Cheap peeps!

I feel like Count von Count from Sesame Street every couple of hours when I check on these little balls of fluff, making sure all eight are still there. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...wait, didn't I already count you? 1, 2, 3...hold still!

These little chicks are just about a week old and all should be pullets or laying hens. The only possible rooster is this little gold and black one giving us "the eye" in the photo above. It is a Buttercup. The bin was filled with straight run chicks so we took a chance. Either way, the adult Buttercup is a beautiful bird.

This little ball of light yellow fluff is a very friendly, laid back chick. We're calling her Glinda. She will let anyone pet her or pick her up. In all my years of raising chickens, I've never seen one that likes to be this close to people. She is one of three Araucana/Americana chicks in the flock. One of the others is below and the third is currently covered in dark brown feather fluff.

The flock also includes two Barred Rocks and two Rhode Island Reds. We try to take them out in the afternoon sun for a little stroll through the yard.

4, 4, 3, 4

Rikard's pinewood derby car finished 4th, 4th, 3rd and 4th during his respective heats. Like all pinewood derby cars, his started out with such promise at the top of the track (the white one with orange wheels on the right).

But promise wasn't enough. The finish line was a lonely place for Rikard's car. The others crossed the finish line L-O-N-G before his did. His car was at maximum weight, it was just poorly distributed.
We think maybe his race number was a bit foretelling. He was assigned #44. Sort of an ominous number after the first two races, huh? Or, maybe just something for us adults to laugh about.
You can see by the look on his face as he watches his car trail the others down the track how disappointed he was. Luckily his disappointment didn't last long. He was quite satisfied with the blue participation ribbon and the idea that he can make a better car next year.

The maiden voyage

This is one happy boatload! The maiden voyage of the __________ (still haven't named it/her) took place Sunday afternoon and it was a success. The three passengers, two crew members and the vessel itself returned to shore safely.

This is one happy captain. It has been years since he had a realiable boat, a boat he enjoyed spending time on, a boat he could call his own. The entire time we were on the lake he was listening to every little noise the boat made, was capitavated by the fish finder, tested the boat in turns for cavitation. He was just happy.

The lake was fantastic. There was no wind to speak of and only a handful of other boats. The water was like glass - and apparently the fish were biting if we are to believe all the fishermen lining the dock.
Of course, the kids had a great time too. At least most of them. Rikard and Tatum tested every seat on the boat. They soon realized that the bench seat on the back was the windiest, coldest seat available.

Keeli was huddled in the front seat, clinging to me and the dash for dear life, begging the captain to "slow down," "stay away from the bumps" and "get me back to land!"

Hoopster

Tatum has taken to the court for basketball season. Her team is currently 3-0. She typically plays guard.Defense at this age/skill level is a free-for-all and sometimes very entertaining to watch. Free balls are always being chased by several girls with others visibly considering the idea of leaving their positions to go after the ball. There is a lot of running from end to end with the disappointment on one side of not scoring and the thrill on the other side of getting the ball and having a chance to score. Back and forth, back and forth. And, is it any suprise that my daughter is the shortest on her team? Nope.All this action-packed, thrilling basketball teamwork and you'd think Rikard would be riveted to his seat, cheering his sister on, right? No. He and his friends were climbing the walls.