The old days

Last week we went to Gold Rush Days in what's affectionately called "Old Town" amidst a booming metropolis of 2 skyscrapers, 9 buildings, lots of old Victorian homes and 700 million cows. The town goes "historical" on everyone by transporting itself back to the mid 1800's when gold, gambling, and guns were all the rage. Since we dabbled in state history this summer, we thought it only fitting to attend the amazingly well done event and even drug our poor, innocent friends along for the fun.

They'll never be the same.



Here we encountered a very happy family who entertained passerby with the banjo, penny whistle, and tambourine.

Oh, and spoons for the crowd.



















Ian checking to see if Nutsy (in the stroller) was keeping time correctly.



Here the town goes all out with the horses, covered wagon and cowgirls wearing....jeans?



The little niners getting ready to watch the shoot out show, which turned out to be a bunch of "drunk"old cowboys yelling at each other and occasionally shooting off blanks. The"show" began with a 5 minute long "disclaimer" in which one of the cowboys lectured the kids in the audience about how bad it is to bring guns (play or otherwise) to school.

Ah the joys of living in the 21st century.



A donkey!



Panning for gold.



The "gold" they found.

The "bank" was strategically located about 15 feet from the panning area. There they "cashed in" their loot and received a nice certificate which was akin to an e-ticket to other area activities such as....



Gambling.

Oh boy.



30 minutes later....



"Um, kids? I think it's time to go. That poor girl on the left has been waiting her turn to play for the last 10 minutes...."



Oh this was really neat. This is the pharmacy. Back in 1852, pharmacists routinely set chemicals on fire just because it was fun!



The food area where you can enjoy a free sample of dutch oven cooked biscuit particles.



"Hello Train Conductor Man! We're all wondering why you look as though you're hitching a ride on the very front of the train, but we won't ask because frankly, it scares us a little."



We let our kids frolick on the train tracks. We feel it builds character.



We also give our kids candy. Wanna make somethin' of it?



Look at the moral support Dasher is giving Bookworm! What a team.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Wash Bin Lady focuses her efforts on making sure Mr. Lego is laundering properly.



You can just see Emma thinking, "I sure hope I don't break a nail doing this."



If homeschoolers went to school.....



Mr. Lego would be getting about 5 lashes about now.



Ian would be getting 10.



OOOHHH. A swamp cooler. Mrs. G. and I hung out in front of that for about a half an hour while our poor hubbies sweated it out in the back of the room.

Because we're smart. Ha!



Man, I hit the jackpot with the whole "hands on activity" part of our state history this year.



Fun on the schoolhouse swing!

We had such a fun time! I missed some great photo opportunities though! Like the one where Ian broke loose in a crowd to run up and down the handicap ramp, yelling "BEEP! BEEP!" to those who got in his way, and the time Mr. G. narrowly escaped a horse trampling.

Ah well, maybe next time.