Spring Surprise

The universe always finds ways to humble me. A week ago I came home on a windy, rainy night after an exceptionally busy Monday, ran into the barn to do chores, and found-MUCH to our surprise-a newborn lamb! The ewes had come into the barn when I did and he couldn't get over the concrete lip from the pasture to the barn. Once it registered what I was seeing I ran out, scooped him up, held him close and dried him off with my coat. After several minutes of mild shock and a bit of panic, I came to my senses and kneeled back down with him realizing one of these ladies was his mother. One of them came right up and nuzzled him, and gave me the old stink eye for doubting her. I ran into the house and got Zane and Matt and we quick built a lambing pen where Momma and baby could bond, be safe and well fed. Matt worked a bit with them to get him to nurse and ever since its been smooth sailing. Nature is truly awe inspiring. It is so fun to see it all work the way it is supposed to, especially after bottle feeding so many of these guys as orphans last spring.

It took a while to get good pictures of Cordova (named so because of the weather he was born in) as Momma kept herself between him and us until she felt more comfortable with our presence. Now he is jumping and running and making new friends with his aunties. I think some orneriness is coming out :)

So after some embarrassment for not knowing we had lambs coming (we watched for signs much earlier this spring but seeing none, stopped looking) we are now closely watching two more ewes that are looking plump and wider in the hips. What rookies we are!

Slightly more obivious are the two cats we have wandering around looking like they swallowed a football!

And the kids received another surprise last week when my folks showed up to see Zane's track meet and Mik's play. Here are a couple of after play pictures (great play photos on Miks facebook) and a video of Zane's high jump (he came in 4th and did great in his running events as well). I have a lot to learn about taking action shots both indoors and out so I am glad Dad got this video.

We will keep you posted on the new life at Shady Grove!

Until then may the sun be on your face and the wind at your back.

Spring Visitors

Julie and Avery were in Minnesota visiting family and honored us with a weekend visit here at Shady Grove with the Severson/Green crew. These cousins never seem to have any awkward "it's been a while" feelings and jump right in with both feet! Kids and adult cousins alike! Even though it was a windy weekend, the temps were nice and the boys slept outside both nights.

We got a lot of visiting, eating, laughing and even some yoga packed into the two days! Conversation is always entertaining and interesting ranging from barefoot running to organic farming to house hunting in AK. Avery was SUCH a little sunshine, seemingly taking travel and many new faces in stride! It's so fun to watch Julie as a mom-she loves it so much does a beautiful job! Thanks so much for coming guys! We hope you come back again!