Attack of the Ducks

Ava and I enjoyed an interesting morning at the park today. It has been so hot in the afternoons that I decided to take her outside a little earlier today. I packed tortillas and we headed to Nelson park to feed the ducks. We did this a few weeks ago, and she's been saying,"Feed the ducks" ever since. I had imagined that we would throw some bread to a few ducks, walk around the pond area, and enjoy a serene morning with the God's creations. I was wrong. I don't think the pictures adequately reflect the number of ducks and geese that were gathered this morning. When we arrived at the duck pond, I took Ava out of the car with one tortilla and we started throwing small torn pieces to the nearest ducks. Every duck in the area started waddling, swimming and flapping toward us. By the time we had given out our first tortilla, there was a swarm of about 100 ducks encircling, some even snapping at us as they quacked. At first this was funny; then it started to freak Ava (and me) out. The ducks didn't concern me, but the geese were pretty agressive. I picked Ava up and started to slowly back away, but the geese did not back down. Those crazy animals chased us back to the car, honking loudly. And yes, I ran! I am sure this was a hilarious sight, but I felt had no choice. Chad was bitten by a duck as a child and I was not going to stick around to let history repeat itself. I headed back to the car for more tortillas and the security of a quick getaway (just in case.) I let Ava in the car as I gathered more bread, and when I looked up, there were ducks and geese completely surrounding our car. The quacking was getting louder and louder at this point, and Ava started saying, "Uh-oh, mommy." We stuck around a little longer and handed out the rest of our tortillas before we headed over to the park to swing. We honked the horn several times loudly to no avail. These ducks were not afraid of cars, horns or people. I finally had to put the car in reverse and drive out backwards to get out of there without hitting a duck! These photos were taken prior to the attack of the geese, after which I would not let Ava down. But you can still get an idea of how many ducks were out. I wish I had a panoramic camera because they were completely surrounding us!

Happy Birthday to Chad!

Chad got a digital camera for his birthday! I'll finally be able to share some pictures of our family. Those of you from out of town are most interested in Ava, so most will be of her, but at least you won't have to click over to Kate's blog to see photos of my child now. I'm still trying to figure out if the camera can take a photo without a two second delay. That's why Ava is not looking at the camera in any of these photos. By the time the picture takes, she's on to something else. Most of the pictures are just around the house. One was taken at an ACU baseball game where Ava was sporting a cute little wildcats cheerleading outfit in support of Uncle Stover. Another is of Ava hanging out of her crib. I think it might be time for a big girl bed! Hope I can figure out how to upload everything. Enjoy!

Sisters

Kate and Brandon moved in a block away from us last weekend. It was a busy couple of days. (See Kate's blog for all the details related to the move!) I am so excited to have them even closer, though nothing in Abilene is far. It will be fun to put Ava in the wagon and walk over to Kate's to visit. I was telling some girls at a Bunko party that my sister had moved in around the corner, and several commented on how they could never live that close to their sisters. I've heard comments like this before, and I can honestly say that I cannot relate. Kate has become one of my very best friends, and there is something about knowing each other's history so intimately and loving each other anyway that makes sisterhood a tight bond. Kate is laid back when I am wound up. She's witty when I'm lame. She's giving when I am selfish. She is faithful when I doubt. And she's a great person to have around the corner. Couldn't ask for a better neighbor, sister and aunt for Ava!