I decided on a whim to take the trio to Latta Plantation after we dropped Jackson off at preschool. We've visited the plantation a handful of times, each time focusing on plantation life with slaves and a master. Since it was just the toddlers, we spent most of our time visiting the animals.
James was so curious today. He crouched down, carefully observing every animal. The chickens were especially vocal, which frightened Maddie.
We spent longer than normal walking around, visiting each animal. Since I am choosing to exit the kids from speech therapy (more on that later), I was very intentional in conversing about each animal, having the kids name everything they see. We talked about the pigs being dirty and how they roll in mud to cool off.
One of the employees was feeding each of the animals. He kindly spread all the corn along the edge of the fence so we could inspect the sheep closely.
Once again, James was entranced.
Amelia has always loved the gentle sheep. Maddie was more relaxed around the sheep than any other animal.
There were historians and musicians practicing and setting up for a Gaelic festival tomorrow. Some of the living quarters were closed and there were cones blocking off sections. We were still able to go inside the kitchen, which is my favorite area. There was a time when I was stressed out trying to keep the trio on the correct side of the rope. They were much better listeners and more independent than the last time we visited.
The trio are obsessed with cooking, whether it's play food or real food. They each took turns pretending to cook outside.
Once again, the employee fed the larger livestock closer towards us so we could watch.
He even let us help fill the trough with water. Maddie was especially delighted to watch the donkey drinking.
I didn't take any pictures, but there were dozens of animal related coloring sheets, books, puzzles, and puppets. There was also a bin with snake skins, small skeletons, and other cool artifacts that the kids could hold. We passed around this turtle shell pictured below.
The nature center opened up to a forest filled with hiking trails, gardens, a lake, and even hammocks. We spent most of our time at this quaint little playground.
Amelia was at home playing in this tiny house with play food. She served me lots of pretend pizza and ice cream.
The greatest outdoor treasure was playing with vines. I'm terrible at estimating heights, but these were undoubtedly the longest vines I've ever seen. I had to refrain from trying to swing on one like Tarzan. Maddie and James chased after the vines as they tried to swing them back and forth to one another.
The forests were full of hidden gems and things to explore.
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