Pipestone Camping Trip 2010

Every 2 years our family meets in Pipestone, MN 

for the Pipestone Civil War Event

which my father is involved in.
*which also falls on my Birthday*  :)

There is the Pipestone Fort ruins to visit with a gift shop inside

and then there's the settlers tents with authentic garb, guns, toys, and treats

from the civil war days. 
My mom, dad, Zian, Keegan and I used to dress up
in formal civil war ball gowns and uniforms and participate in the Ball on Saturday evening in the Library square...it was always so much fun to get fancied up the way they used to and dance with my gorgeous husband (especially since he's an ex-ballroom dance instructor!)

...but my dress is in need of repair and my mom sold all of her gowns this year.
Then there is the reenactment of the battles that took place there.

This year dad was wounded quite early...

but to our surprise he ended up being alright!!  ;)

(which earned a shouted "HE'S ALIVE!" from the grand kids watching)

It is always very interesting even though this was our 5th or 6th 

(hard time remembering) time going.

While we are there, my brother's family, 

our family and my parents

all camp out at the campgrounds

where there is a pool,

large playground and a game room.

We also make time for the WATERPARK,

and this time the carnival too!

It was lots of fun

and very hard to say goodbye for another 2 years  :(

Johan made me try on this leather vest in the gift shop

so I tried looking tough in it.

this is probably my largest post ever...

I would have made a slide show 

but there is family over seas that print out photos from here.