the farms

If I had to sum up our summer in one word it would be, 'farm.'  Kyalo and I spent a lot of time at a variety of farms in the area surrounding my parents' house.  The first, and most frequented farm was Cogswell's Grant an old salt-marsh hay farm (from 1728!) that is literally two doors down from my parents' house. Kyalo and I spent hours there wandering the grounds, watching them bring the hay in one day, and just enjoying being outside.  We'd walk there in the evenings to get out of the house and to let Kyalo run off some of his energy.

Naturally, I had to grab the camera for one of the trips there.  These pictures hardly do it justice, but at least you can get a sense of the land and beauty of it.

Another farm we went to a couple of times was Appleton Farms in nearby Ipswich.  This is the oldest continuing operating farm in the US.  Their CSA (which is relatively new, I think) has a five year waiting list!  They sell their own milk and butter and grass-fed beef.    The whole property is 1,000 acres, and filled with trails you can walk, run, bike, etc.  It is a beautiful piece of land.  I love just driving along the farm because it is so idyllic.  I was checking out things to do in the area and found that Appleton offers a little programs about cows for kids 2-5!  I couldn't resist.  I asked Brooke to come along again, and she did, bringing her two girls (almost 3 and 5).

   Emma was awake this time!  and she was excited about the cows.

Cami, on the other hand, would have rather been with big brother Brady

an old stagecoach needs an old looking filter to the picture, don't you think?

Emma and Brooke, watching the cows get milked

 baby cow - I was a little sad that they were in such tiny pens, but they get to roam free soon enough, this just keeps them safe while they're getting their legs under them

friends

We went to one other farm while in town, this one a bit further away - driving along the salt marsh, no less - and chock full of good eats.  Kyalo got to hang out with some goats, and a llama and some other things while my we loaded up our cart.  

It was good to be home.