Labor Day Get Away

We had a wonderful Labor Day this year. Since there was no school or work, it was time to take a mini road trip. We took everyone up to Fort Bridger, Wyoming for the Mountain Man Rendezvous. It is quite a festival in the middle of nowhere. We were able to get there at lunch time and made sure to get some funnel cake to start the trip out right. Plus, the kids were kind of hungry and something in their stomachs was better than nothing. 

Noelle really liked the funnel cake, but so did everyone else. We enjoyed it while watching the Native American tribe members perform traditional dances.

Everything at Rendezvous is authentic. There is nothing made from China at the festival. Plus, they have hands on stuff and learning booths. Raef and Zach were able to play an old-fashioned game of tug-o-war with one of the mountain men. They really liked it.

Eli especially enjoyed the festival. He is a sponge. We watched fire making the mountain man way, spinning of wool, touched animal pelts, and searched for old coins to add to their coin collections. He really loved everything and wants to return next year. You got it, Eli!

After we made the rounds, we headed to Mountain View to eat at the local burger joint and then hit the road for the scenic way to Utah, through the Uintahs and Mirror Lake. On the way to Heber City we stopped at an enchanted fairy forest. Yes, a fairy forest is in the Uintahs! It is an art lovers dream on the Mirror Lake Scenic by way at mile marker 17. You can make your own little city for the fairies when they come out to play.  The kids enjoyed looking at all the contributions. We will definitely be returning to add our own vignette to this special forest.

As the day was winding down, we finally were able to visit WISP, Lindsay and Justin's shave shack in Heber City. The treats were delicious and it was tons of fun. And we even got to see them as they were down the street hanging at the Provo river. We visited for a little bit and then hit the road to get home before it got too late. I mean, the kids had school the next day. We had to be responsible.

Carson City Rendezvous

On June 9, we took the family to the Carson City Rendezvous. It was a fun little adventure for the whole family.  The Rendezvous was free and it was thoughtfully done.  The kids each got a passport where they could get stamps at the different stations, like Civil War, Native Americans, Railroad, Gunfighters, etc. There were many displays and things to do at each different area.
Here are some of the Union soldiers lining up at the Civil War camp.  There was a cannon here that they shot. BOOM!

Next to the Civil War area, was the Mountain Man stuff. It was super-cool.  They got to throw hand axes.  Even Rinar and I got in on the action.  I made all three of my axes stick into the wood.  Rinar only got one.  HA HA!  Boo-yeah.  Raef and Zach were in heaven...throwing dangerous weapons was encouraged. Where else can you do that?

At this station, it was bowie knives. Sweet.  I think these were a bit harder to stick to the wood. I wasn't about to try those and tarnish my perfect record.

There actually was a small train track set up for a hand operated train that you pump up and down. We were able to go with all the kids and they loved it.

Afterwards, we hit the food row and got a treat. Eli, Harry, and Julia were very happy.

Aside from the rotten Reno wind, it was a very fun day.  I need to remember to put this on my calendar for next year.