Tuesday 20 March 2012

Leo & The Cotswold Farm Park

With a lovely day upon us, Leo, Granny and I decided to make the very most of the fair weather. We decided to pay a visit to the Cotswold Farm Park, and take in the sights and sounds of the farm.

I decided that instead of taking Leo in the pushchair, I would carry him. I did not want him to miss a thing as there is so much to see and do. This was the right decision, as soon as we arrived in the petting area and he saw all of the baby animals. Leo was in his element.
We walked around stopping to take in each enclosure. Lambs, Kid's, Piglets, Bunnies and Chicks.  All the enclosures are so open, and almost encourage little hands to pet the animals, and more often than not, you will receive a loving lick or suckle, rewarding you for the loving attention.

Leo's child eyes were amazed. His face was glowing and the excitement took over for the both of us. The area was so hands on, allowing us to hold a baby Chick, although Leo seemed more interested in everything but the Chick. I on the other hand was very tempted to slip the little baby into the changing bag and bring him home with us. Of course the sensible head on my wise shoulders knew that this was not the best idea, and reluctantly handed the little birdy back.

You can go into the Rabbit enclosure, where there are some very large bunnies roaming! Being the naughty Mummy that I am, I put Leo down so he could have a little look around at his own level. He grinned at me and gave me his approval. He had a little crawl and sat down to admire the big rabbit that was situated right next to him. Of course he then needed a good dust down and a vagarious hand wash, but a little experimental learning, never hurt any one!

We got the opportunity to feed the Kid's a bottle. They all happily raced to get to the milk, and at times there were 3 or 4 Kid's trying to get to the teat. The baby Goat's really know how to down a bottle in no time at all. I found myself wondering if they could teach Leo a thing or two. They all made it very apparent that it was time for their Milk, their little cries becoming very vocal. As if they knew that it was lunch time.

Feeding the Kid's and holding Leo at the same time, proved rather tricky. The Kid's are very strong and don't half pull at the bottle, thus resulting in a jerky arm movement, while trying to hold a baby in the other arm. It must have looked like we were doing a wacky version of the Mexican wave. An all round good experience for myself and the little man. I did have to try and keep the bottle away from Leo, as I could see him eyeing it up and if I was not careful, he would have been more than happy to give it a go!

I didn't get the chance to take too many photos what with having Leo in my one arm and the camera in the other, apparently grabbing the camera with both his hands is a great new game. Each time I tried to relinquish his tight grip and asked him nicely to let go...What did he do? Yep...That's it. Roared with laughter. I was getting lots glances with big smiles from all around, they wondered what I was doing to get such a chuckle, the only answer I could provide was...Nothing, he was just being his cheeky, mischievous, lovable self.
If you have ever been for a day out at the Cotswold Farm Park, you will know all about the fun that can be had on the Bouncy Pillows. If you haven't, I recommend you pay them a visit, if for nothing but the Bouncy Pillows alone. Bouncy Pillows are not trampolines, and they are not bouncy castle's! They are however a lot of fun, for children and adults alike. Today Leo had his first little bounce. To say he enjoyed it would be a under-statement.

With my supervision he crawled happily all over it. He had it all to himself until a little girl came hurtling on. The little girl was having a wail of a time, and Leo loved to watch her, she then fell down and giggled. Leo laughed hysterically like she had just pulled the funniest stunt ever. It was completely un-expected but just put a huge smile on my face.

The Three of us had a lovely day in each others company. Leo loved the animals and of course the Bouncy Pillow. We will have to return later this Summer so Daddy can see Leo enjoying the Farm. I think this experience will be even greater, when Leo is toddling around the place on his two little feet.

Laura
xx














8 comments:

  1. What a lovely day out! We have all the same baby animals here on our farm at the moment. Our orphan lambs still need 3 bottles a day and the guests with us love feeding them. It is lovely that Leo is not scared of the animals and so happy up close with them. I would love one of those bouncy pillows for Coombe Mill, I have seen them elsewhere (and had a little go) they are great fun and safe. Thanks for linking your wonderful day out to Country Kids

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    1. It was a great day, I love visiting Farms and would one day love to visit Coombe Mill. I would quite happily adopt a little lamb :-)
      Leo loves watching animals, and I think as he grows up will love getting more involved with them, he will have many oppurtunities as my entire family love the countryside!
      The bouncy pillows are a great touch! xx

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  2. This looks like a lovely day out and all your pictures are lovely too! I would love to go to one of these petting zoo type places, especially now I've read this! But we don't have many good ones near us! Shame, but lucky for you!! x

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    1. It is a great place to go, very hands on and lots to see. Leo enjoyed it at 8 months old!

      I hope you find a good one, that's not to far away :-)) xx

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  3. Glad you had a good day out there. We love it and got several times a year. Only talking about going there last Monday. We love the tractor ride. Great pictures.

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    1. Thank you lovely. I can see why you love it! Are you local to it? Leo was a little small for the tractor ride this time around, but I think he will love it! xx

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  4. Yes it's not far away at all. I don't really like driving but it is somewhere I can drive to by myself with my kids :)

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    1. I hate driving, that is why it is so good there as it is very local! No big roads, just the lovely countryside :-)

      Glad I am not the only nervous driver! xx

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