Hidden Villa

It's been a long five+ months for our family without nature outings, tied to the house by the unpredictable schedule of a reflux baby. Today we celebrated spring by resuming--or so we hope--our regular trips to favorite parks and farms, in which the Bay Area abounds. We spent the morning at Hidden Villa farm, which today was closed for a special "sheep-shearing" event organized by a parent club to which we belong. This post will show rather than tell, so here is Raya, safely tucked into the stroller and checking out some sheep-herding (aka dogs chasing sheep) below--

Sava and dad fought the crowds to see some sheep-shearing, which I only glimpsed, and then we walked to a creek where Sava spent a lot of time throwing stones into the water; we got the distinct impression that he could do this all day if we let him--

From here on we proceeded to the Duveneck house, where the club had set up crafts and activities for the youngest crowd. Sava went looking for "lost sheep" (aka cotton balls) on a big green lawn, and the idea tickled him beyond belief.

 Lastly, he participated in an interactive story time with a high-school student who entertained the children with farm-related make-believe--

 Throughout the whole morning, Raya either sat peacefully or slept in the stroller. She was one hungry cranky baby by the time we came home two-and-a-half hours later, but her attitude during the outing was exemplary. We felt grateful to have given Sava a bit of the outdoor time which he enjoys so much. Here is hoping for many more this year--