The rental house south of us has a large back porch on the second floor that overlooks our chicken yard. Maymay grew up with our chickens – her little voice learning to say ‘Chicken!’ as she watched them from the porch. Later her dad Mike would bring her by to visit with the chickens on ground level and also poke around the yard. We loved it.

Eli patiently feeding the hens dandelion greens.

Mike and Ann bought their own place this winter and we were sad to see the enthusiastic little family move on. Luckily, our new neighbors are super cool and have little children who are also fascinated with our chickens. Dave and Chrissy have already brought over Eli (4?) and Olive (2?) who are getting good at feeding the chickens (well, Eli is good at it. Olive is just enthusiastic.).

Olive watching the hens in their house

Eli ‘I’m really good at this’ on the push mower.

They also have a penchant for yard work! Eli cut the grass yesterday for 25 minutes and cried when it was time to stop.  As if that weren’t enough, Eli is also very fond of the rock collection that I have on ‘display’ under the pear tree, so he’s way OK with me.

Eli made space so that Olive could push, too.