’ve never quite managed to do. It was fun to see all the stalls and hear the medieval music being played, and of course we had the chance to watch the jousting. A hobbling Stephen came with us (he’s an injured chap and taking things slowly after a couple of days of being in the hospital) so we didn’t stay too long, but he did see live jousting for the first time!
The boys loved the jousting, despite the hot sunshine, and cheering raucously for their favourite knights. Huwyl was disappointed that none of the knights were unhorsed but other than that is was very enjoyable. Given that the armour weighs upwards of 160lbs I think the knights were happy to stay where they were.
As we wandered we saw a blacksmith working, tried out archery and castle storming. Neirin even volunteered to go into the stocks, an excellent invention that I’m sure we could find a use for around the farm. Ice creams were enjoyed and sword fights engaged in, generally a jolly good boys day out.
Despite his brief interlude as a criminal, Neirin took the opportunity to be knighted by the King of Osgoode and Metcalfe, he took the honour seriously and I was proud of his confidence as he strode into the tent. This boy of mine can by shy with strangers, but he knelt calmly and happily accepted this new honour.
Trying on the armour was, of course, the absolute pinnacle for my two boys. They spent more time in this tent than at the rest of the fair combined (though they lingered pretty heavily at the sword and dagger tent) and it was lovely to watch them trying to bear up under the weight of chain mail and helmet. But bear up they did, with comments on how amazing the jousting knights are for carrying the weight of the armour and helmet while piling along the list.
Though only a brief interlude it felt good to get out as a family for a while. The farm can dominate all of our time if we let it, so we are trying to take breaks and have some down time together. That said I find myself reluctant to drive far and to leave behind the peace and green of our home. I was glad to take part in celebrating the Kingdom of Osgoode, but just as glad to be home again afterwards.
Emmalina and Her Unfeasibly Large Bonnet 