A Visit To Kelsay's Farm...A Family Tradition...

For the past three years we have have visited Kelsay Farms.  The Kelsay family opened their farm to the public in 2007 so I'm not sure why we have only gone the last three years.  I didn't realize what we were missing!  We visited another pumpkin patch a couple weeks ago and while that one was also fun, I really like how Kelsay's provides the public with all the areas of fall family fun like pumpkins and a corn maze while informing the public about farming.

They have signs like this one hanging all throughout the farm.  I'm a farm girl myself, but even I didn't know some of these facts! 

They had three calves that were two weeks old.  This one was very friendly.  I think bottle calves may be in our future!  Maybe when it warms up a bit! 

All ready for the hay ride! 

All three of the girls loved the Corn Crib.  Jo thought it was almost as good as sand! 

It was a rainy and drizzly day, but Brad likes to go just as much as the girls and I do and that is the only time farmers can get away this time of year!  We pretty much had the whole place to ourselves! 

We had to go on a tour of the milking barn, of course.  Here is Amy telling us all the facts about the milking process... 

After the tour and our free chocolate milk (you get free milk after touring the milking barn.  How great is that?)  the girls wanted to try milking this cow by hand.  It's harder than it looks.  Good thing milking machines were invented in 1878! 

The Straw Bale Mountain is a favorite... 

This game is Mel's favorite... 

Jo thought she was pretty good at it... 

Face and hand painting... 

More games.. 

Next up was a reading of Rodeo Ron and His Milkshake Cows complete with our very own cowboy hats. 

After a fun day, it was time to head back to our own farm.  We can't wait to visit again next year!  

They also have a corn maze, Moo Choo Express, a kiddie play area for kids 5 and under, pumpkin bowling, and so much more!  If you are local, be sure to check out Kelsay Farm's website to see all they have to offer. They are open from 12-6 this week and Saturday from 12- 10pm and Sunday from 12-6 pm.  This is the last weekend they are open this year, so hurry!!;)

All opinions and photos are my own.  Affiliate links were used in this post. 

Steam Show Staycation...

The first weekend in August is the annual Pioneer Steam Show in our town.  We always have a ton of fun as a family.  The last few years we have treated it as our vacation, or staycation.  We have found it exhausting to travel when you have little kids, especially infants.  When we come home we almost need a vacation from our vacation.  So, until our kids get a little older, this will be the vacation spot for us.  We are grateful that our friends who set up camp for the whole weekend let us invade their space!  We cook, eat, visit, and enjoy the sights then head home for the evening to our air conditioned home with comfy beds only to wake up and do it again the next day!  We only live a couple miles from the show! 

During the show I do have to throw in a couple hours of work as the sorority that I am in is in charge of parking cars.  Last year I pulled the pregnancy card.  It was hot last year!  Like 95+ degrees!!!  This year I had to do my part with a little help...

Banner the baby whisperer...

While we were walking around the flea markets Jody lost her pacifier.  Luckily she fell asleep without it!

It was hot in those flea markets so ice cream was a must!

Sleeping baby and ice cream cones, perfect!  Now time for a cruise...

Time for the parade with cousins...

The lineup...

Love these two together...

Trust me, Brad was happy, but it was hot and the parade line seemed to move so slow!!!

Jo did great.  I was prepared to hop off the wagon at any moment with her.  This was post losing the pacifier, so I didn't think she would last.  Give the girl a package of Mum-Mums and she is good to go!

On Friday and Saturday evenings they have a spark show...

What do you do when you forget the keys to the camper?  Stick a 7-year old through the window;)..

These tractors are my favorite!  Always have been.  No, I'm not talking about the color.  They are called High Crop tractors...

I told Brad all I want for Christmas is a High Crop tractor.  He said they are very expensive so I guess I shouldn't hold my breath.

We are already looking forward to next year!!

Family Fun Weekend...

Last weekend was the annual "sisters weekend" for my MIL and her sisters.  She is one of six girls.  I was a little lazy with my camera over the weekend and I copied this one from Facebook....

On Friday we spent the day at one of the aunt's homes and enjoyed a day of swimming, eating and visiting.  Brad's cousin, Stuart hijacked my camera and snapped away.  Once again, I was being lazy, but I'm thankful he took some pictures for me.  All complaints go to Stuart by the way ;0)....

Our little fish...

Our other fish, but she is only good for about an hour.  Then she is ready to get out and dry off.  She is a little bit like me...

Silly face...

Brad's sister on the left...

A lot of people think that we are sisters.  We were at a concert a couple weeks ago and two people asked within five minutes of one another if we were sisters.

As always the weekend went by entirely too fast, but we are looking forward to next year!