We stayed with DH's cousin & his wife for our next "leg" of the trip. Upon arrival we thought we were the only ones there, except for the 'cute' chickens & the two mules {recent additions} until we discovered a gentleman at the back corner of the house.

Now the thing about these family members {& part of why we absolutely adore them} is they always have some sort of project going on. The last time we were there the garden was going in, the time before that paint colors were brushed in out of the way spots ... this time though? They were out doing themselves. He was adding on to the "shop" for better office space {they own their own business} & she was having a "cement pond" put in {a pool}.

Once CW {cousin's wife} arrived we took in the work from the day with her & the contractor ... turns out what he drew & what he poured were two completely different things! Unfortunately, she had things to get done that day so it was what it was.

I had put kites in the car before we started the trip, with the intention ~ of course, that we'd find some opportunity by the 'water side' hotel to fly them ~ no such luck. So, DS#2 got his out & began the task of launching his kite ... again, no such luck.

When CW saw that he was looking for something to do, she offered that he could to go check the chicken coop for eggs. Right before he headed out she warned him about the rooster, that he would attack if DS#2 didn't watch out.

This guaranteed the request for big brother's help.

You know, I couldn't have 2 more different children when it comes to their personalities. DS#2 is my cautious, stoic & hard to please child, DS#1 is my resilient, happy go lucky & leap before you think kid.

Of course he joined in & helped!

So when I saw the two of them head out across the yard I knew we were in for some sort of memory. {I grabbed the camera & snuck out after them}

They made it into the coop just fine & even came out with a few eggs! And while DS#2 was showing CW {with a proud gesture} the rooster snuck up on him & gave his ankle a pecking!

I'm sure it would have been no big deal if everyone wouldn't have freaked him out so much, but of course, he felt it ~ looked down & promptly began screaming & running away from the rooster!

You'd think Freddy Krueger just popped out of the chicken coop! Meanwhile, I'm at the wrong angle to get any of this on video & have shot a few pictures when all of the sudden this poor rooster comes ripping around the corner in my direction!

The calm Mom in me comes out & I proceed to stand VERY still. We stare each other down & I decide I'm not afraid of this football size rooster! So I snap a picture of him just before he darts off into the bushes! {pictured above}

As I surface from my hiding spot everyone is laughing so hard I'm thinking someone's gonna pee their pants! And poor DS#2 is in a state of denial regarding his new found fear of the rooster!

More to come...

TOAM