Spot is pictured left.  Speck is on Erin's right.

When Erin turned three (May 4, 2001), she told us she wanted a "ducky" for her Birthday.

Now, here at Black Pond Farm, we don't even think twice about a request like that!

Just before her Birthday, her Daddy arrived with two  ducklings in a box for our Birthday girl.

Erin loved her little ducklings very much and held them closely -- telling them stories and sharing her snacks.

One fine day, they were big enough to go to the pond.  It was a happy day!  They had never been in water before and it was BIG FUN!  The little ducklings splashed and played, but when they heard Erin's little voice, they ALWAYS came to her for food.

Now, the ducklings are 4 months old and have learned to fly.  This is a new trick that caught us all by surprise.  We came home last Saturday and as we drove up the driveway, the ducks flew high above our car.

Since that day, the ducks have flown up on the deck to eat and play.   Erin and Preston go out on the deck to play and the ducks arrive shortly thereafter.

The ducks love to play "chase games" and let Erin and Preston pet them.

I have to say as a "city person" that the closest example I can come up with is watching puppies or kittens with a small child.  Even when the kids play rough; causing the ducks peck at them, the kids tend to giggle and squeal. The ducks *always* come back for more.

I find myself reminding Erin to close the sliding glass door,  "So the ducks don't come in the house."

How many of you can say the same?

Breakfast has a whole different twist.

"Spot" is black and white.  "Speck" is brown and white.

Erin feeds "Spot" her breakfast.