John surprised us today! We hadn't done anything exciting as a family since our trip to Cartersville last month. Things were getting stale around the Degonia Castle. We needed an outing; but it was 24 degrees outside and windy. In order to get away, we went back in time!
John loaded us into the car after breakfast; and on the pretense of going to Dave & Busters, the boys' favorite place to eat burgers and play videogames, we drove to Atlanta. The boys didn't realize they were in for a rare treat. John bought us all tickets to Medieval Times!
The boys had been asking about Medieval Times for months. Spencer has read almost every library book available about knights and castles. Since we have been building catapults, ballista, and trebuchets all semester, and since we are just about to launch into our study of the middle ages in history, I could even justify the expense as an educational field trip. The truth was-- it was fantastic for all of us.
The boys were thrilled when they realized we weren't just in Atlanta for a few videogames and a burger. When John told them, Denver squealed with delight, and Spencer and John Robert grinned from ear to ear. We walked into the entry hall of the "castle" and were given crowns to wear. We toured the dungeon-- full of tools of torment-- and admired the real swords, suits of armor, and had our picture taken with the King and Queen.
When the great doorway opened, we found our seats and were served an enormous meal of meat, soup, bread, potatoes, and apple pastries while a falconer performed with her bird and a parade of the royal court circled the arena. There were knights jousting, there was swordfighting, there was a battle between our kingdom and another. In short, it was two hours of heaven for our three boys. Spencer and Denver were beyond thrilled. Even John Robert, who had played it cool at first, yelled and cheered for the Green Knight-- the hero of our kingdom.
John and I smiled at each other again and again as we watched our guys enjoying themselves. Denver waved his green banner and they all three cheered the whole time. They loved the meal and audience participation. In a few more years, they won't want to go with us to Medieval Times. If they go later, it will be with their friends or girlfriends. Now is our chance to spend time with our young princes.
When we finally arrived home, Spencer and Denver continued to play knights-- bundled in their coats and running around the yard with sticks until well after dark. After finally coming inside, they continue to battle as I write this-- if the house does not fall down, I'll be amazed!
It is not always easy to decide when it's best to be thrifty with our money, and when to splurge. Judging from the joy in the boys eyes today, however, I am sure that today's big adventure was worth every penny.
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