The Rollicking, Frolicking Animal Farm

Old Macdonald may have had a chicken, goose, and pig, but he never did see a monkey like the one we brought to the farm.

To celebrate the Memorial Day holiday, Thaus and I opted to take Xavier to the animal farm at Thanksgiving Point. My sisters and their kids were kind enough to join us, and before long we were chasing seven little monkeys infatuated with the sights and smells of country living.

To say that Xavier's delight at each animal station was warming to my heart would be an understatement. He absolutely adores animals, and visits the horses in our neighborhood each day. He loves to feed them hay and communicates with them in a language only he and they understand.

The farm was surprisingly not crowded; for a mom who hates battling masses of people, this was a great blessing. The kids were able to take their time at each animal stall and even pet a pygmy or two. The sky had cleared of the seemingly endless rain and gloomy dark clouds, and we were left to enjoy a light breeze, warm temps, and the enchanting air of wet hay and manure.

When we reached Xavier's favorite animal stall, the horses, we were delighted to find a newborn foal, only a couple hours old, and Jaxon's five-year old wisdom: "What is that red thing?" After I told him it was the placenta, he smartly replied, "It's a good thing I wasn't in it!" You can always count on Jaxon to be entertaining at any given moment.





Although daddy is standing safely to the side, I could hardly believe X didn't make him get on the horse with him. He loved the pony ride!


Sweet cousin Livi was all smiles on her steed. She is a natural with the ponies.


Making friends with the Clydesdales.




Beautiful view from the horse pasture while cousin Jaxon sat on the fence practicing his gang signs.



Playing in the old Western town. Just look at that face!


Protesting yet again...


The calf was after Sammie's fruit snacks. Such a sweet little animal. He was licking all the kids and giving them "sandpaper" kisses.



What?! No attitude here...


Saying one last goodbye to the llamas on our way out. Xavier was definitely not wanting to leave.

Remarkably, we only tortured those poor creatures for about an hour and a half before departing. The animals were gracious enough to let us poke, prod, and pet them without any injury, although the geese did protest our proximity to them. Hopefully, Old Macdonald will forget the follies of our visit and permit us to return again someday to greet our old friends, make new ones, and delve into the delightful discoveries of childhood.