2 Days in the Village

The amazing gem of Sauder Village is a country block from where my Grandma lives. Janell and I and our siblings remember going here as children when we visited Grandma and Grandpa. It sure was fun to go back together as adults and experience it again through adult eyes and with our children. This was my children's second time and they loved it just as much as the first. In fact, we spent 2 days here.

 Anna's very own spinning shop and it it building number 7 and Anna is 7 years old! She was super excited.

 Singing Amazing Grace with accompaniment from the pump organ.

 Renee grabbed a picture of Anna at the weaving shop. Weaving an intense skill! I couldn't keep up with the lady explaining the pedals and wires! It's amazing how much we learn each time we go. With different artisans in the shops they each bring out unique perspectives on the history.

 I should have dug out the picture of Janell and I in the double seater outhouse from when we were preteen(ish). This one is recreated. Our photographer was a bit challenged in the attitude department and this was the best we got.

 The first day we spent a lot of time at the glass blowing building. Burlington Glass Works is amazing. You should follow that link and to see some of his glass works.

 He was making these glass spheres with colors in the afternoon. It takes about 4 hours to make a series of 3 spheres so throughout the afternoon we kept stopping back in to see what was happening.

 Our timing was really on point because we got to see him pick up the colored rods to add to the clear glass. And then later we saw him actually finish the piece and drop it and put it in the 997 degree oven as opposed to the almost 1400 degree furnace. Our children entertained the assistant with their antics and songs about "cooking the (glass) sausage".

 Afternoon ice cream is required!

 We really loved the artisans who took it upon themselves to keep the children entertained and teach them. At the grist mill the man lined the children up by height and walked in front of them while he told them about the grist mill. He had them file past the window to see the water wheel when he started it and then in front on the mill to see the corn meal come down the chute.

Day 2! Everyone was ready to go back. I was a little worried that the kids would wake up and not want to go back. But there was a whole other section of the village that we had not explored. The first stop was the toy maker's shop. The counters are covered with wooden toys that they make. All of the children played for at least 20 minutes.

 It was off to a train ride.

 And a short walk to the Indian village.

 Popcorn stew and something else was cooking over the first. She was also drying squash.

 At the covered wagon settlement Aliza carried water again.

 In the early pioneer settlements we went to school...

 ...and kneaded bread. The lady was actually making bread. She had the dough in a rising box outside and the brick outdoor oven was heating. She also introduced the children to ground cherries and anise.

 This afternoon called from more ice cream--or popcorn.

We also took a horse drawn carriage ride which Lydia especially adored. Finally, it was time to navigate the gift shops and souvenirs. That got a little dicey, but Janell and I survived. I may have spoiled the children this time. Good memories...