A Royal Winter Procession

Not far from our home, 

perhaps an hour and a half drive... 

over the river 

and through the woods 

and up the mountain road,  

there is a wonderful little town called Liberty. 

Visiting Liberty is like taking a step back in time, life seems so much slower paced and peaceful. At least it was for us, as most of our family gathered there for a couple of days worth of together time.

The snow began to fall early in the morning, and by the time we arrived, it was a Winter Wonderland with four to five feet of fresh snow. It was magical!   

But that's another day's post.

 ♦♦♦

 Today I want to share 

one of the adventures we had during our stay.

I've placed a filter on these little kiddo pics to keep their smiles from floating through cyber space.

A Royal Winter Procession 

begins as Shepherd and grandchildren lead their donkeys 

Ruth and Esther and three woolly sheep down the snowy path.  

The gentle Shepherd carries a feed bucket 

to entice the hungry parade to follow him.

The deep snowfall has made it a challenge to feed and water them 

so they must be moved to a larger pasture. 

There the horses and cows have already tromped pathways 

in the deep and new fallen snow.

 They willingly follow...

...until they reach the wide open spaces.  

Here, they burst into a playful run, 
enjoying their new freedom.

All must help in gathering them together 

and directing them toward their new pasture.

Kids and grandkids form a wall.

 Back and forth the animals frolic...

 until one brave sheep 
finally jumps toward the high snow bank 
they must climb...

 and the rest boldly follow.

 Mission accomplished!

Haul out a bale of hay 
to reward them for their obedience.

 Enough for all to share.

 The cows saunter over to greet the new guests.

 Surprisingly, all get along together quite well, 

sheep and donkeys, horses and cows. 

A little community of their own.

There's peace in this little corner of the world.

And we're off for a new adventure...

Stay tuned!