Football and Farm animals

This weekend, Cora had her return to soccer class, and we checked out the Gentle Barn for the first time.

Saturday morning was cool and beautiful, and we enjoyed a family bike ride to the park where Cora's class was held.

Earlier in the week, Stace and Cora purchased a new football for her, and they had a practice kick-around session in the park.

Cora was very excited about going back to her class, and it went well. She paid close attention to the instructions, and followed along with all the drills.

Violet had fun watching, too, though I think we'll have trouble keeping her off of the playing area. She wanted to be with the big kids.

After the class, we rode to Starbucks for a drink. This could be a great way for us to spend our Saturday mornings for the next couple of months!

On Sunday, Stace went to my parents' house to watch the Chelsea - Man U game, which we won't discuss further.


Then we all went to the Gentle Barn, which rescues endangered animals and nurses them back to health.

We saw lots of horses, cows, goats, sheep, turkeys and chickens, with an emu and a couple of llamas thrown in for good measure.

You can feed the horses, brush and hug a couple of the big cows, and pet most of the other animals.

Many of the animals were abused, neglected and/or very ill when they were brought in. The Barn is only open for four hours each Sunday, so this was our first time to make it in.

The girls really enjoyed it, though it would have been more enjoyable if it hadn't been so hot. On Saturday, it didn't get higher than 82, but Sunday it was back in the mid-90s. Poor Violet and Stace - they don't do so well in the heat. We'll have to go back some day when it cools off.