Thursday, October 29, 2009

Missisinewa 1812

On another of those weekends off while I was on nights, we took advantage of a uniquely Indianan experience. About 1 1/2 hours north of Indianapolis there is a huge War of 1812 reenactment at a site of what was realistically a very small insignificant battle (don't tell the people there that I said that it was insignificant). The battle took place on the banks of the Mississinewa River, hence the name of this festival -- Mississinewa 1812. We managed to convince our good friends the Rupps to go with us, which made it much more fun. In addition to the War of 1812 battle reenactment, they had a river pirate battle, British, American, & Native American encampments/villages to walk through, as well as over 150 shops of various types. We really enjoyed walking around, eating some 1800's style food, drinking some 'original' root beer and some freshly pressed apple cider, as well as enjoying learning more about the War of 1812 (a frequently passed over, but quite important event in our nation's infancy). For any of you that want to learn more, check out the link above.
*I somehow added links to the words 'learning' and 'eating' above. I don't know how to delete them. Please ignore them.*


River Pirate Battle
American Militia/Military

Native Americans and British soldiers


American Attack
(They were still fighting in the Napoleonic style)

British soldiers ready for their attack


Virginia with Gabe Rupp dipping candles

Kenta and Gabe


Virginia holding Isabelle Rupp while her mom gives her some of a hot-off-the-coals pork chop

St Louis in September

While I was working nights, I had all my weekends off. I spent a lot of time catching up on sleep, but we also took the opportunity to get out of town a couple times. Kenta has an inner need to see the Braves play as frequently as possible, and I have the an inner need for road trips and new places. So we hit to road and went to St Louis. It's only a four hour drive, so not bad for a weekend trip. We had a bunch of things planned, but I had such a hard time waking up that we had to cut some of it short. Please enjoy some pictures of our adventure below.


Chipper Jones at bat


Bobby Cox - a Braves necessity

Albert Pujols at bat


The Arch from underneath



The arch at night





K&V catching the game

K&V in front of the Arch



K&V in front of Busch Stadium