We were in Dayton over the weekend to celebrate Father's Day and my Mom's birthday...but of course we managed to squeeze in a little family fun time too! Max has been into farm animals as of late...requesting me to read "Moo, Baa, La, La, La" ten times a night, and really only wanting to look at the farm animal page of his animal book. He can totally point to a cow (#geniuschild)...so it was natural that a farm trip was in order!
(Preparing for the trip...studying up on his animals)
Randomly, my mom remembered a farm called "Learning Tree Farm" that some kids from high school worked at...and a few clicks on the old internet and we located it (google really is such a magical thing). It looked like the real deal...and they had two pigs named "Snoop Hoggy Hog" and "Hameniem" (after the rappers)...so obviously it was a no brainer. If you name your pigs after rappers it's pretty much a guaranteed that I will come visit your farm.
(I was loving the vibe of this farm...a hand painted sign! yes please!)
Miracoulsly Grandpa Tim knew the area pretty well (despite grandmim's constant questioning of his navigational skills)..and by the time we pulled in - we were the only car in the very small lot. There was no staff in site...but the directions said to leave our money in the drop box (honor code enforced). All I have to say is the people running the farm must be real trusting because all the signs indicated that "if you could open the wooden gates, you were welcome to go in!" What??! Well in we went and were so.close.to.all.the.animals! Maxwell's young dreams came true!
I was dying as the pig's snout came over the railing...Max did not appear to be frightened at all!
Out in the pasture we encountered more sheep, two horses, some cows, ducks (Max loved those too!), and some baby goats!
At one point I was trying to hold both his hands and he insisted on walking with just one of my hands. He was especially interested in this sheep with super thick, curly hair!
(The ducks weren't too sure about us...and promptly fled as we got closer!)
It was so adorable to see him stand on his tippy toes to see between the slats. In the above picture he was investigating a donkey who was patiently tolerating two little baby goats trying to jump on its back! What can I say? This farm was bustling with animal activity. Max is still pointing at everything...and would flap his arms in excitement when he saw something especially wonderful!
After exploring the animal barn, pasture, tobacco barn, chicken coop, and checking out the barn cat -- we had one last spot...the garden! This garden was awesome...it had everything from cauliflower, beets, swiss chard and potatoes...to grapes, tomatoes, and peas! We were very inspired (maybe next year we will take it up a notch from the three zuchinni plants we have?). Overall a great afternoon...and a wonderful way to celebrate Grandmim's birthday!
And...most importantly - we made it home in time for nap!
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