chicks at grandma and grandpa's house

a few months ago, my mother-in-law lynn became very ambitious and bought 8 little baby chicks (granted, i think we egged her on by buying her a peacock for christmas). the chicks have since grown, and my little munchkins love running back to the stables as soon as they get to grandma's house, spending hours chasing chicks around. even ellie joins in on the fun.

so here's a little bit of country in the heart of tempe.

phil's idea of owning a cow is this statue. it looks like a cow, but with no work or smelly by-products. they also have a horse statue, which is his idea of owning a horse. i don't think ellie cares, either way she loves and kisses a real animal or fake one.


today was the first day that otho was able to catch the chicks. perhaps the chicks have gotten to big and can't run as fast, or perhaps otho has become faster and bolder. i think it's a little of both.


after otho was able to catch a chick, abe soon learned too. granted, i don't think these chicks like to be held very much, and they put up a loud squack the entire time.


the boys are holding the chicks that they named. otho's chick is named "chick" and abe's is named "lila."


ellie loves the chicks so much she will kiss them full-on the beak. nothing scares her (except strange people, but not animals).


i can't have pictures without an adorable ellie picture. isn't she so darling? she's growing up so fast. she's 18 months already, and is communicating, throwing adorable tantrums, and just giving us so much love every day.


marc joined us from utah for our fun with the chicks. and aunt lynae (who, i must give a shout out, since she took all of our pictures. thanks nae nae for capturing this fun afternoon!). and i should also give a shout out that marc is an rm, single, and very much looking for that "future" someone. i don't think chick shown above will do, so if you know of anyone cuter, and at byu, let us know. i'm sure he would be eternally grateful.