Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Fun at Wilder Days


Dear Friends,

Last weekend we took a road trip to the Ozarks, to see the annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Days in Mansfield, MO.

On the way, we stopped at Ha Ha Tonka State Park, where the remains of a mansion that burned down are the main feature.


Someone is not sure he likes the picture informing him that scorpions and tarantulas can be found in the park!


It started sprinkling while we were at the park, but we didn't let it dampen our spirits (although it did put a damper on the swimming and campfire we had planned for later!).


Such an eerily beautiful site~




We had hoped to see Pa's fiddle being played at Laura and Almanzo's house on Saturday, but we arrived too late, so we headed to the park for the fun they were having there. 

The turtle race was fun, although we felt a trifle sorry for the turtles!


Here we are posing by a bust of Laura Ingalls Wilder, which is surrounded by a circle of bricks listing the books she wrote, as well as the year they were published.


We loved the small town feel of Mansfield, as well as the other little towns where we stopped to fuel up along the way. We felt as if we had come home.


This is the pulpit from the church that the Wilder family attended in Mansfield. The historical society has a nice little museum across from the park, with lovely examples of clothing and crafts, plus military uniforms worn by Mansfield residents.



Before leaving Mansfield, we went to the cemetery where the Wilders are buried. There were many small rocks placed on the headstones as a tribute to Laura's family.



I hope you enjoyed coming along with us on our trip!

Love,

Marqueta

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"Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, then don't remember me at all."
~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Days at Home

Dear Friends,

It's the little, simple things that make my heart happy. In all the hustle and bustle of raising a large family, sometimes it's nice to stop and notice the little things. . .

. . . Like a Butterfly landing on someone toes!


. . . And a lovely young miss who is entering her Girlhood (Here she's modeling the pioneer dress I made for her to wear to Wilder Days this Saturday).


. . .That same young miss love insects and spiders!


. . . And playing with baby dolls! She bought this one with her own money, and it looks and feels amazingly real.


I didn't have enough money for a new doll, so I had to pose with an old chicken instead.


Here a nine-year old boy helps out with lunch (a simple soup of carrots, split peas, and rotini and home-preserved tomato juice)~


And two girls spend the day helping to deep-clean the kitchen.


And there's that dreamy-eyed one again, helping with the dishes!


May I always remember to stop and appreciate my daily life, as each moment slips so quickly away. These small moments will be the memories I will cherish forever.

Love,

Marqueta

Friday, September 9, 2016

More Fun at the Doll Fair

 Dear Friends,

As promised, here are some more photos of our annual doll fair. As you can see, there were fine art displays, a tearoom hosted by none other than the Queen of England, baked goods, handicrafts, and even cotton (quilt-batting) candy!

Enjoy!

Love,

Marqueta








Friday, September 2, 2016

It's Time for the Doll Fair




Dear Friends,

Has it really been one month since I last posted? Where did August go? It's already Labor Day weekend, and time for our Small Dolls' annual fair! This year the fair will take place today, tomorrow, and Monday, with different activities each day.





Today there was a zip line, roller coaster, ferris wheel, carousel, and archery. Phew!










There were lots of treats available for all, and it looks like everyone had a fun time. Don't you wish you were a doll, too?

Love,

Marqueta