The family is staying at Willet Ponds Farm in NC right now–it’s an amazing mountain getaway, with the added plus that you get to “help” with farm chores. I don’t think I have ever seen a more delighted look on boy munchkin’s face than when he was carrying a bundle of hay to the donkey.

But my favorite things are these Indian Runner Ducks. They really walk around like this. ALL THE TIME. There doesn’t seem to be a leader–they move according to the current mood of the crowd (insert metaphor for adolescent behavior here….). I looked them up, and this is standard Indian Runner behavior. Apparently they are also good egg-layers. Duck omelets anyone?