This was the first summer that I’ve visited the Renaissance Festival twice. It’s also the first summer that I’ve visited the Renaissance festival twice in one week (Labor Day Monday and the following Saturday). I’m a fan.

Here are some photos from the first visit:

The hammock chairs in the booth where my friend, Ann, works are very comfortable.

Twig’s career is being a fairy. She’s very good at it.

I must always visit the petting (and sheep-feeding) zoo.

There’s no water, but… “No Swimming, Sharks Have Been Known to Eat Babies!”

Vilification Tennis was very funny. “Your momma is so fat, her first words were NOM-NOM-NOM!”

I love the Chicken and Wild Rice Soup in a bread bowl.

I was taking photos of an elephant will riding on an elephant.

These copper roses were some of the prettiest things at the festival this year and now I have one at home, too. (Thanks to Jason.)

And now some photos from the second visit:

Hannie’s first Renaissance Festival visit! Please note the elephant in the background.

Hannie also touched a snake! She’s brave.

This time I got to see the parade and the King. Huzzah!

Aunt Ann tried on a corset from Felix Needleworthy.

Cousin Jonathan ate some Turkey.

This guy was so hungry. He wouldn’t even look up at me for a photo.

I’ll be eating some camel this next weekend.

While Ann and Mom sampled beers, the rest of the family wandered off to have fun elsewhere.

Belly dancers with tree snakes? Yes, I’ll watch that.

After Karyn, Bryan and Hannie left early and my other family were hanging out with Puke & Snot, I decided to hang out in the shade with some mead (half raspberry, half regular — per Ann’s suggestion).

I really do love the people watching at the Renaissance Festival.