Laura Ingalls Wilder Day!

I started this blog in May of 2008 so I could remember and journal about our family.  I never dreamed it would grow into something like it is today.  On Thursday I did a post about our current struggles.  I also mentioned that we would not be able to attend the Laura Ingalls Wilder day at the Genesee Country Village and Museum here.  WELL it seems two very special readers of mine called the museum and paid for our family's membership!!!  My husband and I are completely overwhelmed by your generosity!  So because of your kindness we were able to visit the museum this weekend.  Thank you from the bottom of our heart!!  Our kids were thrilled with the surprise that awaited them Friday morning.  NOW onto the post about the weekend.

As we stepped back into the 19th century the familiar wood burning scent filled the air.  Sitting out under a tree behind the Foster House were these women.  They were spinning and knitting.  I could have just stayed there watching them. 

Also behind the Foster house (shown above) was a demonstration of how they colored yarn.  I just love all the bright colors that the yarn became. 

Walking through the village just makes all of our worries and concerns just pass away.  Even on the busiest days here you can always find a quiet corner.   Laura Ingalls Wilder probably had a lot of concerns of her day.  I'm sure she had a quiet spot she loved to visit. 

The village was a flutter of activity.  There were activities you could participate in.  You could pound corn into corn meal, grind some grain, play in a haystack, roll a hoop, churn butter, view how cheese was made, taste herb butter, try plum jam and so much more.

One of my favorite things to do is watch the interpreters go from place to place.  It really brings the village alive.  I love the sense of simplicity here.  It's so nice to just leave technology behind. 

The dresses are just amazing that are worn.  Most of them are made on site at the museum.  Speaking of dresses and fabric.  Another fun thing we were able to experience was how laundry was done.

She was telling us that when our economy really bottoms out she will still be able to do her laundry.  I may just have to pay closer attention from now on.  Our girls really had a ball washing clothes this way.

The interpreter was teaching the girls about different kinds of fabric.  They so knowledgeable about what they are talking about. 

If you remember from "Little House in the Big Woods", Laura and Mary would take the pig bladder and play catch with it.  Well Saturday you could have taken part in a pig bladder toss.  I have no idea why our kids wanted nothing to do with it. 

Of course these were not actually pig bladders.  They were balloons filled with water.  It was funny to watch the kids faces as they were handed the "pig bladders". 

This is Melanie Stringer.  She is a Laura Ingalls Wilder impersonator and historian.  It was great to sit and listen to her talk about Laura and Almanzo.  She knows so much about the Ingalls and Wilder families.  She plays her part very well.

As with all the Laura Ingalls Wilder days at the museum there is always an actor from the Little House on the Prairie TV show.  This year we had the pleasure of listening to "Nellie", Alison Arngrim.  She was SO funny. 

She had us in stitches through out the hour.  She does a whole "Nellie" skit complete with wig and all.  Funny stuff!!

In "Farmer Boy" it talks about the tin wagon that would come around.  How is that for service?

We sat in the apple orchard and had a lovely picnic lunch.  We had an amazing view from our picnic table.

In the Jones Farm we had a demonstration on how pickles were made.  One thing I need to research further is why he had grape leaves on the table.  There were too many people to ask him.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures as much as I enjoy taking them.  I also again want to thank the gracious readers who paid for our membership.  I pray the Lord will bless you abundantly.  God knows who the people are.  We will be praying for you daily.  {{{HUGS}}}