Shelburne Farms

I met some friends and their kids at Shelburne Farms on Thursday. Even though we've lived here 10 years, I had never been there! It's an amazing place with beautiful grounds. Yesterday, we visited the children's farmyard, but there is a gorgeous inn and many scenic walking/hiking trails there too, all right on the shore of Lake Champlain in Shelburne Bay. Beautiful! Anyway, the trip to the farm was a hit with both boys. Will was especially taken with the farm machinery, especially the tractor. There was an operational tractor which brings people to and from the parking lot, and an old non-operational tractor which he loved sitting on. The tractor toys found all around the farmyard were pretty enticing too. Patrick, on the other hand, was THRILLED with the animals...all except the very talkative sheep. They were "baaing" quite loudly, and it made Patrick cry. I thought it was quite funny--they were so animated! It was a fun trip, and it gave Justin precious "kid free" time to work on our bathroom project. I think I got the better end of that deal. ;-)

Yay! BIG smiles from Will!

Love at first sight.

Will's friend Willa is a little more daring!

He could have stayed at the tractor/farm animal toy table all afternoon!

Will would not try milking the cow, but he did say, "Wow, cows are BIG, Mommy!" 

Patrick squealed with glee every time he saw a new animal. :-)

Will really like the baby cows.

Mini meltdown. 

These are the loud sheep I wrote about. "MAAAAAAAA!"

More toys...and cutie pie Anya. 

Will wanted to bring these tractors to the next destination. 

Ice cream break! Zachary, Willa, Will, and Anya.

On the wagon ride home...that's my friend Tammy. 

The tractor which pulled us back to the parking lot. Patrick was a grumpy boy by this point. Will wouldn't get on this tractor, even after being invited. It IS huge, so I guess I can't blame him!