The fourth grade has been studying Medieval history this semester. To celebrate the end of the semester Mr Hupp arranged for a Medieval feast. Jessica and I decided to contribute our version of apple tarts...which were basically mini apple pies in cupcake papers. Here she is showing off our creations. I got to the school early to help them set up and make wassail with some other Moms. This is the cafeteria. Which is also the place I have my Spanish lessons once a week. The other day we're in the teachers conference room, but I digress.

More pics from before the kids came in.

The kids came down and the principal read a proclamation inviting the children to the feast. True to the time, Lords and ladies were allowed to enter first, then Masters and mistressess, lastly the serfs were allowed to enter.

Mr Hupp was a serff.lol

Jess,waiting with her friends.

The Principal read some more things to the kids, welcoming them and such.

The festive table....note the candles burning. That never would happen in the states.lol

Jess getting her food, all the kids were dressed as their characters. Each kid was assigned a character to research and create a house in which they would have lived. Some of the houses were amazing. Obviously, the parents were helping them out. Jess...poor thing, didn't have the help. But, it came out cute anyway. I don't have a picture of that though.

One of the other teachers read a story about a plow. Then one of the fifth grade teachers came in and they acted out a short poem in which the farmers son askes for the fair lady's hand in marraige.

They introduced the Mummers next. Apparently they were groups of medieval entertainers, which makes me wonder if they are not in some way related to our Philadelphia mummers...um, no feathers or string bands today though.

I taped the little play...ok..technical difficulties.I think it's too big I'm going to see if Nick can help upload it. We've been trying for several hours now...
and on to the next thing...

Mr Hupp taught the kids a dance to do as well.

They invited a high school student who fences to show the kids a few moves. He was very funny. He started out by saying that the kingdom must really be in dire straights to be recruiting 4th graders. LOL

He picked out some volunteers to demonstrate some moves. First there was a boy who the fencer quickly disarmed. Then he picked Jess. Silly, silly man.lol Jess put the moves on him. I didn't tape it but she kept jumping around and jabbing like a crazy person and wouldn't you know it, she knocked his sword away. lol That's my girl. You can't see the sword in this pic because I had a bad angle and she's left handed.

Then a toast with the wassail to a happy new year.

Mr Hupp opening his gift from the class. The woman to the right is the other 4th grade teacher. I don't know her name. The kids really like their teachers. There were hugs all around.

It was a festive way to celebrate the holidays.

Now we're packing for our flight tomorrow. We'll be in the states by the afternoon.
We can't see everyone this trip but I'm excited about the plans we have and the friends we will see. I hope everyone has safe travels, happy family gatherings and continued blessings in the new year.

Love you all and Merry Christmas!!
~Bren