With a neigh neigh here and a cluck cluck there...

When summer gets shortened down to less than two months, there's a lot of cramming that goes into the precious few days of late nights and sleep in mornings.   On July 15, those who could went to Thanksgiving Point Farm Country to round out an evening. For Bill and Mike's family it had been a play day.  For me, a work day.  For Brent the workday turned into a meeting night for his Church calling, but that didn't stop me from joining the crew for a bite of dinner and then a quick trip over to Farm Country for a late evening play date with the animals.

And as usual, I took way too many photos of grandkids playing with farm animals.  Sharing some here.  Starting out with 75, will see how many you end up actually getting to enjoy:

There should be a little gate at the bottom of all the fences so children can actually pet the animals - at least the safe ones.  Don't you agree?????

I think, from the looks of things, the animals would agree.

Well, maybe not all children would agree.

Waiting for the pony ride.

Waiting...

Finally!   Jack gets the tallest horse.  Way to go Jack!

Lilly wants NO horse!

Ashlyn's pony wants NO rider!

Lexi wants NO pictures!

Neither did Karsyn, but I tricked her into this one.  Haha!  Gotcha!

There were lots of pictures being taken.  Jack, at least, was willing to smile for the cameras.

Lilly decided as long as her mother was there, she guessed she'd survive being atop that huge beast.

Smile, Maddy!

Yay!  Finally, Lexi smiles for me!

And Mike will always smile!  Thanks, Mike.

Ride's over.  Time to climb off.

And where was Kamryn during the pony rides?   She was busy feeding all the little animals, and loving every second of it!

Jack decided to give it a try.

Llama, llama, who's your mamma????   Ashlyn got covered with spit from this guy.  Ewww Yuck!

After the ponies, the carriage ride was ready to take one last turn around the farm, so the entire family hurried and climbed on board.

Karsyn was still avoiding the camera.  When I asked her later, she admitted she was trying to not have any photos taken of her this night.  Karsyn!  Really?

So I had to catch her when she was distracted by other things.

The ride only took about five minutes to take a turn out around the pastures and back to the barns.  Good thing it's free.

We were teasing the driver about the name of her "horse."

A donkey was braying.  So was a son.

Huh?

Oh, yeah, Jack was with us, too.  Did you know the best way to not have your photo snapped while you're with me is to sit right next to me.  Works every time!  Jack was on one side.

Kamryn was on the other.  Hi, Kamryn!

After the ride, it was time for the animals to all go to bed.  So we said good night to them on the way out.

They liked the way Kamryn said good night.  She had some animal food still in her bag and was happy to share it.

Oh, other little munchie's, too!

Ashlyn thought this was the best part of the entire trip!

Jack A, meet Jack L!

No, we did not feed the baby that was in this pen.

We took a few minutes to go back and share with the other animals, too.

That poor goat was feeling pretty left out that he wasn't getting ALL the attention.

Maddy loved the chickens best.

And I think the sheep loved Jack best.   See the goat in the background.  So jealous!

Patient parents waiting.

Can't go to Farm Country without a stop at this place:

Ashlyn, Karsyn and Bill lined up for ice cream cones at the Deli.

 But I think even more than the cones, the kids are totally convinced the water tower is their own personal playground.  Makes this grandma really nervous, but they love to climb those braces!

(Ok, so I was playing around with Photoshop again.  Be patient with me.)  Loved this one of Stephanie and Ashlyn!

The lights came on and it was time to say goodnight to a magical evening.  We are definitely taking advantage of those season passes at Thanksgiving Point!