A Day with Grandma and Grandpa

My parents both work, but have different days off most of the time. On one of the days where they were both off, we went to the Biltmore Estate for a day of family fun. Our first stop was to the Deerpark for lunch. I was really impressed with how nicely behaved the kids were. I was a bit fearful that things would go horribly wrong. The kids taste tested many of the foods that were offered.

After lunch we were off to the stables to see the horses. I moved the van over to that area, while the rest of my family walked over.



Right after we reached the stables, a group got ready to set off on their ride. At that point I had to explain to Leigha that we were only there to see the horses, not ride them. That didn't sit too well with her. There was just no way that we could fit in horseback riding with our group. Well, that and I think it was $50 a person to go on a slow walk. Needless to say, I didn't give in on that one.



There were a lot of horses, but only a few were up by the fence while we were there. It was so tempting for the kids to run up and try to pet the horses there. Unfortunately, it was this strong desire that nearly causd my father to have a heart attack. You see, those fences were electric. How do you keep three three-year olds from touching something? You definitely do not tell them NOT to touch it, that's how!





The kids were definitely enjoying the horses. Sometimes they do better when there is something between them and larger animals.



Our next stop was to feed the geese. This was a stop for Grandpa and Leigha. I just wasn't sure I could keep the boys from jumping in the water with the geese. Leigha was pretty gutsy with feeding them. She was bound and determined to get them to come right up to her feet. Then she would quickly throw the bread down.





As we were driving away from the house, I couldn't resist the urge to take a picture of the house. Considering we had the boys with us, I just didn't think it would be a good time to revisit the house. Leigha once ducked under a rope to see the library, just imagine what the boys could do if they were let loose! I could imagine it would be quite costly.



Our next stop was at the barn. Grandpa and Leigha had a friendly little competition of horseshoes.



In the mean time, Robert had a chance to wear Grandpa's hat.



The kids loved getting a chance to get out of their wagons and explore a bit. The tractor was a huge hit with all four of the kids!

Robert


Leigha


Noah


Matthew



After some delicious shakes, we were off to see the animals. This seemed to be the perfect place for my children. I let my kids loose with a bunch of different animals. Who do you think had the upper hand? As we walked through the gates, we were able to watch one of the workers try to chase down two baby lambs to feed them. This caught the attention of everyone, except Noah. Noah wanted nothing to do with with these animals running around. At one point I started to stress out that I didn't see him. It turns out that he found his own friends. They had little chicks in a baby play pen in one corner of the barn. Noah wanted nothing to do with any other animal, the chicks were his!



Grandma is an old pro at holding baby chickens. We used to hatch them for our 4-H club in school.



Leigha was trying to be brave, but they weren't being the most cooperative little ones.


Matthew was having a great time, but he made me a bit nervous. He does a great job of walking, but when he gets tired he falls to his knees. Can you imagine someone kneeling down in that mess? Robert is chasing a chicken, the cow is urinating in the pen, the other chickens are drinking the cow's urine, and everyone obviously goes to the bathroom SOMEWHERE! Needless to say, we tried to keep him up on his feet the whole time.



What trip would be complete without butter? Leigha was chosen to come up and make butter out of cream. I don't think she expected it to be hard work, butter comes in sticks already doesn't it?



All in all, it was a wonderful afternoon with my parents. Everyone enjoyed themselves and everyone had to drag themselves into the house. It was exhausting!