A Spring Time Haunt

The Cotswold Farm park is a regular haunt for me and Leo, as soon as the weather permits we like to go for a stroll and see the baby animals. I have to admit the areas with all the kids and lambs is my favourite part.

We visited last weekend with daddy, we left the pushchair in the car and set off to the farm with Leo clutching my hand. He was so interested in all the car’s parked up in the car park as we walked along to get our ticket, that I did wonder whether we should have taken him to the bike show like Daddy had originally suggested (not my idea of fun!)

Ticket in hand, a 21 month old toddler and space, lots and lots of space for him to run, explore and have fun.

 He saw all of the play equipment first, then the goats in the pen. Very soon he was no longer holding our hands and was running ahead shouting ‘bye dada’. We soon guided our little stow away into the baby area, little lambs or Baa’s as Leo calls them were jumping up and down hay bales, and the little kid goats were playing with the ball.

Leo was straight up to that pen and pucking his lips together as though he was calling for a cat to come to him. He was so excited by the real life Timmy Sheep that we could not get him away from this one enclosure. He would have absolutely loved to feed them a bottle but we had just missed feeding time, but I am sure there will always be next time!

Leo oinked at the piglets as they nuzzled with their Mummy, he petted a rabbit in the walk in enclousure (another area he really didn’t want to leave!) he bounced high on the bouncy pillows and had many a goes on the slide.

We always have a lovely time at the farm, but now Leo is that bit bigger and he is mobile we can do even more with him. Watching him run everywhere he went (usually away from us) it really did show just how big our baby now was.

Last year when we first visited he was 9 months old, a mere baby in my arms (a crawling baby!) and now he just goes where he wants when he pleases.

I am certainly looking forward to visiting again, because each time it is that little bit more rewarding and as there is so much for us all to do and explore, I think it will continue to be a regular spring haunt.

How did you make the most of the sunny weather? 

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