We celebrated the beginning of fall this year by camping at Catfish Katy's and attending the Pumpkin Festival in Hartsburg, Mo. It was so much fun loading up our van with the kids and camping gear. That's right, the Andelin Clan now has a van. We love it. It's awesome. Clark is still commuting to work on his bike, so, we are still a one car family. But, now, we are truly traveling in style!
Camping was quite the experience. The campgrounds were full and being overrun by the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism). Just imagine us pitching our tent on some shoddy campsite with remnants of cement footings nearby, while folks dressed in Medieval garb, wielding swords and armor, make their way over the hill to camp out by the Mighty Mo. It was so much fun! We built a fire, snuggle the kids, and slept out under the stars. After Clark and the kids went to sleep, I slipped outside to investigate what was afoot over the hill. Madeira, an SCA member registering other members, cloaked me in her velvet cape as she took me on the tour. I cannot even explain what I saw - being at their campsite was like being transported back to the Middle Ages - Men slogging beer, viking tents everywhere, torches lighting the way. As I crept back to my campsite and snuggled next to Clark, I fell asleep as music and singing drifted down from their campsite. It was so much fun.
The Pumpkin Festival was also great. Live music, yummy food, friendly people, and a great feeling of community. Once a year 70,000 people descend on this tiny town of 108 people to celebrate the coming of Fall. Olivia loved it. Little Buddy was clueless but happy. And, Clark and I enjoyed just getting away with the kids and doing something fun.
Missouri is so beautiful this time of year. The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling down, and we are beginning to burn wood and wear sweaters. I love this time of year.
