My mother, whom we affectionately call Little Debbie, loves spending time with her grandchildren. Like more than Lance likes bicycles. So it comes as no surprise that she watches the kiddos for an entire week every summer. It’s called Nana Camp. And it is super fun. The children stay with her the entire week and she plans daily activities like puzzles & games, art & crafts, trips and adventures. It is grand!
This year I was thrilled to have Will participate in his first Nana Camp events. Since he is still too young attached to my boobs, he couldn’t sleep over at her house but during the day, he was perfectly able to attend a couple of the fun adventures. And me? Well, I was grinning ear to ear because it meant that I had to tag along too. You know…because I make the milk.
One of the main daily activities was actually a morning trip to a place called the Yellow River Game Ranch.
I must have lived within ten miles of this place for fifteen years and this was my first time. The animals were amazing. You literally walked outside and within seconds there were deer eating from your hand.
Since the deer were in felt, we couldn’t touch their antlers but we could pet their backs to our heart’s content. Believe me, every time my hand grazed their bodies, it was like a rush of adreneline. I had never been this close to a deer before! It’s like what I imagine Kate Gosslin feels every time she meets a plastic surgeon.
Even Will loved them. Although he had more interest in sucking his fingers than actually feeding these sweet rescued critters.
Once we actually decided to hit the trail, we got to see the bigger beasts. There were bears,
and sheep and rams,
and billy goats,
and mules (which were really funny),
wild hogs that were HUMONGOUS,
and even buffalo. You had to feed the buffalo through a tube of PVC…which reminded me of plumbing…which reminded me of our unfinished laundry room. I guess that means that I really need to work on that room. A DIYer’s work is never done, huh?
But before we go headlong into renovations, let’s finish the game ranch.
Not all the animals were large. Oh no. Some were tiny. This one reminded me of my dear old Thumper. Bless his soul.
And let’s not forget General Lee. Not the Civil War General Lee. The groundhog. He’s the official winter-predictor for Georgia. And his home is air-conditioned and has a television.
Then there were the bunnies. Bunnies were everywhere. And the bunny sign made me smile. I kinda want one for our house. minus the bunny parts.
Halfway through the park, Will zonked out. I don’t know if it was the heat or the overstimulation but this kid was OUT. The rest of us were enjoying the Georgia heat. As in, we were sweating our hineys off.
Ok. So let’s talk about the birds…my favorite part of the park (well, favorite along with the deer).
The roosters were crazy beautiful. I mean look at all those colors. I would love to design an entire living space with this cockadoodledoo as inspiration.
And I would be remiss to ignore these little quackers. The feathers were splendid…especially the ones from under the hiney. They were white and black polka dot! My mother walked around collecting them like a child collects easter eggs.
And we can’t even begin to talk about feathers without mentioning this beautiful bird. There were half a dozen peacocks with the most gorgeous transition from bright green to deep blue. Just lovely!
Overall, it was quite a great little day trip. I would highly recommend visiting if you are ever in the area. It’s only $8 for adults – so even just a date with your boyfriend would run you under $20! Plus, they do have predators (like mountain lions and foxes) for the males to enjoy. You know boys…they have to see a beast with testosterone.
And you can bring in your own food for the animals to eat…crackers, carrots, corn, or peanuts all are highly prized fare.
The kids absolutely loved it. And so did I. That’s what really counts 🙂 I just can’t wait for next year’s Nana Camp!
Have you been visiting some animals lately? Maybe a trip to the zoo? Or a game ranch? Or perhaps you just encountered a critter in the wild? C’mon. Spill those beastie details. It’ll be a nice break from all this kid/decor/renovation/life talk.
That sounds like so much fun! I may have to drag my husband up there so we can see it! I mean, it’s only like a four… ok maybe six… hour drive! Piece of cake, right? Mmmm cake…
And I love that the pvc reminded you of your laundry room. That’s the way my brain works.
Where is this place?? I am originally from Gainesville, GA and I’d LOVE something like this! Maybe we’ll go the next time we’re home!
I had to giggle at those adorable sheep with their heads all cocked in unison.
How fun! My mom took me and my siblings there a bunch of times as a kid, and I really enjoyed it. It would be interesting to see it as an adult and compare that to my memories. Maybe my girls would like it too!
