Carolina Renaissance Festival

We finally made it to the Carolina Renaissance Festival (after living here for 9 years now and bugging my husband every year to go). It was quite the experience. I had no idea what to expect, and I wasn't disappointed. What happened when we first arrived made my day. We arrived, paid our admission and each grabbed a map. It said 22 acres of paths to explore, so Brett and I were attempting to figure out where to begin. So, here we stand, in the middle of this open grassy area looking at our maps, when we were approached by a lady (in full Renaissance costume) who asks me if this man is with me. I reply yes. She proceeds to yell at the top of her lungs "LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE...THIS WOMAN HAS TAUGHT THIS MAN TO READ A MAP!!! IT'S A MIRACLE!!!" So here we are with maps in hand and everyone staring at my husband and laughing. That's how our day began. Braiden had a blast. He got his picture taken with a knight and we got to watch some of a PG-13 rated pirate show, which I'm hoping went over his head. Brett and I had no idea that these shows had a risque undertone. I'm not sure I'd recommend going to any of the stage shows if you go with your children. We watched a neat jousting match with several men on horseback doing tricks, another of Braiden's favorites. He was asked by a juggler if he'd like to get on the guy's shoulders, hold a bowling pin in each hand and the juggler would then balance on a half ball and proceed to juggle. Braiden's response..."No thanks". I know if you know my kid, that's no shock! It was a fun(ny) experience, but I doubt I'll ever get Brett to go back. Oh well, once in a lifetime.