Mule Camp Market

     This is the time of year where you can't put your feet down without stepping into a festival somewhere, and sure enough - just yesterday Daddy remembered that Gainesville was having its Mule Camp Market today.  There were some power issues at Daddy's work this morning, so we used the opportunity to visit another festival nearby.

     We took Madison and her cousin Hannah downtown Gainesville to walk around a bit and check it out, and it was pretty fun.  Madison got a thrill out of the weird bird you see pictured here.  Don't ask me what it was though.  I think it is a mutated chicken or a deformed baby emu or something.  No one asked.  Sometimes we try not to make eye contact with the vendors!

     Anyway, the girls definitely got into shopping.  There were plenty of booths to look through, lots of places to eat and some kids' activities too.  For example, the two of them made sand art at one booth.  Take a look!

     This would be Madison's first attempt at making sand art.  That, of course, is where you take all sorts of different color sand and drop it into a glass container in layers.  The guy who runs the booth sifts the sand a bit and makes sure it stays layered, and voila!  You have a  work of art with ribbons of color in your glass to keep for all time!

     Of course, Madison's style of art typically leaves sand all over the table as well, but the gentleman behind the counter was quite understanding.  He learned quick:  if Madison wants to make a mess, so be it!

     After some fun making that craft, the girls got to jump in a Bouncy Tottington Hall.  That's what we call the large inflatable place where kids can jump up and down inside.  The two had a blast bouncing around - especially Madison.  She was nearly delirious with excitement, and for a short while, the two had the whole place to themselves.

     We also tried a few playsets on the square, some with slides and swings.  It was nice to just walk around and look.  Music played as performers did their renditions of "Georgia," and "Black Velvet."  Vendors gave the girls little trinkets, like wristbands and small metal crosses.  Madison clung tightly to these as she walked around the town square.  Daddy can't believe he gets to use this word, but here goes:  it was quaint.  

     Afterwards, we all headed to Chick-Fil-A to hork down some lunch!  Madison really worked up an appetite, and we all spent some time together before heading home again.

     Daddy has been able to get some work done at home, and Madison helped Mommy outside planting some pansies.  Afterwards, it was Cinderella again.  Madison dressed up in her blue Cinderella dress and watched the whole movie from start to finish, completely focused.  Only once did she come out to get Daddy.  She dragged him into the playroom during the Prince's Ball, and together we danced for a bit until Daddy could sneak back to his work...

     It was actually a fun day, but Madison has had quite a few fun days this week.  Fun, full days!  That's why it was time to go to bed a little earlier than usual.  In fact, Mommy and Daddy are probably going to do the same thing.  What a week it has been!  But that's just what we love about the fall.  So much to do, and so much fun doing it...