The Art Barn

A couple weeks ago we visited The Art Barn.  What a cool place!  Only about 20 minutes from us, it's a working farm that welcomes group visits.  We went with two families with whom we are good friends and the kids are all buddies at preschool.  We spent time visiting with the barnyard animals (sheep, goats, PINTO ponies, chickens, pigs, etc.), went on a hayride to see the grounds and gardens, learned all about honey bees from the bee keeper, had a little lesson on chickens and eggs, and spent time painting in the barn to create lovely farm masterpieces :-)  It was super fun!

Petting a very docile sheep

Petting one of the Pinto ponies

Henry was most interested in the chickens

Nicholas was really affectionate with the animals

Grace preferred brushing this goat, I think because unlike many of the other animals, he was smaller than her, and not quite as intimidating.

Here's most of the crew...minus the two little guys, Henry and Abigail, who weren't interested in having their pictures taken at this moment.

Here's Nicholas with 2 of his closest friends from preschool, Caroline E. and Caroline S.  We are so glad they will all be going to the same kindergarten this fall.

The bees were fascinating!

A very cool feature of this farm is how they incorporate a little art lesson into the visit.  Their barn is dedicated to the painting projects for the kids.

Gently holding the freshly gathered eggs

They each got a chance to hold a baby chick...once again, Nicholas is so sweet and affectionate with the animals!

Henry wasn't too sure about holding the chick, he ended up choosing to pet it with one finger :-)

Her face says it all !!!!