A Day at the Farm

Last weekend we went to Shetler Farm for their annual Open Barn. What a perfect day! It was sunny, low 70's with a cool breeze...who could ask for better?

The Kidlet was able to pet a cow


MP3 saw his first turkey and yelled, "Cluck!" Not bad, kid. Not bad at all.


But then he tried to touch the turkey. Luckily Daddy got his fingers out of there before they became turkey feed.


They had a nice hay maze (minus the boys running around on top of the hay. Where were their parents?).


MP3 loved chasing his sister through the maze!


He loved finding her even more!


The Kidlet and MP3 having fun together! Isn't it sweet?

For a small fee they had a pony ride. Even though the Kidlet has never been on a horse/pony/etc. she insisted on getting on and off by herself. She did a great job and (I believe) had a wonderful time!

Riding a pony


Waving at his sister while she rides a pony.


Don't worry, Buddy! You'll be able to get on a pony someday, too!


MOOoooOOOOooo!


There were name cards at each milking station. This cow is appearantly named "Carla." Interesting...


A quick rest stop before hiking back to the car!

Birthday! or no more booster seats

As I'm sure most of you know, the Kidlet turned 8 the other day (where does the time go?). This is a big milestone for her since now she now longer has to use a booster seat under Michigan's seat belt laws. Oh happy day!

So far we've only had a family party for her. She had a great time with her cousins, ate some cake (well...she ate the frosting, anyway), and received some neat presents.

Riding her bike, waiting for the party-goers.

While her cousins skated.....

she hung on her swingset...

and MP3 mowed the yard.

Darin gave his cousin a piggyback ride.

Darin got his hair cut and Alex needs to.

The Kidlet and Jeana watched some skateboarding.

So did MP3

MP3 found his toes....again...

Paigey had fun pushing MP3 on his swing.

More swinging fun!

Got snacks?

And then it was time for PRESENTS!

A new Webkinz...

Darin and Alex's present came with a card made by their Dad (and if you would like to support him and other local native artists, his store can be found here).

MP3 found a comfy place to sit.

And then it was time for cake. This year I wimped out and made a bee cake (much easier than all those others I've decorated). The dark frosting is called Dark Chocolate Fudge and I highly recommend it.

Make a wish!

Perhaps her favorite present is the tennis teatherball set from Nana and Papa. She has become so good at it...it's frightening!

Well, it was a great day. The weather was perfect, the cake was easy to make and very yummy, she received some new board games, and she had a great time playing with all her cousins. I think that even MP3 had a good time! I only hope that her birthdays keep turning out so well.

Gender Differences

It is strange, the things that MP3 does that the Kidlet never did as a toddler. The first time he got his hands on a ball he threw it, for instance. Or a few weeks ago after a particularly nasty belch he grinned and tried to give me kisses. Or when we're watching America's Fuinniest Videos and he laughs his head off every time someone falls down. Or when he does this while watching TV:

Oh yeah, you can wrap him up in pink ribbons but there's no mistaking that fact that he's a boy....

Since that's a strange image to leave you with, I give you bath time!!