A STORY BOOK FARM

We are entering a new phase, another dimention here at IRISH ACRES FARM and coming full circle in the process of downsizing. I suppose the main reason is that I don't think we fit into the category of middle-age full-feldged farmers anymore - I can prove it by the snail's pace of movement we both have now, compared to "in our prime". Wink Wink. And the numbers don't jibe. We'll probably not see 120 plus years of life anyway. So, here we go off on our new adventure in a dimention we can enjoy and still keep the farm.

IRISH ACRES FARM is now officially called IRISH ACRES THE STORY BOOK FARM. Why, you ask? Because I have officially declared it so, I guess. Again, wink, wink! We're adopting a miniature version of the original farm that will continue to be geared for kids, hands on learning and experiencing, and well, just fun. As before, it was always meant to be a family friendly farm and especially for kids, but it just happens that it had to pay for itself, or at least make the attempt to do so, in the sale of farm-fresh eggs and poultry, dairy products and farm animals. Thus, the Nubian dairy goats and the dairy cows and registered Golden Guernseys that, when in milk, were sold for a significant amount to help in this cause.

After downsizing and the loss of our herd of full-size dairy cows, and now a smaller flock of dairy goats, we started looking ahead while looking back to keep the same perspective.

The latest is that we are introducing miniature animals. In time and with the proper introduction of smaller breeds of farm animals, it will be easier to handle species that require less pasture, shelters and feed. And all ages will be more comfortable around the minis while learning and enjoying the experience. I have plans. Possibilities are endless. Stories will still come from memories made.

This will continue to be the happening place for playing and making memories that will be safe, fun, innocent and story book style. For every visitor on the farm, past and future, they will have their own memories to keep and their own stories to tell. You can see it in almost every picture taken these last many years and on the faces of the children and visitors (refer to the website pages). This includes but is not limited to our own beautiful grandchildren, but for the many children, family and friends that have and will hopefully continue to experience the enjoyment along with

the peace, purpose and passion on a Story Book Farm.

Come and see! These have...

I CAN DO THIS! I'M NOT THE LEAST BIT AFRAID!

(AND SHE DID IT - AND SHE WASN'T afraid!)

I NEEDED THIS. HE LIKES ME!

ARE YOU SURE THIS IS THEY WAY TO DO IT?

AND NO, IT'S NOT YOUR TURN YET!

IT'S SO LITTLE AND PRECIOUS!

THE GREAT-GRANDMOM OF THE FARM

ALWAYS ENJOYING EACH AND EVERY CREATURE ON THE FARM.

WHAT? ARE WE REALLY HOLDING THIS AND HE'S NOT SCARED OF US?

THIS IS SO FUN.

I LOVE ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL TOO.

YES, I DO!

EXPERIENCED FARM HELPERS PUTTING FRESH BEDDING IN THE BARN

A TEA PARTY ON THE BACK DECK OVERLOOKING THE BARNYARD.

A BIRTHDAY PARTY HELD ON THE FARM

FROM ONE KID TO ANOTHER

FRIENDS

THE DUCK WHISPERER

A FIRST TIME MILKER AND ALREADY A PRO

MY NEW B.F.F.

A GENTLE TOUCH

WE'RE NOT AFRAID!

DO THEY ALWAYS WIGGLE THIS MUCH?

TOO MANY TO COUNT. I WANT THEM ALL!

I THINK I'M IN LOVE!

JUST OUR SIZE. CAN WE KEEP HER? (A MINI-JERSEY)

Through the years, a lot of memories were made.

Now they all have their own stories to remember and tell for years to come.

And many more memories to make!

~ Gwen of IRISH ACRES STORY BOOK FARM