Almanzo and Laura

This past weekend we drove up to Green Bay to take part in the Laura Ingalls Wilder Days at Heritage Hill. They love her Little House books and are totally interested in the pioneer days of Laura, Mary, Carrie and Almanzo. I was a total fan of the Little House television series back in the day and her books so it's been fun seeing their wheels turn as they realize how hard life was back then and do I dare say maybe they can appreciate what we are so lucky to have? It has also sparked some serious conversations about our government and what was done to the native Americans and such so it's been interesting. We did try renting a couple Little House shows but Bryn is not a fan of anything "scary" and I am pretty sure every episode had some life threatening event take place so they were quickly returned to the library.

When Karyl heard that we were going and learned that kids dress up for the event, she hand made Bryn a perfect pioneer dress, complete with petticoat and bonnet in Bryn's favorite two colors. She even brought over Henry suspenders, a straw hat and a plaid shirt. They couldn't wait to don their new duds for the noon promenade at Heritage Hill.

We got their early enough to be able to listen to the actors who played Almanzo and Mary talk about their days on the show and meet an author who has researched and written several books about Laura.

Manly, 20 years later!!

Mary, who hasn't changed a bit.....

As is the case their is TONS to do at Heritage Hill to acquaint it's guest's with life on the prairie. Above Bryn was grinding coffee.

Henry was able to help make a "calling card" of Laura's.

They kept asking when the parade (promenade) was going to start since they were so proud of their outfits. They waited patiently with a large group of Lauras and a smattering of Almanzos and then lined up to march behind a fiddle player, waved to the crowd and then headed to the gazebo for the picking of the Almanzo and Laura look alike winners.

Bryn has her little bonnet up and is the third from the right.

Henry ready to head up to the gazebo.

Miss Green Bay, who was master of ceremonies for the contest, looked at each little girl and boy and then made her announcements for the first and second place Laura and Almanzo look alike winners.

We couldn't believe it when she pointed to Henry as the first place winner and then he was given a tin cup full of goodies and got to announce on the loudspeaker his name and that he was from Madison Wisconsin.

Of course we quickly realized that although we were thrilled for Henry and his good luck, Bryn was heartbroken. She held it together and watched her brother get his picture taken with Miss Green Bay and the other winners but as soon as she got to us she cried in our arms. My mom and I watched as my dad rubbed Bryn's back and said to her "You're a winner, you're a winner sweetie".

Luckily daddy figured out what would make our little Laura happy...... the world biggest pickle. All was good in the world again and leave it to Henry to quickly offer to give his first place prizes to Bryn.

Below is my favorite picture with the littlest Laura we saw at the event..... A true half pint for sure!