Farm America!

The boys took mama on an adventure to Farm America in Waseca on Sunday. The Farm was celebrating its annual Fall Fair -- and what with the new highway 14 open between here and there, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to take part in the fun! I've never been to Farm America before (although every time I see the sign I sing "Farm America is right for you. Farm America!" to the tune of the Pawn America commercial. Groan.) and it's a very cool place. It's huge. Like 120 acres huge. Visitors follow a path around the grounds to different sites, starting with an 1850s era homestead complete with actors dressed in costumes and going about business as they would have back in the day. We stepped inside an old house where a young woman was sweeping the floor and waiting for some water to heat in a kettle on the wood burning stove. Miles was sure she was a witch. Maybe a homely witch in a bonnet.... She talked with Miles about what life was like for her family on the farm -- mom and dad slept on a straw mattress bed in the corner of the main floor (a 10x10 foot room) and the kids slept in the loft above. There were lots of chores to do and summers were very hot. It all went in one ear and out the other - he was fixated on her costume and broom. That witch.

Anyway, here's the adventure in pictures...
The boys couldn't wait to begin the journey through time!

Miles was very interested in this carriage. Perhaps it means he has a future at Wells Fargo.

One of our favorite spots was the one-room schoolhouse. Miles was the teacher and welcomed his best student in through a side door.

 Class clowns. I even caught them passing a note back and forth.

The globe was a hit, too. Hey mom, do you still have the brown globe that lights up? Probably a fire hazard, but the grandkids (all 6!) would love it. Hint hint.

We spent several minutes trying to find Owatonna and Waseca. Let's just say the GPS system used to make this thing in 1900 wasn't very thorough.

Westy was totally confused by the school's playground. So much metal! And wood!

This old car captivated Weston for quite a while.

Unfortunately Mr. Shortypants had to look away from the road while shifting gears....

Honk honk! Beep beeeeeeeep!

We also saw some cows. We're not sure how old they were, but we were quite pleased with their friendliness.

We also watched a blacksmith make tools out of railroad spikes and chains.

And then the highlight....a horse ride!

Miles enjoyed a little trot around the prairie on Vincent, a rescued gypsy horse.

Needless to say, we had a blast and look forward to going again next year!