Went to a new Ren Faire this summer. This one is a bit closer in Silverton, OR. And it is in the shade – meandering through a grove of trees.

I started things off with a turkey leg, then we headed to the field to watch the first joust. We routed for the black knight, who won the show, I think because of our encouraging cheering – huzzah.

Jasmine and I caught an enigmatic magic show and an entertaining juggling show while Emily shopped the many tents and pavilions of medieval crafts and sundries.

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We went to John’s Pizza with our friends Chris, Lisa and Andrew. We ate lots of food and played lots of games. We stayed long enough to eat both lunch and dinner. We’re probably still full.

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Perfect Oregon weather for some fun in downtown Beaverton at the annual Ten Tiny Dances.

We were entertained with dances from different cultures and styles.

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The time my mother stayed with us was probably the hottest two weeks of the summer. We didn’t get out much, but did go to the World Forestry Center. It was the first time for us. They had a exhibition of Ansel Adams photography that my mother and I were interested in seeing. Jasmine let me glance at a few and then she and I were off to explore.

There is a large atrium with lots of exhibits on forests and the animals that live in them. There was also a mock white water rafting photo opportunity Jasmine had fun with.

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My mom came out for her summer visit. While Jeff and Jasmine were in Delaware my mom kept me company. Although I was working for much of the time, she made sure to have dinner ready for me. She also passed the time watching the Wimbledon tennis tournament. But owing to the time difference between England and Oregon, she had to get up at 5 AM every morning. She’s a trooper when it comes to tennis.

Once Jeff and Jasmine got back we were off to the restaurants and the video games at John’s Incredible Pizza.

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