This little duck started out to be a chicken back in the spring when the Lincoln Van Essen kids were over. It was one of those messy projects--

It dried and got painted, but it wasn't until all the family were here in August that Uncle Dennis, BA and I put it together and it became a duck pinata. It was filled with candy and was kind of the special celebration for AB's 4th birthday. She has never been in NE for her birthday. We had one of our fun suppers outside. Friend, Dick, was with us. Each child starting from the youngest to the oldest was blindfolded. A good whack early on broke it from its tether. Brave Uncle Dave held it up to let the rest hit it. As it lost its "life" U. Dave kindly threw handfuls of candy to the outer edges where the littler children were. They all got a handful or baggie full. The duck was not spared. After that, water balloons were tossed to partners. Of course the little ones cried early on, and U. Dave and his BA lasted the longest and went the farthest. It was a nice evening to be wet. Well, our little 4 year old had cookies and each person iced and decorated his/her own.

Perhaps there can be more posts on our August activities. Thanks Val for your technical help. And thanks to all the family for such a blessed time.