Mommy & Me: Saddling Up Moses

This weekend our little family made the very short trek to the Jones Farm, a family farm related to Chase’s side (grandfather’s cousins and family) with tons of cousins, new relations, a bride and groom as well as our own new addition.  It’s one of my favorite family reunions because of the casual farm atmosphere, the delectable pot-luck style offerings and of course, the animals! It’s a real operating farm with chickens, mules, goats, produce and now local honey.  I ponied up some cash money for the expensive bottle of local wildflower honey on Farmer Norris’ promise that it may cost a little more, but it’s the BEST honey you’ll ever taste and it was made on the premises by the honey bees. (And I’m all about nurturing and promoting the honeybee!)  

After lunch, Red made a bee-line for the chicken barn, where we saw some new “teenagers” to the flock, as well as a pitch-black dwarf goat and our favorite mules.  This old fella below is Moses, a white and pepper mule that is as tender as they come.  In fact, old Moses even recognizes a phone or camera and looks to have his photo taken.  I kid you not.  That big ham glanced my way only after I held my arms up to take the shot.  I wasn’t the only one to capture this big guy on camera, and the farm hands just laugh each time Moses hams it up.  

We’ve never been able to ride Moses before, because he’s usually relaxing, but with the smaller crowd this weekend he was happy to saddle up and give the few kids in attendance a ride around the field and barrels.  Red was in sheer heaven, bouncing along and smiling, as he petted Moses’ mane.  

A huge orange tractor pulled a wagon filled with burlap sack-covered hay bales up and down the hill from the “Parking lot,” or as we know it, the front field lining the road.  As it arrived at the back of the property, I asked my sister-in-law to snap a photo of us together in the back.  Seeing through the photographer’s lens, she added a pumpkin next to me, and VOILA!, we had a fabulous fall photo of all four of us, which I love.  It’s getting harder and harder to put all of us in one (non-moving) spot and ask someone else to snap a shot… either Chase or myself are usually taking pictures of the kids.  

When we got home from the long afternoon visit to the farm, both of the kids crashed.  Due to meeting lots of family, busy animal rides and constant motion, even Scarlett didn’t nap properly. (Am I already to the end of that period where they will sleep anywhere?!?!)  THREE HOURS LATER it was nearly past dinnertime and I almost couldn’t wake them. I guess they really needed the sleep.  Where can I grab a nap like this? I feel like I need it. 

Mommy and Me Monday hosted by Really Are You Serious?