Christmas Fieldtrip

We went to Old Bedford Village last evening for their Christmas village event. We took Jackson to this about 5 years ago and had a nice time so Jeremy suggested we go back this year. It was chilly, but we bundled up and had a wonderful time. At this time of year, we're usually @ the mall or stores in all the hustle and bustle of the shopping (which I love), but it was really nice to get away and do something so fun and meaningful. The village had most of their log cabins open - all lit be candle light, man-powered by people who 'lived' in the 1820s-1860s. The boys loved it. Jackson was so into all of the jobs and crafts the village people were engaged in.

The inside of the first log cabin we went in - it was so cute. Although it was cold in there, there was something very cozy about it.

One of the village children took this of us - he was pretty excited to be taking pictures!

 

These photos were from the Polish House (my favorite). The lady told us about several Polish traditions (that we actually still do in our family). She also explained to me how to make these beautiful paper stars. I'm definitely going to try it!

Next came the general store (OK, so maybe this was my favorite).

 We bought peppermint sticks. Can you see the boys holding them up? We also scored another family photo - thank you to the nice lady who took this of us!

 I just couldn't resist putting this photo in of me and Jude (he's still got his hand wrapped around that peppermint stick).



Jackson said this was his favorite stop - the Blacksmith. He was actually making horseshoes while we were there. What a neat process.

This woman was making a basket by hand.

This is the Tavern - they serve hot dogs, kraut, drinks, soup. We ate earlier, but I thought we'd probably stop here and get a snack. We walked in and both boys wanted to go right out - they couldn't handle the strong smell of the kraut (check out Jackson's improvised mask). Jude said, "I didn't like the smell of that place."

This was Jackson putting together a small wooden puzzle. This cabin was the toy shop - they actually made small wooden toys that they sell in the gift shop.

The school house is always one of my favorites!

 This was a Civil War band that was playing in the chapel. They were playing Christmas carols. Nice!

This was the last house we visited. These 2 women told us a story about a Santa-like character (I can't remember what she called him) who used to visit village houses and would deliver fruit and candies to children who were good and a bull whip over the head (over not on, like I thought she said) to children who weren't so good.

The boys are holding tangerines they were given in one of the houses. The woman in that house told us how children would get tangerines/oranges 1 times per year. They came from an exotic land known as Florida!