Yesterday we got about an eighth of an inch of snow that was melted by lunchtime but it is still pretty.
The children came, fell out of their van and roared off about the farmyard like… well, like town kids let out of a car. The cats and kittens were hauled around, the pigs patted, the sheep goggled at and for some extraordinary reason Daisy kept trying to lick the baby in her fathers arms. Her tongue out like a giraffes wanting a taste.
They went up on tip toes and gasped when they turned to find Kupa watching them and went down as low as they could go, their hands stretched out before them to pat the chickens who had crowded in behind him.
Much to my delight I looked over at one point to see the Big Dog had come down from his bed on the verandah and was very slowly introducing himself to all the children, starting with the youngest, sitting gently beside her and lowering his grizzly old head for a pat. He got a hug instead. So sweet.
Next time I will take Camera House too but yesterday was more about safety and control. There was a lot of learning happening in a very short space of time at a manic pace. All much more important than photographs. Later once the cold started to work its way through our clothes we came inside.
Out came all my paints and my writing journal sacrificed some of its pages. 
And beautiful artworks were produced and much admired then all the magnets on the fridge were rearranged to accommodate the display. 
Of course some were more interested in scratching through my collection of toys than the doing an art module. That’s fine too. After all it was Friday!
They also got to watch their Dad building, not many kids get to see their fathers at work so this was a lovely lesson all in itself. They are all home-schooled, beautifully mannered and afraid of nothing. When John came home from the workshop his eyebrows elevated and his eyes blinked as though the level of noise we were producing was actually smarting dust in the air.
You will remember I have five grown children of my own, so I just loved the almost controlled bedlam, the noise and chatter and bottomless questions. We sat their Mum down at the end of the table with her own paper and coloured pencils and everyone had a fine time.
Good morning. I am hoping to borrow these children from time to time. Homeschooling is very hard work for parents and there is plenty of book learning that dovetails nicely with farm learning. So maybe we can work together for a wee while. I love kids.
Today we are going over to see the junk yard man, he has some doors and mouldings and even a wooden floor that I want for the Coupe. This time I will remember to take Camera House with me.
Have a lovely day.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
45 responses to “Kids love Farmy Art”
It certainly sounds as though ALL and SUNDRY enjoyed themselves… you included…
The ultimate “field” trip! You get to play AND learn, too. Sounds like it was a ton of fun for everybody involved.
Truly. One of my favorite days of yours.
Playing, learning & coloring. Oh my. That’s the trifecta of fun.
Nice post. I love the line “… well, like town kids being let out of the car.”
Ah, what a fine time everyone must of had! Kids are amazing ‘sponges’ -home schooling is indeed very hard work especially for the Mom …I know this from experience! Lol
How awesome for the kids and for you!!! Loved the thought of them meeting all the lovelies on your farm and warming up inside!!! 🙂
Celi, I can’t think of a better addition to the Farmy than occasional children! I bet they got such pleasure from their visit and your photographs are beautiful.
oh how brave you are! I could not cope with all those children but I am so pleased that you enjoyed your day
Experiential learning sends out deeper roots than book learning most of the time. What a great opportunity for them, and for you!
Homeschooling IS hard work – but the reward at the end is just so worth it – says I that is coming to the end (2 -3 years left) The mum I know would of appreciated the field trip.
Love Leanne NZ (PS we are having amazing weather over here)
That is sweet about Big Dog. Coltrane is slower to greet guests these days too.
Love how very sensitively you took the photos Celi. I`m always so aware not to leave them vulnerable if I plan to post the photos on my blog. (Except for my own kids of course…then the best are off 🙂 ) Hey, just had a thought: I have students from time to time from every country you can imagine and they give cards, send letters, write notes, send photos, and I put them into a great big sketch book for future students, and they all love the sketchbook, look thru it all the time and feel proud to be a future part of it. Maybe you can do this with your little visiting kiddies for next time. 🙂
What a fantastic outing for those kids. It’s a real treat to go to a farm where they can run around, explore, and get up close and personal with farm animals. Sounds like the farmy’s pets & animals all cooperated and you, having raised 5 children, were the perfect hostess, even supplying art supplies when needed. Well done, Celi!
Such fun! I bet they had a blast. This was a great post.