McClellands Critters...what a blast!

Nine of us packed up today and headed to McClellands Critters in Banks, Alabama. I had heard of this place before but for some reason had never made the trip. It's only a little over an hour from the house and after today we WILL be going back!

Here we are...


Paid for our tickets, $8 for me and $6 for each of the girls. It was bright and sunny so we also picked up a couple of visors for the girls.

Orange for Miss Abigail


And pink for EG


Located on 70 wooded acres, this place has all kinds of critters!

This guy was a character


I'm not really sure what the deal was here...somebody doesn't look happy


These guys were too busy sleeping to entertain us...I thought they were sweet


Mr Mike hand feeds the big cats


And they like it


One noisy cat


Layla didn't care for the roaring


But all in all fascinating to watch


One of the best parts of the day was the reptiles...yup, the reptiles.

It all started off with this little guy


Hands on


and on


and on


Somebody decided reptiles were cool and grabbed a couple of them


After talking EG out of the gators Mr Mike brought out a ball python

Where's it's head?


See mom!


Next came the corn snakes. EG LOVED them!


Gimmie, gimmie!


Soooo happy :)


She did share with her sister...eventually


Somehow Miss April got talked into holding this guy


Which led to me holding him


And of course Miss Megan wasn't getting off the hook!


Abigail held him too


And who looks most comfortable and at ease with a big snake around her neck? Um, yeah, EG.


Ash thought we were all nuts


Oh but they got bigger....and who was there wanting first hold? Yeah, EG.


Look at her


Then it was Abigail's turn. Seems EG was concerned it was going to land on her...


Brave girl


At the end of the tour Mr Mike asked the girls if they'd like to give Oreo, the calf, a bottle.

Of course they did!


Uhhh, this calf is strong


Really strong


Stronger than I expected


Hungry baby


You would think we'd had a full day. We had seen, held and fed several animals. Then we looked up and here come the McClellands with "BooBoo"


EG sprinted for them


I really wanted to hold this little guy


He nuzzled Abigail


I think EG would have preferred another reptile


Layla even gave him a hug


OK, OK...enough of that!


EG and L hanging out at the end of the day


Preston did not want me to get this picture. Thank you, April for the help :)


What a great day with some pretty terrific friends. Thanks guys!

Country Best Farm

This is not our first entry about Country Best Farm, and likely won't be the last. Each time I go I make new and wonderful discoveries. This time of year you can drive on Hwy 84 W and see this sign...



It will lead you to a real Enterprise treasure.


Owned and operated by Bobby and Nancy Helms. A God loving couple, married 53 years.


This is their little miracle, Joshua.


If you're really lucky and happen to go in during a slow time you might be able to get Miss Nancy to tell you the inspirational story of how they came to adopt their handsome Joshua.

This year my family and I thought it would be fun to try our hand at canning. What better place is there to go for fresh produce...I headed to Country Best Farm. I was after these...


I like the U-Pick option. Just look at that...


It didn't take long before I had what I came for.


You don't have to pick your own. If you're in a hurry, you can buy strawberries already picked by the bucketful.


This place isn't limited to strawberries either. Later in the year they offer U-Pick peaches, blueberries, and satsumas. I caught a glimpse of the peach trees on my way out to the strawberry field.


Also available seasonally they have watermelon, cantaloupe, squash, okra, peas, butter beans, onions, peppers, cucumbers...the list goes on and on. In addition to the fruits and vegetables, they make pound cake, and pies. Oh and the homemade ice cream is WONDERFUL!

It comes in a variety of flavors.


As if the fruits, vegetables and sweet treats weren't enough, Country Best Farm also enjoys mailing homemade pound cakes to our deployed soldiers. Other little treats are sometimes included, and a copy of Psalm 91 will be found in every box.


If you have a friend or family member who is currently serving overseas, Country Best Farm would be happy to mail them a cake. You can call them at (334)393-7224 or if you are local to the area you can stop in. Hwy 84 W/Moates Road Enterprise, Al 36330. You could also send the name and address of your loved one to me at beesmom1@hotmail.com, and I will get it to them for you.