Vaca Part Three: Farm Living

Day 5:
Kenzie woke up bright and early excited what the new day would bring. Brien's mom took her outside to run around with the grasshoppers while we were getting up and moving and when they came back inside Kenzie stated, "This isn't a farm. There's no barn!" In her mind, a farm didn't exist without one. Little did she know that she just hadn't seen the whole operation yet.

Uncle Chris took Kenzie and Connor out on the land to feed the cows, and then we loaded up the car and made our way to Arbuckle Wilderness with plans to meet up at the dairy farm later that day.

Arbuckle Wilderness
I have fond memories of my parents taking me and my sister, Holly, to Arbuckle Wilderness when we were kids, so I knew our family was in for a treat. Brien had never been. On a Monday morning we pretty much had the park to ourselves. We bought three cups of animal feed, and Theresa got the kids a magazine that pictured all the animals so we could mark off all we came across. (Kenzie loved taking the book for show and tell last week, and I'm amazed that she can remember so many unusual animal names.)

As we drove through, the animals came running right up to our windows to get a bite to eat. We saw alpacas, llamas, emus, donkeys, zebras, and giraffes, to name a few. Kenzie and Connor were fearless when the animals came up to the windows and petted them while they ate from their cups - until we came upon the camels. Their long necks stretched all the way in our car going for the food cups in our console, while Kenzie was sitting in my lap. It was hilarious. We quickly learned to just crack the window to feed the camels. We didn't even bother with the ostriches. I distinctly remember an ostrich ripping the cup from my hand and running off with it when I was little, and when we fed the first one, he almost got away with my cup again. I knew the kids wouldn't be able to hold on.



Near the end of our tour we had a not so great experience. We were so excited to see the zebras and feed them, but as we started to drive off the zebras began attacking a baby calf! They repeatedly picked it up in their mouths and violently shook it back and forth, while the mom watched from the sidelines - she was no match for the zebras. We found the park number to alert their staff to intervene. A little while later a man appeared and picked up the calf and loaded it in the truck. He stopped and told us not to worry that he was fine and acted surprised about the incident. Cathy later told us that baby animals are very resilient - much tougher than they look. Anyhow, this made an impression on Kenzie who proceeded to tell everyone about those mean zebras that hurt the baby calf. I just told her it was a good thing we were there to call someone to save him. It probably didn't help matters that I was freaking out as it happened.

We ended up spending about an hour and a half at Arbuckle Wilderness since no one was behind us. Though the conclusion of the trip put a damper on our spirits, overall we had a great time and will definitely go again in a few years when Cooper is a little older. Seeing the kids faces and excitement as the different animals approached was priceless.

Turner Falls Lookout
While in Davis, we had to show the kids Turner Falls. Originally, I wanted to make the park a destination, but then decided Cooper would slow us down too much. We'll probably go there next year. Connor was excited to see the falls from the lookout and called it "Paradise Falls" from the Movie Up. They love that show. We could see only one couple in the park from the lookout! Would have loved having the park to ourselves.

Dairy Farm
Now, for the farm fun. The dairy farm was down the road and across the street from the Hughes' home. We got the kids dressed in their jeans and boots and headed that way. When we arrived we got to witness the cows getting milked on the machines. We learned the Hughes sell their milk to the Hiland distributors, which we buy sometimes. Lots of work goes into milking those cows and running the farm!

Next, it was time to ride horses. Kenzie was insistent that she ride a white one. I attributed to Disney princess movies, but when we asked she said she wanted to be like Hannah Montanna - go figure. Kenzie rode with Uncle Chris, and Connor with cousin Blake on his horse, Dark Baby. Connor's still talking about Dark Baby. Oddly, since we've been home, Connor is suddenly loving his rocking horse, so much that he's pulled it up into his bed to snuggle with at night!


Connor trick riding bareback

Blake is so good with the kids.


Then, they got to pet a baby calf.


Kenzie and Connor collected eggs from the chicken coop with Aunt Cathy, and only dropped two in the process. Love those farm fresh eggs. While in the coop, Connor caught a chicken by the tail feathers. Have no idea what inspired him to do that, but no one seemed to mind, thank goodness.


Meanwhile, Cooper just hung out the whole time. We were so glad that Brien's Mom was there to help watch him and share our experience with Connor and Kenzie. Had to snap a picture of Cooper on this bright green chair.

Cathy's Birthday
Monday was Cathy's birthday, and we loved celebrating with their family. Mrs. Kelley bought some delicious ribs from a local restaurant, and Cathy prepared fresh vegetable sides from the farm for dinner. Then, we enjoyed a wonderful three-layered birthday cake made and delivered by Mama Joe herself. Ashley arrived late because she was tied up with softball, but we all enjoyed visiting with her when she made it home. Needless to say, the kids slept very well after a full day of fun and feasting. I think we all did.