Apples and Trees at the Petting Zoo

We visited our favorite Farmer's Market last week in Santa Monica.  It is an old friend to Chris and me.  We have frequented the same loop through many stages in our SoCal life.  There are pony rides and a petting zoo that we like to watch, but we thought this time, Cheyenne might want to actually get closer to the animals or even ride one of the ponies.  We discovered, oh so clearly, just how much Cheyenne is like her Mama.

My mom used to say that as a baby and a child (and I am still this way in many ways, I just hide it better), I was quite an observer and I would want to watch for a long time before I was going to participate in anything.  Well, all I can say is ... Apples and Trees ... my sweet little apple is staying close to this Mama tree.

It was a funny feeling really, watching her, because I really could feel her thoughts.  I knew instinctually and personally to wait it out longer than you would think appropriate and be patient with her watching, and eventually when asked if she wanted to get closer and pet the animals, the decisive and fearful "no's" would slowly turn into a reluctant and quiet "yeah?"   

The pictures say it all:

Big girl walking on her own through the Farmer's Market.  As long as we were a good
15 feet away, she was very interested in the ponies and petting zoo.

Watching the pony rides and petting zoo from a safe distance in Daddy's arms

When we heard a "yeah" from our girl, we knew we didn't have much time before she changed her mind.
We compiled all our coins at the corners of our wallets to scrounge enough for some feed for the petting zoo
 (which included dimes, nickels and a $2 bill)

Some of the fearful creatures that Cheyenne was nervous about...
How cute is that little baby calf?

Only Mama could pet the sheep.
But if I stopped, she would push my hand over so I would pet some more.

Interested, but still not so sure...

Our brave little girl

She was a bit concerned throughout the whole process that her shoes were getting hay all over them.
(Kinda looks like that goat wants to kiss her, or nibble on her hair, more likely)

And finally comfortable, Cheyenne is a natural ranch girl

Baby is happy. Daddy is proud.