A Day on the Farm

Well, maybe it wasn't a full day on a farm, but we sure did have fun stopping by Fox Hollow Farm today.  We love this local farm in Gaithersburg.  I've been stocking my refrigerator with bags and bags of their fresh cut lettuce.  They actually go out to the garden and cut it while you wait, so you don't lose vital nutrients as it sits in a bag on a shelf.   I stop by the farm at least once or twice a week.  We also have indulged in their fresh eggs, pork tenderloin, home made par-baked breads, and even plants for my garden too.    Kate's favorite thing about the farm is their friendly kitty, Cider.  She talks about the kitten all day and all night.  Today I found her curled up on the floor with a napping Cider in her lap!  Kate is working very hard to convince Daddy that she needs a kitty.  Good Luck, Kate!

 

Of course there are many more animals on the farm than just Cider the kitty.  And Kate loves it when Mrs. Stephanie lets us go out to the barn.  Today she ran down there as if this was her farm to show off.  Here she is with a baby goat (his horns were just starting to show). Notice Lambie in her arms, she quickly ran to the next pen to show Lambie a real lamb.  Wish I had caught that on film.

 Kate and this turkey had a bit of conversation today...I'm wondering if he remembered her from our last visit on Saturday.   It was like they really understood each other.  Fox Hollow Farm is actually taking orders for Organic Turkey's for Thanksgiving.  They order just enough for those who place orders, raise the birds all summer and deliver them for the big feast in November.   This guy though, I think he stays around.

 The pigs were a big hit for Nathan and Kate.  They came right up to the fence and sniffed the kids.  I'm not sure who squealed louder, the piglets or Nathan. 

It's been so much fun and so rewarding supporting a local farmer, getting to know them personally, and teaching my children about the value of healthy, organic food grown locally.  For more information on buying local, see my favorite links on the sidebar. 

Baby's Best Friends

Kate loves animals. She sleeps with her froggie and often her duckie too. Her teddy bears line the shelf in her bedroom. Her turtles and ladybugs greet her on the changing table. Her giraffe is downstairs every morning waiting for her affection. Kate also loves books that have pictures of animals. She knows most of her animal sounds - she roars with the lions, moos with the cows, and quacks with the ducks on a daily baiss. Just last week, Kate informed us that she knew the word wombat! (I guess Baby Einstein's trip to the Outback was educational!)

Shayla is Kate's best playmate. And the older Kate gets, the more fun she has chasing Shayla around the house. Kate even likes to wrestle with Shayla from time to time. (Don't worry we're very close by when this happens.) Shayla often wants to find a safe hiding place from Kate, but in general she is very gentle with Kate.

Yet, my brother's dog, Maddison is a gem of a dog. This huge Saint Bernard is any child's best friend. The kids climb on her, pull her fur, ride her back, yank her tail and even nap on her. Maddie takes it all with a gentle stride. Kate and Collin played with Maddie for quite awhile the other day. Here are a few shots from their day with the dog.