Learning Tree Farm - our second visit

 

Max and I were at my parents house this past weekend (again - we were missing Papa Rob, but knew the best decision was for us to go while he stained the deck.  Decking staining and toddlers just don't mix).  We had some time on Sunday (and the weather was so beautiful) - so we decided to check on our beloved Learning Tree Farm again.

 

During our last visit Max was just on the brink of walking but this time around he was walking all on his own!  He seemed to especially like their big garden.  They had several rows of raised beds, arbors for the peas and climbing plants, and even grapes!  I was secretly pleased to see that their squash and zucchini plants were also not doing that great (darn squash blight or mold or whatever!).  But everything else was thriving!  Lots of cherry tomatoes, peppers, and even pumpkins.  They even had zinnias (my favorite flower) that were about as big as Max's head! 

Max just sort of roamed about in the garden...until he found every boy's favorite thing --

a giant pile of dirt!  Jackpot.  And, they even had shovels for the kids to dig in the dirt box.  Max wasn't quite tall enough to "dig" yet -- but he did enjoy wielding the shovel all around (and practically taking my eye out). The most hysterical part was when he actually got some dirt on his shovel and dumped it all over his face. Some even got in his mouth and he kept smacking his lips trying to get it out.  Oh well.

A little dirt never hurt!

 (Grandpa Tim maintains he ate dirt growing up....and he turned out fine)

 

 

We also checked on all of our favorite animals. A few of the goats had given birth

to some babies since our June visit.  The donkeys were all still there (and quite friendly).

The cows tolerated Max's curious touch and then meandered off.  The pigs (Snoop Hog and Hameniem) were snoozing next to each other.  And - there were actually two goats out and about when we pulled up.  I can only assume they were "mowing" the grass.

 

 

 

This visit we also had some time to play on the farm equipment. 

Max was loving sitting up high and "driving" using the steering wheel of the tractors.

He had such a determined look on his face! 

And of course, the dirt on his face makes him look the part even more.

 

 

 

(He's all "hey grandpa, I got this.  You're cramping my style here")

 

 While we certainly aren't ready to move to the country any time soon,

(Mama needs her Starbucks and Target...though I think I would consider getting

chickens because of the fresh eggs)....I do think the wide open spaces, freedom to roam,

explore, and play are just what this little buckaroo needed.

 

Until next time! Giddy up cowboys!

xoxo