Chillin' in Colfax

Exactly one week ago today, Mark and I headed north to Colfax to visit the Hurlburt gang. We consider this a "spontaneous" trip because we decided only the day before to go. We actually tried to finaggle Lisa and Jon and the kids to come down to see us, and they were willing to, but because of their repsonsibilities with their animals and Jon having to work right away on Monday morning, they would have come down and visited for a few hours but then they would have had to make the drive back that very afternoon. Not very fun. So, Mark and I opted to drive up and spend the night in Colfax.

The chase is on! Rounding up the chickens.

Jon with Leila & Michael

When we arrived on Sunday afternoon, we brought terror with us: Mingo and Lily made their first trip to Lisa's...and I forgot to confirm that the dogs were indeed coming...and the kids' 3 chickens were in the backyard when we arrived...and we let Mingo and Lily out of the X-Terra...and they're bird dogs...and the chickens are birds...and there was a lot of screaming on my part...and the dogs received a lot of "juice" from their shock collars...and Michael, Emma, and Leila were all outside to witness anything that might happen...

Leila points at Mingo and Lily who were banished to the porch for bad behavior:(

Thankfully, the dogs were not able to catch or harm any of the fowl. They spent a good chunk of the visit inside a porch, looking out the windows at what must have looked like very delectable birds foraging for insects in the yard.

Emma struggles to get her balance. She showed me her fort in the woods.

I was very impressed with Michael and Emma's calm and understanding of the event that had transpired. While I was repeatedly apologizing, the kids reassured me that it was "okay." They matter-of-factly pointed out that Mingo and Lily are bird dogs, and they were doing what was natural for them. Adding to their reasoning, Emma also quipped, "Besides, if a chicken dies, then we'll just get another one." She didn't say this in a mean, uncaring way either. Emma certainly loves her animals, but I think she's learning a lot about the whole "circle of life" (see past blogs of my sister for more detail).

Cookie time! That's chocolate chip cookie smeared on her face.

Anyway, aside from this initial traumatizing event, Mark and I had a wonderfully relaxing time being with Lisa, Jon, and the kids. We hung out quite a bit on the deck, talking and watching the chickens peck the yard. Lots of laughing.

Mark sitting on the deck.

I marvelled at Leila's newfound mobility skills. The last time I saw her in June, she was standing up, but not secure with the whole letting-go and moving thing. She was definitely a-moving and a-shaking last weekend!

Look out!

Walking rocks!

Leila chases the chickens. Michael kept a watchful eye on his baby sister.

It was really neat to see all of the animals the family has now too. In addition to their cat and dog, they've added the 3 chickens, a horse for Emma, and five calves! The horse and the calves are kept on a neighbor lady's small farm. The farm is very close to their home, and I know that Emma rises early in the morning to help feed chickens and to perform other tasks about the place.

Emma & some of her farm friends.

Thanks so much, Lisa and Jon, for hosting us for an impromtu visit!!

Jon

They're so cute!