party at the farm...

for quite some time, people have been buzzing about the annual party bob's company throws for its employees at the owner's farm. coincidentally, we've been driving past this very farm several times a week for the last few years...it's the farm with the white fence and pretty horses at 151st right before the railroad tracks and kenneth rd. we were a little concerned due to the weather, but they had tents set up and if it got too rainy, we'd move "into the barn."

with over 600 employees, they had to have satellite parking at mia's preschool up the road, and we got shuttled in. upon arrival, there was a volleyball tournament in full swing (bob's team withdrew from the competition citing muddy playing conditions, which they were secretly relieved about due to the rumor the robotics team had a mean spiker), a beer tent, face painting, games for the kids, pony rides, a funky mama concert and an ox on display. aidan was immediately drawn to the games, and mia to the ponies.

aidan playing games...he loved the nascar pit crew

then we came upon this beast of an animal. bob and his friend ryan were debating what type of animal this is...it's an ox of course! it's hard to fathom just how large these animals are until you are standing right next to one. surprisingly, aidan quickly agreed to get on it for a photo op. aidan looks a little unsure of the situation...i thought it was hilarious, and apparently, so did the ox.

is the ox smiling? and what is that balloon headdress? and who is this guy?

what childhood memory would be complete without a pony ride? the kids both enjoyed riding the cute ponies — fortunately, they were quite docile, no runaway ponies.


after the ponies and the happy ox, we headed into the barn to check out all the horses. we see them frequently when we drive by, and have noticed how beautiful they are. the horses and barn did not disappoint. outside they had a little petting zoo with a llama and baby goats. inside the barn, they had horse rides, and
mia got herself right in line. who knew that within that hannah-montana loving, princess dress wearing little girl was a rough 'n' tough cowgirl? she LOVED riding the horse (and they were huge!), and waited in line for 15 minutes to ride a fake horse to lasso a calf. while waiting, she even practiced the lasso technique and made an impressive effort. aidan had no interest in riding the horse, but had to show up his sister in the lasso department.

after all the ropin' and ridin' we made our way out to the picnic tables for dinner, which was catered by jack stack (the best barbecue in kc). it started to rain a bit, but we were under the canopy of some large trees, so we stayed dry. after dinner, there were some raffle prizes being awarded, so we stayed in the hopes of getting lucky! so did we win the wii, the $3000 travel voucher, the 10 mp camera, the half season chiefs vip tickets (among many other cool prizes)? no, no, no and no. bummer.

despite the rain and bad luck, we had a great time. everyone was really nice and i was impressed that the owners were willing to open their home to us so hospitably — they seem like really down to earth people. i know that bob's been happy with the company and the way they do business.


i'm thinking riding lessons are in mia's future...