Heritage Festival at Ames Plantation

Where have we been? Good question! Busy, busy, busy. So much to blog about and so little time. I must start by saying that I had an awesome post planned for Mills' participation in our Heritage Day Children's Parade, but unfortunately, I left my memory card to our camera in my computer. So, no pictures = sad mommy. Now, lets get down to business!

We were fortunate enough to be invited by the Cranfords to drive over to LaGrange this morning to the Ames Plantation Heritage Festival. It was an unplanned trip, but an awesome one nonetheless!! I am so glad that we went. It was a huge festival with tons to see and do. We drove up and were directed to park, then were taken to the plantation by a school bus. Mills thought it was grand!

If you have never been to Ames Plantation, I assure you that this is something to see.  It is definitely on my list of things to do for next fall.  The plantation was covered with people.  Food booths were every where.  Barbecue, Amish cheeses, breads, jellies and jams, home made ice cream, and fresh squeezed lemonade and a little bit of bluegrass set the mood.  There were tons of folk art demonstrations such as stenciling and tatting. We saw tobacco being "dark smoked" in the old smoke house, alpacas, and the biggest logging horses that I have ever seen showed their stuff.  They were huge!  The old red school house hosted story time for guests.  It was my favorite building of all.  I told Christi that that's where I want Mills to go to school. ha!  She and I were also lucky to find a booth selling home made goat milk soap.  The scents are heavenly and I have already tried it out.  Love it!

Our first stop was a small Civil War camp. We were just in time to see the first cannon go off. I love this!

Everyone, hold your ears!

Mills enjoys his "gos dogs" (hot dog)

No electricity needed!  This simple single piston engine  = amish homemade ice cream!

Isn't that the life?

Whoever thought a broom could be so pretty. They were hand made and came in all sorts of colors. Awesome!

Mills picking cotton

Bringing his cotton to mama

And then, it was off to gin it! How cool is that? Yes we have a child harness...don't hate. ha! Mills loves the thing!

Mills with E & P- ginning their cotton

Watching how it is done

 I could post pictures for days.  Can't wait until next year!