Sadness on the farm; goats, ducks, bunnies, peacocks and, most importatly, moving on up...

Last Sunday, I got up early and went to Target (best to time to shop as it's always quiet) and when I returned home Mike and Hannah said with sadness in their eyes, "Lucky Tucky isn't a she but is a HE". "Oh no!!" This is devastating news because in our city, and in most, roosters are not allowed and for obvious reasons and this reason is how she was discovered to be a he -- I guess while I was shopping Lucky Tucky took to the stage (his roosting bar) and tried his little heart out and ungracefully crowed.

Now I have done a lot of research on raising chickens and even the most prepared and veteran chicken aficionados have had this unexpected surprise. It happens very often as it is very hard to determine the sex of chicks and we were no exception. "What are we going to do?". Unfortunately, Lucky Tucky must be rehomed.  

After a lot of searching and a lot of dead-ends, I feared that there was no place to rehome Lucky Tucky until I came across Wardle Feed and Pet Supply. Wardle Feed and Pet Supply is the oldest remaining feed store in Denver, family-owned and operated since 1938 (http://wardlefeed.com/) and they take roosters!! HALLULUJAH!! I was so relieved!

My relief was met with the sickening reality of telling my little Mason that his favorite little Lucky Tucky has to go away -- forever (visions of our old lab, Honey, swirled in my head). Mason took it pretty ok. I guess it's hard to argue with "it's against the law".

I was bound and determined to really enjoy Lucky Tucky's last few days with us; every morning this week, I'd sit on the chair in my family room and watch him take his stage and proudly crow. So cute! He got better every day and it was so entertaining! And I made sure to spoil him with extra meal worms, too.

Saturday came and it was time to let him go. We loaded up Lucky Tucky and headed to Wardle Feed, which is only 13 minutes drive away. It was the LONGEST 13 minutes EVER. From his little box, Lucky Tucky crowed and squawked and squeaked, as if he knew and Mason just cried. We finally got to the feed store and it was AWESOME -- a quant, little farm and feed store tucked into an unsuspecting, suburban, neighborhood.    

A lady greeted us and we told her why we were there and she said "one moment". While she was gone we looked around. There was a neat room full of baby chicks, all sorts of feed and accessories for every type of animal and even freshly jarred honey. This is perfect -- Lucky Tucky's new home.

She came back and told us to follow her. We went outside and to the back and there were all sorts of cages full of all sorts of happy animals. There were ducks, turkeys, even a peacock and of course some goats. It was fantastically cool! We came to Lucky's new cage and Mason said goodbye and gave him a hug. I placed Lucky into his cage Mason stood there crying and as I closed the cage door Mason reached his little finger in and said one more goodbye! RIP MY HEART OUT PLEASE! 

Well Lucky Tucky wasn't phased at all. He started eating and drinking immediately and walked around curiously inspecting his new place -- he was going to be ok!! PHEW!

While at this cool feed store, there was a chicken swap going on. This is where people bring their hand-raised animals to sell or swap. We took advantage of this gathering and walked around. There were chicks, chickens, roosters, bunnies, ducks and more peacocks (who knew?). It was fun and lessened the sadness of saying goodbye to our little rooster!

Our week was not all sad, in fact it was tremendous. This week Hannah and Mason successfully completed 4th and 1st grade, both with honors and Hannah had 100% attendance!! We are so proud of them and their efforts. They are so excited to move on up to 5th and 2nd grade but especially excited for summer break!

I am looking forward to summer as well. Finally had some nice weather as of yesterday!! Now we can really finish the chicken coop!! Can't wait to watch the chicks explore their new home!!

 
 

 

 Goodbye, Lucky Tucky!

 Look at that hairdo!!

 

 

 

Horsing around, five little monkeys and there's a first time for everything...

Life has been great on the Gines funny farm and crazier than ever. The last two weeks have seemed to kick us into an even higher gear with school coming to a close with awards and celebrations and gymnastics competitions building us up to State.

It hasn't all been "business" though. We have definitely been horsing around, as well. Our fun-loving family got together to celebrate the Kentucky Derby. And we all went full out -- including hats, dresses, food, drinks and horses. Yes, horses. Inspired by the Melbourne Cup party I attended in Indonesia (miss you Aussie ladies), we decorated horses and participated in a horse race. Two winners from each race faced off in the championship race and the winner was Mason! It was a blast -- that and Mike wore a dress in festive spirit -- too fun!!      

This last week I also had a chance to chaperon Mason's class to the Denver Zoo. Managing five little monkeys in a crowded zoo with a thousand other schools was a little overwhelming at times but those little kiddos were great and seeing and hearing their excitement over the animals made it worth every second!! It was special too, as I was standing looking at the kangaroos, I realized how many animals I have been able to hold and see in real life throughout Asia and Australia and how blessed we are to have had that experience.

Hannah's gymnastics competitions continue on and she continues to humbly grow, develop skills and learn. This last weekend was her home gym meet and she was most excited for this one as she stated "I know the gym and the equipment". That proved to be true and she nailed three of her four events, getting 1st place on those three events and achieving 3rd place overall. She was ecstatic! We are so proud of her but not just for the placements but for her determination and passion.

Speaking of firsts. It has been a long time since we have gone camping and Mason has never slept in a tent (I know, I know, poor kiddo). So while Hannah was at a slumber party Mike dusted off his old hunting tent and made camp in our backyard! All three of us and Kiesel (our lab) snuggled in for the night. I was an adjustment but Mason beamed all weekend long and he can't wait to go real camping!!!

We are sooooo looking forward to summer -- BBQs, boating, camping, hiking and swimming. And I am really looking forward to some warm, nice weather as it continues to rain and be dreary! Soon enough it will happen!!