Knights and Armor

We spent the majority of the morning and afternoon at a castle called Rakvere a little over an hour away from our home.  It was such a wonderful family day.  We woke up to the sun shining which is why my husband said, “Let’s go to the castle today!”  It is very out of the ordinary for my husband to suggest something out of the blue because he is an extremely scheduled person … everything has to be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance or else it is deemed impulsive.  I must say he truly balances me out!!!   I tend to be impulsive and spontaneous … an idea will pop into my head and within minutes I will have my children ready and out the door to go on some great adventure and it is usually without my husband.  : )    So, I was just delighted to get the kiddos ready for a fun day at the castle.

What a mighty castle this was in its’ day!!  We saw a drawing of what it was way back then – it had a huge moat and drawbridge.  I kept envisioning the battles that must have taken place right here.

Psalm 18:2       The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower.

Psalm 71:3      Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou [art] my rock and my fortress.

I love these verses – I love knowing that God is MY fortress … As the verse says, I can CONTINUALLY resort in the strong refuge of God almighty.  How many people sought refuge within the castle walls of Rokvere?  There had to be a sense of security for the people that sought refuge here.   God is our refuge … if we allow Him to be.    We may not be fighting against swords and spears, nor flesh and blood, but we are wrestling against the darkness of this world, against  wickedness.  I feel the Enemy of Satan even today in my own journey of life.   I am just so thankful for the High Tower that we can run into and be safe.

Okay … onto lighter and brighter things … my family!  : )

Lots to do at this castle!  There were quite a few people dressed up to make it more festive and fun.

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This castle has BOYS written all of over it!  I mean, is there not a boy alive who doesn’t like knights and castles to explore and swords??

Okay … this castle has LITTLE BOYS and BIG BOYS written all over it!   Just a little sword fighting thing going on here.

I mean seriously, I think Bob had just as much fun as Samuel!  How fun!

My sweet family.  I am blessed!

Ahh … my strong prince.   Sophia finally gets to lead her brother around, so she announced.  : )  These two are so much alike in personality.  They both want to lead and Sophia just had to rub it in.

My little animal lover.   Sarah played on this horse for a very long time.  I can’t remember what she named him, but I am sure she will remind me tomorrow when she sees this picture.  Maybe some day she will get a real horse of her own.

So, my Sophie girl thought this was going to be like a petting zoo.  It was NOT!  This poor little goat.  Can you see the terrified look on this little goat’s face??

And yet some more tortured animals …

and some more ….

and yet even more unfortunate animals!!

Sarah is “making stew” over an open fire.  And this is when I told my family that I am so glad to be living in the day that we are living in.  I just cannot see myself cooking a meal over an open fire like this.   Do you ever feel like you make the same meals over and over again?  Well, back then, I would imagine that really would be the case!

Just had to add this one.  I love this man!  : )