Family fun day at the farm

Yesterday was "Family Fun Day" at a local(ish) farm and we made reservations weeks ago. We had gone to this two years ago when I was pregnant with Ben and it was just wonderful. We had so much fun and decided to go again. This year we asked Chris' two best friends and families to join us. We were so happy they wanted to go and have anticipated this day with excitement for weeks.

So earlier this week when the stomach bug started making rounds in our house I prayed that it would stop right where it started and none of us would miss the day at the farm. Unfortunately, Chris got hit the night before and was in no shape to go. What a disappointment for us all.

Thankfully when I called Pa first thing in the morning and asked him to go he said yes. I think he was a little shocked when I said we would be leaving in 45 minutes but he took it in stride and quickly got ready.
As you can see Ben even brought one of his animals to the farm and pretty much held on to it all day.

Katelyn's best friend Ryley, who is such a sweet kid, joined us for the day.

Connor was so good at milking the cow and kept getting back in line to have another turn.

Not sure what was with the smile Maggie gave me when she was holding this lovely rabbit.

Oh, and there miss Maggie is again, this time holding a chicken. The bigger kids liked catching the chickens and holding them, although I am not sure the chickens were overly happy about it. I am pretty sure they were happy when we finally saw the sign telling us not to hold the chickens though!

I think this was my favorite animal of the day. A mama pig with all her piglets!

Thankfully Katelyn was up for going with us. She was hit with the stomach bug the morning before we went and it was a game time decision on whether she was going to join us or not. I am glad she did because she did great and seemed fully recovered from her yucky bug.

Ben loved looking at all the animals from a-far but was more than happy to get up close to this tiny baby bunny. You can't really see the bunny but take my word that it was adorable!

Watching this man shear this sheep was really neat. I couldn't believe how calm the sheep was.

And, of course, jumping in the hayloft was a definite favorite.

I looked over during the hayloft jumping and saw this.... It caught me as a beautiful picture and I was not disappointed when I clicked the camera! Pa and Ben were looking at the cows out in the field.

Katelyn jumping! She was hesitant though, the hay didn't seem to go well with her asthma.

Go Ryley!

And Connor!

This is April. She was such a sweet horse and the favorite for Katelyn and Ryley.

Horse back riding was so wonderful.

Even little Leah wanted to ride and really enjoyed it.

Katelyn was a little bummed that I had to walk with her. She keeps reminding me that next time we go visit Gorgeous and Chu-Chu Grammy told her she could ride alone!

Ryley said this was her favorite part of the day when I asked her later.

Here goes Connor, riding on Henry.

Last but not least it was Ben's turn to ride. He really wasn't sure about this but did well until we were almost done and then he wanted off.

How many farms do you know that have an indoor pool??? Not many!

But this one does and the kids were thrilled!

A few pictures outside before it was time to leave. Notice Maggie doesn't have a coat on, the weather warmed up pretty nicely in the afternoon.

I wish this picture had come out better but the kids were very tired at this point. Maybe next time I should try and get a group shot at the beginning.

Taylor had a great time but was so intent on finding a chicken egg to bring home so she could hatch a chick. No matter how many time she was told they weren't hatching eggs she wouldn't believe us. Unfortunately she never found one anyway.

Ryan's thinking about taking the tractor out for a ride.

Here is sweet little Leah who absolutely loved the farm!

These are Leah's parents, Justin and Jess, who also loved the farm. Justin and Chris have been best friends since kindergarten. Oh, and they are going to be having another little baby girl in Feb/March that I can't wait to meet and love on!

Ryan and his Daddy, Andy. Chris, Justin and Andy have been best friends since they were little boys.

I tried to get a family picture but it didn't work out so well. Leah was tired and wanted no part of a family picture.

Andy and Jenny's family however took a great picture!

It was a great day. I love that all of our kids are growing up together just like Chris, Justin and Andy did.

We all missed Chris a great deal though and really hope that next time we will all be there!