Dueys' Babies and Buddies

Duey has grown so big and beautiful!

Baby Mallards

Duey was so sad over the loss of Luey that we bought him some babies hoping that would comfort him. Josh called when after we had introduced them to see how they were getting along. By this point I had already had them in the tub hoping Duey would realize they were ducks like him. I told Josh well he has stomped one, bit one, and tried to drown one. He said this was his home and his family and that he was not sharing. I am confident that over time and as they grow he will come around!

Brenden and the babies.

Duey and his Buddies
Duey has decided that he would rather hang with the chickens than his babies. Funny thing is he was fine until they tried to drink their water and then he would run them off. At that point I made him get out. 

Luey taught Duey to chase the chickens and protect their territory. Who knew ducks could be so territorial? Here he is getting along quite nicely, and seems to have let Luey's teaching wear off a bit. Here are all 12 of our growing guys plus a Duck/Chicken.

Duck Box and a Lost Luey

Our sweet loving Luey...

June 1st when I went to put Duey and Luey up for the night in their predator proof duck box Duey was alone. Apparently the predator came out before dark. We are all heart broken though not as much as Duey! Rest In Peace Luey!

Below Luey top and Duey bottom, swimming together at the edge of the pond.

Left Side

Right Side
As you can see the box opens from the top for easy cleanup and access to the door that latches on the inside. And then a combination lock on the top outside. I would like to see a raccoon open that! Tayler and Joshua helped paint the outside. Josh laid linoleum in the floor which helps a ton. This is a temporary home as Josh plans to build a permanent house for our future ducks to nest and be safe in at night.

Joshua goes to open the door for his ducks.

Grenada Lake Memorial Day

Tayler and Austin having a conversation.

The boys riding on the way to the boat ramp.

Finally off my knees.

Up on my feet, believe it or not I actually stood up without holding on! I would love to learn to ski!

The Oh No before the fall!

Bren getting ready to stand up.

That is our Bren has to try his own way!

Joshua wasn't going to get on the tube not even with the bribery of ice cream! We did actually manage to get him in the water this time. This was his first time this year to get in the water. Last year nothing could stop him!

Christy asked Tayler if she would get on if she rode with her. Here they are getting ready to take off.

As you can see Tayler was lovin it!

Christy kept asking her if she would stay on if she fell off and Tayler said yes, and she did but not for long as soon as Christy was gone Tayler would shake her head NO!

Look at em go!

Hanging On!

And... James is OFF!

You can see James' head in the back, and Brens' reaction just says YEAH! I am still on!

Our neighbors the Strong's  invited us out on their boat. We always have a great time with them! I can see a boat in our future! :)

Memorial Day Weekend 2010

Joshua and Tayler with the first watermelon of the season. So glad I have them to share it with!

Jay trying to balance the boat and figure how to work it.

Tayler with Jays Boat.
This boat also dived, and would disappear in the murky water. The kids had a ball swimming with it, searching, and waiting for it to pop up again.

Jay, Rodney, Joshua and I watching the kids swim.

James and Brenden helping Kate in.

Six of the 7 Joshua(Below) was content on the bank playing!
L-R Kate Wesley, Brenden, James, Tayler, and Corey

Boys got air jumping into the pond...
Brenden

James

Wesley

James throwing a mud ball. They played this game they called Mud Ball by scooping up silt off the bottom of the pond, dividing into teams and throwing it at each other. They looked like swamp monsters when they were done. The "mud" is what keeps me out of the pond, it is so stinky and yucky. 

This was a great weekend. Everyone arrived early Friday morning with pigs n a blanket from our local doughnut shop here in town, a favorite of theirs. First stairs went up on the the house, next Josh and Rodney worked on Josh's  air condition in the truck. We are so grateful for Rodneys' help and saving us money on our vehicles! We can always count on Jay to keep the Wii going and have fun with the kids! Joshua and I were busy installing the rest of the stair treads while the rest of the kids played inside with Jay. Saturday Josh and Rodney made a predator proof duck box to house Luey and Duey in at night, Tayler, Joshua and I painted it. In the evening the kids played in the pond and spent the nights in the tent. Sunday we went to the Grenada Lake Beach followed by more pond play. Lots of good food thanks to Josh(who cooked all the meals!), good company and great memories. Thank you to those that serve our country and making this possible for us to enjoy!

Treehouse Stairs!

Thanks to Rodney, Jay and the tractor we had help attaching the monster stairs!

Joshua handed Josh screws, and while Josh and Rodney worked on the air condition in Joshs truck Joshua and I finished screwing on the treads.

And they are all on!

Joshua tries them out first, upstairs checking things out.

Brenden and Taylers first trip up.

The crews all here!

A big thanks to daddy for building such an awesome hangout to play at! Right now they are calling it "The Clubhouse". We plan to finish the roof, siding, doors and windows after we are done with the duck house and chicken run.

Front of House and Flowerbeds

Above I planted Celosia, Marigolds, and Dahlias around the Crape Myrtles on both sides. Now if only the animals would stay out of the straw and quite covering up the plants they would grow in nicely!
From the top of the hill.
There are actually Moss Rose here but I think I may have been watering them to much they aren't blooming well now.

Left Side.

Right side.

The following are views from the bottom of the hill.

Left Side.

Right Side.

Front
And so there it is one Spring project finished! Yeah!