Mrs Catch Visits the Farm.

Last week, my girls went on their first school excursion.  To a farm.

I went too, as a helper. 

The day was grey and overcast.  Before we left the school grounds, there was a heavy shower of rain.  As we arrived, we saw the clouds hanging low over the mountains. Ominous.

You do the maths.  Farm = dirt + poop + animal smells.  Add water +  60 children's feet = humungous, stinking mess.  Our arrival to a sea of mud did not look good.

But you know what?  It really does pay to think positively.

That "sea" was only droplet deep and the weak sunshine dried it out in no time.  

We went on to have a wonderful day.

It started with a welcome talk, then it was straight into action.

Bull riding.  

The gentle bull hardly shifted his feet 

(probably rigid with embarrassment about that undignified, pink wig). 

Nevertheless, my daughters were convinced he was about to stampede.

Eventually, they were persuaded to get on to his back.

After the obligatory rodeo pose, they petted and cooed in his ear.

We are lovers, not fighters in this family.

I think he liked it.  He moved his tail.

There was chicken love.

Note the chicken face to match.

(Below: Can't talk... Connccennttrratiiing...)

Horse riding was a highlight.

Then we had to feed all the baby animals.

My girl commented that it was lucky they visited today.  

Farmer Brown would never have gotten around to them all, without the children's help.

We favour lambs.  They were all colours

The babies were hungry and when they saw the bottles, they baaed, mooed and oinked very LOUDLY.

Post food, It was a different story.

.

Then, there was a relaxing hay ride.  Farmer Brown drove the tractor and the dogs hitched a lift.

Everyone brought food to share for lunch.  You know how that goes.  The tables were groaning.  

Then, it was off to the milking shed.  Farmer Brown was going to show us how milk was made.

We weren't the only ones waiting eagerly...

Farmer Brown offered each of the children a squirt of milk, straight from the cow.  

Our urban warriors looked horrified.  Are you kidding?  That thing has poop on its butt.

We boarded the bus and began the long ride home.  

The rain began to fall again in soft, grey mists.

I let out a sigh.  Such a wonderful day in the country.

Now...somebody, get me a latte please.  STAT!