Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Memorial Day

May 25, 2009
Civil War Reenactment

Roaring Camp Railroad

Felton, CA

Bryce and I have wanted to go to this reenactment for the last 10 years but have never had the chance. Well this year we finally made it and it was wonderful! We really enjoyed the camps. Everyone was really friendly and loved sharing information. We learned about the Maine Co., the weapons they used, how they washed their clothes, how buttons and little tin soldiers were made. I never did find the candle making though, and I was looking forward to that! There is a very precise way to stack the guns to get them to stand like this, and you have to be just as precise to get them back out! Austin took his toy rifle with him but he kept insisting that Danny needed a gun too. It was part of his master plan, to get a new gun for himself he would give his old one to Danny! The boys played with their guns all day! Austin went around shooting at the enemy while Danny used his to draw in the dirt.

I took Austin and Danny on the steam train to Bear Mountain and they loved it! We sat at the very back and got to look out the back door. The train has to do a switchback on the mountain and we ended up being the front of the train for part of the trip! There was a skirmish at the top of the mountain and Austin was very concerned that they would try to get on the train. I guess it is a good thing he had his new gun and felt he could protect us!

Some scenes from the camp, with the train passing by, and at the battlefield. The canons were incredibly loud and you felt them every bit as much as you heard them. They made some very cool smoke vortex rings that would float through the sky.

Bryce got to be in the battle. I cannot even begin to express how much he loved getting to be a part of it. He really enjoys history and black powder weapons.

My favorite picture of Bryce
After the battle all the kids were running around in a battle of their own. Austin did not like to die. He always wanted to be the leader and winning. It took him awhile to realize he needed to take his share of bullets too if he wanted to play with the other kids. Even Danny tried to get in on the action too!

We had such a good time that we are now looking into joining as a family and participating in some of the reenactments. The boys had so much fun and Austin learned a lot. I think it would be a great way to teach them some history. Plus it is something we can all do together as a family!
One final picture of the pretty roses that were growing in abundance along the fences.
We finished the day at home with a BBQ and cheesecake! All in all it was a great way to spend my birthday!




2 comments:

Oma and Papa said...

We had a great time. It was a really fun way to celebrate you b-day and Memorial Day. We love you lots.

Laura said...

Looks like great fun! Happy birthday!!! We'll have to go up to that sometime -- looks great!