Joy's Petting Zoo

I've temporarily given up on blogging Alaska. We've been doing so many things (although I'm not sure how because it seems we've been cooped up so much lately due to sicknesses) that I'd better try to catch and keep up on those (and move on from the graphic bear photos=) and get Alaska later.

So, through the virtual academy we're involved in, the kids are able to attend field trips most every Friday. We LOVE it!!! The first was a big play group at a park to meet other families. Second, we went to Joy's Petting Zoo.

This wasn't your average lets go pet and maybe brush the goats kind of petting zoo. Farmer Joy came out and showed us all of her animals and made sure the kids got to pet every part of these critters. We felt a duck's tooth. Yes, they have one tooth on the end of their beak that they use to break out of their shell. We felt the beak, of course the feathers and the webbed feet. We felt the comb on a rooster's head and the hanging down thing (what's that called?)

We got to feed the animals bread, carrots and apples. The horses LOVED apples. Farmer Joy taught the kids to not be afraid of the horse biting them. Put the food on your hand and hold your hand out flat. The horse uses his lips to feel and find the food. He won't bite. You just gotta trust them.

We got to see the size difference of different eggs. This was the coolest, an emu's egg. It was huge, dark and heavy.

We pet llamas,

horses,

and got to hold kittens.

The fun part about this place is that every animal has been rescued by Farmer Joy. She told us most of their stories which added to the experience.

This petting zoo also had some swings from the trees and jungle gyms to play on,

and Calvin LOVED the dirt.

We had a blast and love our Friday field trips.