Visiting Dan and James and the Farm

Dan and Chance on their back porch

On the way up to Portland I posted a picture of the sunrise at our Wyoming hotel on my Facebook page, well James (third picture all the way to the right) saw it and asked where in Wyoming we were because he and our good friend Dan (sitting above with Chance) who used to live in NOLA now live in Wyoming. Turns out we were well past their house by the time he saw the picture but it worked out for the better because we were able to work extra time into the drive home to stop and see them for a couple days.
It was so great to see them, Dan was so so so helpful to me in the first year or so after Chance was born when Scott was out of town. I looked forward to him stopping by for coffee or asking me if I wanted to go for a walk to get me out of the house. One time I was very very sick and Scott was working, Dan took Chance to his apartment and watched him overnight. I honestly have no idea what I would have done if Dan had not been here that night. I had no idea how much I enjoyed Dan's friendship until he left NOLA about two years ago. Being able to work it out to see him and meet his partner James was really wonderful.

Dan Chance and Jennifer (farm owner) talking about and looking at Chickens

We arrived in Worland, WY when both Dan and James were still at work so we stopped by to see Dan and get directions to their house. We were warned that their two dogs might bark when we came in but were friendly. And that they will get along with Deedle but might show him who's in charge in the house at first. I was expecting big dogs but turns out they were the most mellow cute little things not much bigger than Deedle himself. They gave us one or two warning barks and then went on about their business. I looked through all my photos but don't have any of them, I can't believe it!
After Dan and James got home we hung out at the house enjoying the wonderful weather and the relaxing atmosphere. It is so nice there, when it is quiet it really is quiet no city noises just peace, it's lovely. When global warming starts keeping the winters above freezing there I will definitely consider a move. Anyway, I don't really know the conversation that led up to it but Chance asked Dan where milk comes from, so Dan called a friend with a little farm and in no time we were on the road to find out where milk really comes from.

Scott, Dan and James look on while Jennifer holds a Duck for Chance to pet.

When we first arrived at the farm Chance ran off to explore, he didn't need any prompting to touch the animals he is more the kind of little guy who will run right in there and you have to pull him back a little. But he listens well so when Jennifer caught a duck for him to pet he was very gentle while petting his soft feathers.

Next we went over to a pen where they had goats and a little lamb. The lamb was very cute and after Chance entered the pen the lamb followed him all around.
Next came the purpose for our visit the the farm: milking! Jennifer was so nice, she showed Chance what to do then sat him on her lap so they could milk together.

Chance did a really good job. I was actually pretty impressed that he listened so well and did exactly what she told him to do. He also wasn't grossed out or weirded out at all, he just did it, he seemed very interested in the whole process. After a while his attention span was exhausted but I was really proud of how good he did.

After milking we checked out the cows and the horses. We were able to pet one of the cows but she wasn't really into hanging out with us very long. A minute later the horses came running up as if to get their own share of the attention. Dan and Chance investigated the horses through the fence (below).

For the finishing touch to our farm visit Jennifer asked if Chance wanted to ride on a horse. Without hesitation Chance said "yes" so on he went. Chance sat on the horse as Jennifer lead and I stood by to make sure Chance was holding on tight.

We rode down the driveway up a little hill then back again, the whole time Chance was having a great time.

I want to give a big thank you to Jennifer and her husband for letting us visit their farm and to Dan for setting it up. A city kid needs lots of great experiences just like this to keep life in perspective. Thank you!