On one of the first Spring days, the family and I got out to visit the farm we get most of our beef, chicken, lamb and pork products from, Fields of Athenry in Purcellville.  With the beautiful weather, sunshine, fresh air and plenty of animal sounds, I felt like we were on the set of Little House on the Prairie.  A horse greeted us soon after we parked in the drive way that leads to the farm.  Her name is Mary.  She’s a big, beautiful, un-intimidating horse who loves to be pet by the children.  My one-year-old son got such a kick out of her.  Then it was on to see the rest of the animals that call the farm home.  After the damage from all the snow, a lot of the animals were all living together.  It was like a mini Noah’s arc.  We were approached by singing goats, moo-ing sheep (I swear they were saying moo instead of bah…well maybe it was more of a moooaaahh) and busy chickens.  In the distance you could see the llamas, protecting and surveying the area.  There were kids everywhere playing among the animals and even bottle feeding a few of the baby lambs.  My son had his introduction to the humane raising of the animals that would eventually be dinner.  Wow!  I can’t believe I wrote that, it sounds so gruesome.  But I have come to terms with it.  If you believe in eating animal products as my family and I do, then I feel having a close eye on where your food comes from and how it’s raised can be a healthier approach to eating it.  I definitely do not want a tour of the “processing” plant, but to be able to come to the place where the animals are treated like family pets, fed their natural diet and roam and graze the fields, makes me feel better about the food choices I make for me and my family.  Being connected to where the food you eat comes from is always a good idea and gives you a much deeper appreciation for the food you eat.  Plus, I would like my child to understand the connection as well.  For now, at his age, it’s a fun and exciting place to come and play as well as to mimic the “cock-a-doodle-doo!” and other farm sounds.  Spring is a great time to discover and explore the many farms in Loudoun (both animal and vegetable), taste the freshness they offer and have a family outing that’s both educational and adventurous!