Down on the Farm

There is exciting news to tell you about! We are building a pond on our farm!  For the last few afternoons and evenings, we have been out at the farm watching the dozer as it pushes down big, firmly planted trees and makes way for a pond.  Even our Little Man is mesmerized by the power and strength of the dozer as it knocks down the trees and then as they push them into a pile.  As much as I hate we are removing trees, we really need a pond.

The location of this pond is in a naturally low lying area that usually has water standing.  Let's just say there is no water today, and not even a bit of mud.  I guess we picked the correct time to build this little pond. Regardless, hopefully we will have a little fishing hole after a few good rains.

I envision this pond as a place that our children can claim as their own and just enjoy being a kid.  Maybe a place to chase frogs, or if they are lucky, catch a fish or two. Some of my favorite childhood memories are fishing in Grandpa Mark's pond. I can remember a time that we were at the pond and we watched a water moccasin, and there were thousand of little babies with her.  I hate snakes just as much as anyone else, but my Mom caught a few of the little guys and put them in a mason jar.  I don't remember anything about fishing that day, but I do remember the baby snakes!

After finishing for the evening, it is fun to watch the cattle.  They are curious by nature, and want to see what we are doing. They won't come up when the dozer is running, but once the engine is shut off, they can't wait to see what is going on!  They run through the fresh dirt and butt at the trees that are down. I think that they are excited too.  They can't wait to have a cool place to spend a sultry afternoon!

Since our friends are helping us with this project, it has been great enjoying their friendship.  The children built a fort yesterday out of sticks and used baling twine.  They didn't realize at the time that their hunt for baling twine was helping us out.  They then hung beach towels on the twine and made their own little place.  All was good until the Little Man decided that he wanted to be part of the action too, and tried to help the tear it down, so that they could rebuild it together.

The best part of this entire story is the dirt!  It is dry, and it seems if dirt is growing everywhere.  When you take your socks off, a cloud of dust engulfs you.  I keep trying to contain the dirt, but I think it is a futile attempt.  And for the record...Aunt CeCe, my babies LOVE to play in the dirt and get dirty!

Not too sure about getting our hands dirty...

After a few trees were removed on day 1.

There were still some trees standing...



The Little Man finally convinced Mr. Cary he needed to ride too!  He loved it!




After the weekend.  We are almost ready to dig the pond!




I see a bonfire in the near future. Anyone game for a s'more?



Pickles on a mission to find sticks to build a fort.



The Little Man wanted in on the action too!



What is left of the fort.  At the the dirt toys are safe!



The Little Man and his friend Jules... trying to see what they can find...

What a great time we have had this weekend playing in the dirt!  I can't wait to share with you the completed project.

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah