Foal farm

The children have been asking for pets for many years, but I have held fast to my no. Not because I don't like pets, but because we are out a lot whilst I am at work so a dog is a definate no. Cats are a no as they upset  my asthma. Both children have been asking for about 2 years for a rabbit. In our previous home I said no because the gardden was so small there was barely any left to play on as it was.
I have to confess to coming around to the idea now we live here. So today I took Stephanie to foal farm an animal sanctuary around a half hour drive away (if you don't take a wrong turn- oops!)
They have a policy of never putting a healthy animal down and they rehome many different animals. I took Stephanie for 2 reasons, 1 so that she can see how much care is involved in animals and have a chance to see some in a more realistic than a pet shop environment. 2, so that she can see what happens if animals are not taken care of properly. She came home full of understanding of the enclosure we would need to properly take care of an animal so that it is happy, and determined to adopt an animal (or 2 as the rabbits are to be homed in pairs). So we are now on a mission to create the kind of enclosure we would like- kind of an aviary so they have space to play, and to raise the £80 rehoming fee.

Some of the cute rabbits that the sanctuary have for rehoming. Stephanie had my phone to take pictures as we went round. She also took some of these;

 They are the information boards which were read diligently as we went around the different animals. Stephanie was able to tell me lots of the key facts about rabbits during our drive home. So she really diud take notice of the sanctuary's advice,

There were lots of animals at the farm;

One of these cows apparently does star jumps in the field, but they were sleepy looking whilst we were there so we will have to go back another day to see if we can catch it!

If you are in the area it is definitely worth a visit to the sanctuary even if you aren't looking to get any new pets.

Children can cook.

My children love to cook; always have. They love to come in the kitchen and help when I cook, they love to offer their suggestions of what to cook. Sometimes like today they go in the kitchen and cook and I don't go out until I am called. Usually just as whatever their master piece is, is cooked. They like me to check.

This is today's offering. It was very tasty.

I know many people will read this and think she lets the children cook on their own? My argument is they know how to cook, they know how to use the cooker safely as they have always helped me in the kitchen. I have gradually baked away while they are cooking so they can have more freedom. They know I am only in the next room and will shout if they need anything. 

Dylan is now 12 and has been able to cook a proper meal since he was 7. Stephanie is 4 and looks as if she is going to be able to do the same. I am proud of their ability to cook real food. It is something which is important it is a life skill.