Oliver Kelly Farm

We went on a trip back in time today, to a farm a few miles from Pat's parents' place.  Oliver Kelly Farm is a working and operating farm with equipment and methods from the 1800s.  This Minnesota Historical Society site allows its visitors to not only look at the animals and observe farm life, but to also get right in there and help with farm chores, visit with the farmhands, and pet the animals.  We were there back in the spring of 2009 as the farm came to life with baby animals and planting, so it was interesting being there at this time of year for harvest.   

With help from Grandma Clark, Olivia pumped fresh water from the well.

A horse drawn ride took us through the woods, farm fields, prairie land, and along the Mississippi River.

 It was funny watching a herd of sheep run by, followed by a herd of kids chasing them.

A visit inside the farmhouse on the property was also quite interesting.

Horses on a "treadmill" of sorts, operated the threshing machine behind it.  What a workout for those horses!

With Henry content as always in the Bjorn the entire time, we both enjoyed a break from it for a quick family picture.

A beautiful weather day with interesting sights and great company.  Perhaps one of my favorite parts of the day was listening to Pat's dad Mike read to Olivia in their bed.  (Which happens every time we are there for a visit.)