Talk to the Animals

One of the greatest joys of parenthood is watching your child learn. I was so proud the day Hendrick looked up at a darkened sky and saw the moon. He made the connection from all the books we have been reading and realized that, yes, the moon was real.

I am hoping for another one of those heartening moments on April 28, when my husband and I take Hendrick for a tour of the Cook College farm during Rutgers Ag Field Day.

It's funny that so many children's books involve animals, particularly farm animals, because most of us don't live off the land anymore. The only time our kids get up close and personal with these kinds of animals is at the zoo. It's sad, really, that many of us wouldn't know a hen from a rooster, even if it pecked us on the head.

It seems I still have a lot to learn, too, doesn't it?

Cook College will offer animal shows and farm tours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. I can't wait to see Hendrick's little face when he pets a goat for the first time, or hears a "moo" the way it's really supposed to sound. (He may realize my impersonation has been a little exaggerated, but luckily he's too young to point out my melodrama.)

The day also features a dog show, an egg toss, plants, craft vendors and food. If you see a woman moo-ing along with a cow and a little blond boy dressed in demin overalls trying to climb over the fence, that's probably us. Please say hello.

Here's a link for a schedule of events. Hope to see you there.
http://agfieldday.rutgers.edu/events.asp