We were gypsies!

Hi everybody! Just thought I'd post more photos from Ingrid's wedding, as well as update you on things here in Eau Claire. We're all well. Emma and Michael have been enjoying the company of big brother David, who's been with us four weeks. They like listening to music with him (both now want iPods). David is a reservoir of interesting information relating to a variety of subjects, and Michael loves to listen and learn from him. David has also has been wrestling with Michael (he insists this will toughen Michael up), and the two of them play chess together, as well. David will be very missed when he heads back to West Virginia in another couple of weeks.

All of us went to Chippewa Falls' new Renaissance Fair yesterday afternoon. It's the fair's second year, and this was our first time going. We went with Jon's oldest brother Brent and his girlfriend Kristin. A medieval castle and village were set up inside a large wooded area, with all kinds of feudal entertainments. I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed myself there, though Jon seemed to regard the place warily, as one big medieval money pit. Still, we were reasonably frugal, and in my opinion it was a cultural experience well worth it. We watched two knights joust (one knight was actually a woman), drank mead and ate big turkey legs, browsed in village shops, listened to musicians play lutes and sing ballads, and had a lot of fun people-watching. The fair villagers and many of the paying guests (all ages) were dressed up as lords, ladies, knights, pages, peasants, gypsies, etc. Emma and Mikey tried their hands at archery, and David accepted a challenge to climb across a rope ladder (it was a noble attempt, but it ended with him landing in a pile of hay).

We made our way through a maze and explored shops selling leather goods, glass and costumes. We watched a blacksmith at work. A hilight was visiting the gypsy camp, hearing a good story, and watching the gypsy (women) belly dance. They were really good. It was especially fun because at the end they invited the audience to come up and learn a few steps. Emma went up right away, followed by Kristin (who actually takes belly dancing classes for exercise and fun) and, reluctantly, me. Luckily there are no pictures of that to post here! We made a big circle and they taught us some easy moves. Michael was probably mortified, but Emma and I had a blast.