Well, They Look Like Rocks

Found it!

Going for a hayride. I just kept hoping that the back gate wouldn't open up and drop us!

Feeding the goats (do you know how hard it is trying to hold a feed cup, take a picture, and keep an eye on Leah all at the same time?)

Last Monday, Leah and I stopped by Old Mine Ranch. My MOPS group organized this outing, which was nice since a) it meant some of my friends were there, and b) it introduced me to someplace new (convenient since I had never even heard of Old Mine Ranch.

The weather was unseasonably warm, but considering we were outside for a couple hours, it worked to our benefit. I expected Leah to go ga-ga over the animals, partially because I enjoy them, and partially because she loved seeing them at the fair in August. Boy was I surprised, then, when she chose the outdoor toys (ride-on cars and the like) over the animals! I pulled her along on one briefly, and then managed to re-direct her attention to the animals. (Of course, the other kids' excitement and interest helped, too.)

One of the workers came around with feed for the animals, and despite trying to get Leah to feed them, I was unsuccessful. One particular goat was rather greedy, so I guess it was a good thing that I held the cup. The goat would've knocked Leah down! Leah did try to help; I'd pour some feed into her hand, and then she'd put it in my palm. At least she tried.

At one point, we started making our way to the barn to see the ponies, donkey, and llama. (Let me pause here to interject: Leah loves exploring the outdoors. Our neighborhood walks are more like nature strolls, allowing her the chance to pick up leaves, rocks, and acorns.) Obviously, since this was a farm and many of the animals roamed free, you can imagine what littered the ground here and there. And wouldn't you know it, but my kiddo found some, and before I could stop her, picked it up. Gross! I know, she didn't know any better, and she probably thought it was a pebble, but ew! (At least she didn't fret when I knocked it out of her hand, and then whipped out the wipes.)

The rest of our visit was uneventful (but enjoyable). We took a hayride around the farm, and then Leah had a chance to decorate her own pumpkin. When she saw the cart of pumpkins, she marched right up to it, climbed atop a hay bale, and then selected hers. After decorating it (markers), she was ready to choose another one! Ahh, the budding artiste!