Well, it's not technically a farm, but we do have lots of creatures. Ladybugs seem to want to dwell in Tyler's room indefinitely. I watched as deer grazed in our front yard today. A coyote howls but seems to safely keep his distance, thankfully. We have roosters and chickens who wander over from our neighbors' at least once a day -- they are across the pond but still very audible when outside. I used to hear their constant crowing in the yard, but I tune it out now and have to remind myself to listen. I guess that's how our neighbors manage to have them so close to their home -- the mind trains it self.
My favorite "guest" is a breathtaking crane, who fishes our pond several times a week (I like to think it's the same crane anyway). I never take for granted that we get to see him and if we're in the car, the boys and I always stop and greet him.
We rarely have geese, which I hear we don't want, but they do come by occasionally, a few at a time. I hope to get a few ducks as pets at some point. There are horses next door and we have a horse tie mounted on a tree from a previous owner, which makes me wonder if they did graze here at some point. Frogs are aplenty -- the real, cool-looking green ones too. This place is lizard heaven, apparently, as they seem to have the largest headcount. It's a good thing I like them because they'd run me out if not! Decent-size bass populate the pond, but the carp make the big splashes and blow you away with their size.
I know we have some other less appealing creatures, too, but we won't talk about that. ;) All in all, this abode is purely alive -- and a piece of my heart. Along with my kids, it's a huge inspiration and I'm trying to figure out how to merge both photography and our home into a sort of studio -- a unique and private outdoor setting for portrait photographers to shoot (possibly including myself!), an indoor photo studio in our well-lit separate apartment, and a workshop in the standalone 2-story shed. There are a few photo sessions here this week and I hope this exciting momentum continues -- below are some photos I did of Tyler and I'm shooting some more kiddos this weekend. I'm sure I'll write in detail about my plans for this place once Scott & I figure them out and hopefully there will be a website in the near future!
So glad my iphone was there for some fun moments when my camera wasn't! Lisa and I got to help host Austin and Ashlyn's school Christmas party together. At his own party, Tyler was adorable and so proud singing with his class. And the two boys literally flipped (as did we) when they saw the HUGE stuffed animals only Gigi would find and buy. Lots of good times :)
The boys are ages 2 & 4 and this was the most exciting Christmas yet, as talks of Santa and toys and baby Jesus were a constant this December and their joy was so palpable. This morning even, Tyler and Austin were arguing over who was God and who was Baby Jesus in the game of pretend (Tyler insisted Austin be the baby). I was fascinated to hear them discuss this and I wasn't sure whether I should tell Tyler "it's not nice to pretend you're God." But then again, I'm sure God wouldn't mind if it's an innocent game by a 4 year old. ;)
