Hubby needed a break from work! He took two days off (woot woot!!!) Our original plan was to go camping but he messed up his finger at work. He needed to keep it clean and dry so I nixed that idea. It helped that we still couldn’t get the trailer out of the driveway due to the construction. I thought I would share our vacation highlights with you all.
We took the plunge and rented an airbnb unit and it worked out okay. Three beds, and one air mattress kept everyone content. We did lasagna the first night and I picked up cheese and deli meat for sandwiches. Before we got there though we stopped at Colborne Lodge. I’m going to do up a whole separate post for this visit, but here’s a picture to hold you over.
We took our student to a capoeira lesson on Wednesday night. He was SO excited!!! Capoeira is a system of physical discipline and movement originating among Brazilian slaves, treated as a martial art and dance form. Our student is a level 6. It was fascinating watching him and the other students at the close of the class. You could see how the other students were still at learner levels and the joy the teacher had in working with a student of a higher level. To my uneducated eye they looked very similar in their abilities.
We were encouraged to come back after class so I didn’t see a whole lot of the lesson (just catching the last 15 minutes or so). The lads and I went for a walk up the street and having a hot chocolate to warm up a bit. .
On Thursday we headed out to the Royal Winter Fair. We try to go every year…I think we’ve only missed two years in the past 16 years. We took in the goat show, cow show, horse shows, saw the chickens and walked through all the booths. Hubby found these great workboots that he brought home with him, and I was sorely tempted by a pair I found, but… I didn’t bring them home, couldn’t justify the cost as nice as they were or not! 🙂
One of the highlights of the Royal for me is always watching the cart ponies. Watching them drive on, and trot… I just thoroughly enjoy them. This year my pick of the group came second and third. The lad’s pick came first as did hubby’s so they obviously knew something I didn’t this year! 🙂
We had the fun of watching a sheep dog demonstration this year. The shepherd showed how the dogs progressed from puppy through experienced dog. I think this was dog number three but I’m not sure. (she had four dogs total). Her last dog was so well trained and handled the sheep so prettily.
I have an affinity for chickens so I spent a good amount of time looking through the chickens at the royal. They also had a pen with a variety of ducks in them. I had a pet duck as a child so ducks always make me smile.
Watching these line dancers had the three guys walking away from me fairly quickly. Took me a while to find them afterwards (they found seats in the horse arena) BUT it brought a smile to my face watching them! 🙂
Horse Show
We attended the Horse Show at night. Watching the bigger horse teams, some small pony carts, and some horse trainer dude that none of us were wildly impressed with. The main event was show jumping…it was good to see Ian Millar out… but I said to hubby “boy. he’s getting old”. Two younger Millar’s were in the event as well.
The boys had some fun and thoroughly enjoyed the bag of free carrots we got. They were tender and tasty and a great snack while watching the horses jump!
We saw some fun things at the exhibits. The boys participated in a VR demonstration. They ate some good cheese (samples you know). We did miss the cheese demonstration they normally do, and no free potatoes this year either. 🙁
We were delighted by these topiaries! Aren’t they wonderfully done?
We saw the butter sculptures and fruits/veggies. Sheep, cattle and more.
The Livestock:
All in all it was an excellent day. Long, tiring, but fun.
Back to the Airbnb for lunch and then up early Friday Morning to go to our co-op class in Stratford. Long drive but it turned out well. I asked my Brazillian Student to teach Capoeira to my phys ed class and he said “I like it. I like to teach the children”. We did our presentation of our science class learning and called it a good vacation. On the Saturday hubby and I did lunch out on our own while the boys hung out at home.