Hatcher Dairy Farm

We had a field trip this morning to the Hatcher Dairy Farm. When I didn't wake up until 8:00 after a particularly interrupted night of sleep courtesy of Bryant, I was definitely thinking of bailing. But after talking with the kids and realizing we probably had time to get it together, we decided to go. Yesterday's 74 degrees would have been much nicer than the 50s/rain combo we had, but it could have been a lot worse. At least the rain kept to a nice mist rather than a downpour.
Don't let the sweet-looking, attentive child in this picture fool you. It was one of the only times he was where he was actually supposed to be.
Brad's patience won out and he finally got one of the "kindergarten" cows to eat from his hand. That designation means they are older than the calves, but still not mature.
Bryant did get the chance to pet Emma, one of the dairy cows. He's a pretty brave little guy to get so close, I think.
This guy explained the whole milking process to us. I can't imagine having the job of milking 50 cows twice a day, but I guess there are a lot worse jobs out there.
The kids were able to climb up and look into the milk vat. I didn't see it, but they assured me it was way cool.
Afterwards we got to sample some fresh chocolate milk and amazing butter. Delish! Yes, I came home with some. The difference in that and what we drink from the store is striking. We might have to start making a pit stop at Whole Foods every now and then. Man, I hate turning into one of those people!

(No offense, my green friends. And sister. You know I'm just jealous of your commitment to organic living. Carry on.)