A Children's Farmstead

Growing up I always wished we lived on a farm (I know, I'm from Iowa and didn't live on a farm *gasp*!). That doesn't mean I didn't love everything I learned and did while visiting my friends who were lucky enough to live on farms.

As Marcus grows up I want him to have that same appreciation. I want Marcus to know the difference between a tractor and a combine. It'd be great if he knew 'cows' refers only to the female bovine beauties. I want Marcus to understand there is a difference between field corn and sweet corn. We will likely never live on a farm, but I want Marcus to have as many farm experiences as possible.

Insert amazing trip to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead in Kansas with all of Marcus' cousins!

As we approached the entry of the farm I felt like a little kid at Christmas. I knew I was going to love the place as much (if not more) than the kids.

When I lived in Kansas City I'd never visited Deanna Rose (I'm kicking myself for skipping over this gem), but obviously this will be a place we frequent when we are in town.

While I couldn't get Marcus to pay much attention to the animals there were a few things that he seemed naturally drawn to.

Upper left: Something that makes noise? Yep, that's a winner.
Lower left: A goat I can possibly lie on? Yep, we'll try that, too.
Right: A big piece of equipment that has potential to carry me from point A to point B? Sign me up!

Feeding the ducks was one of the few things that really captivated Marcus. (Side note: I cannot handle birds. Birds give me the hee bee gee bees, and being so close was not my idea of awesome.)

We spotted a butterfly garden and quickly went in to take a peak. By this time Marcus was ready for lunch and a nap. When I didn't spot any butterflies I took advantage of a photo op and kept it moving.

Marcus looks like he wants to launch himself out of that stroller, good thing we had him strapped in.

I could have roamed the grounds of Deanna Rose all day long. There is SO MUCH to see and do there. We didn't experience half of what was there.

Before leaving (my idea of) heaven on earth we snapped some photos of our little entourage.

It's not often we are all together in one place.  It is even more rare the boys will all sit still long enough for pictures.

From left to right:
Nicholas, Marcus, Clark, Ethan
Getting smiles from them all at the same time is like pulling teeth.

I'm already dreaming of our next trip to the farmstead...