That looks so fun! Our last close encounter was the end of June. We were at the Olympic National Park and there all these wild deer that would just walk/play within 5 feet of the tourists! It was the closest I’ve ever been.
Hi Emily,
It’s close to Stone Mountain, Georgia. And you will love it. Make sure that if you decide to visit, arrive early in the morning…that’s when the animals are the hungriest 🙂
XO – katie
this reminds me… I have ground buffalo in my freezer.
I wanna go to Nana Camp!
Oh, and PS: I just finished painting this box because I was totally inspired by your chevron patterned table …
http://bontempsbeignet.blogspot.com/2010/08/quatrefoiled-plans.html
i hope that the people in charge of the park take the animal’s nutrition into account. crackers and peanuts probably aren’t the best thing for these guys.
Cool! We live in Buford, so it’s not too far! Do you live in Lilburn too?
I grew up less than ten miles from there and also have never been! I thought I was the only one! I will def have to check it out though!
That’s so cool! We actually went to the “Deer Park” out in Wisconsin on our recent road trip. Essentially the same idea as your adventure. I’m so jealous you guys got the bucks to come up to you! All we got were the does – but they were cute nonetheless!
Hi Rhiannon,
Thanks for your concern. I am pretty sure they do monitor the animals nutrition. Afterall, every single animal in the park (ya know besides the squirrels) are rescued creatures. They have nursed them from near death or been born into captivity and they would not be able to survive in the wild. Plus, we aren’t feeding them the honey roasted peanuts or peanut butter crackers…for one – that would be way too expensive….and two – the animals prefer the carrots and corn. Plus, when the animals are full, they stop nibbling. Now if only I could master that skill 🙂
XO – kb
Nope we don’t live in Lilburn. My parents actually are the ones that live so close by. They live in Snellville…you know….where everybody is somebody 🙂
XO – Katie
Can’t believe this is so close to us. We live in ATL and will Definately check it out soon. My husband will love this. He’s been trying to lure bunnies to our yard for weeks.
I can’t believe you lived in Snellville and never went to the game ranch! I grew up in Grayson and I loved that place growing up. They used to have a talking crow! Hey-where did you go to high school???
I just have to say those pictures of Will are SO CUTE! I have pictures of my son with his chubby baby legs curled up like that and it makes me so nostalgic. I love chubby baby thighs.
As for animals… we went to the Dallas Zoo about a year ago and I loved it. We don’t have a zoo in my city, or even within a couple hours drive, so I like to go when I have the chance. I always feel a tinge of sadness seeing the animals in captivity, but overall I think they’re great.
I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and wanted you to know how beautiful your pictures are. Also, you have a beautifual baby, family, and home.
I laughed so hard when I read the Kate Gosslin comment. Maybe it was because my hubby & I were just watching Kate plus 8 eposide where they go to discovery cove and couldn’t get over the site of her in bikini. She has def. had some work done-WHOA!
Now I feel really informed about the game ranch 🙂
My husband and I live in Snellville as well and on our way to our jobs in Atlanta we pass it everyday. Now I definitely want to take my nieces, I think they would love it!
I LOVE the Yellow River Game Ranch. I haven’t been in years, but it used to be my favorite place to go as a kid.
Ohhhh, the yellow game ranch! I used to be a summer camp counselor and we would take the kiddie on field trips there. Some of the ducks wandering around were… um… mating. They were quite vocal. I think I ended up tellin 7 year old girls that they were just playing…
Speaking of animals…yes, I have a story. Two weeks ago we were in Yellowstone (awesome!) There are buffalo EVERYWHERE there. We got out of the car to stop and look over a little scenic spot and as we turned around to head up the road to our car, my boyfriend (he he) said “hey! there are buffalo coming down the road.” We all thought that was kind of cool until they decided to start running like straight toward us! A mini buffalo stampede…and our car was on the other side of them, of course. We grabbed our 4 little ones and ran off the road hiding by the trees until they passed. Talk about adrenaline rush. Not sure I like buffalo so much anymore.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
If you can’t obey the rules please do not enter.
Do not chase the girls.
Do not pick up the girls.
Works for a bunny-free house! 🙂
I’m so glad to know that we Southerners have our very own winter-predicting rodent. My momma always said: : “Never trust a Yankee rodent to know what’s what in seasonal climatology.”