"Duck Babe"

Megan and Robbie were on a trip to Iowa to visit Elijah, so the rest of us were sitting around the table for lunch and Dad says, "Children, what do you say we turn your mom into a duck hunter?" Emphatic cheering began!

Mom says, "Oh, that sounds fun, but I think I feel the flu coming on!  You and the children will have fun, dear!"  Nobody fell for that so Dad gave Mom one of his hunting shirts and we packed up and headed for water. 

With our total crew in tow, it would seem most impossible to sneak up on anything, let alone suspecting ducks.  The first pond we went to Mom wasn't quite sure what to do, so we just stirred them up without any success.  The second pond, well, that was unseccessful too. 

So then we turned to fishing and that seemed much more fun than watching Mom miss. 

Than Daniel whispers to Mom, "I can take you to a pond and get you a duck!"  Mom, wanting to be cool in the eyes of her 15 year old agreed.  And they took off!

They traveled through swamp to another pond.  Mom said it was about 10 miles, but Daniel said it was 1/4 mile.  To sneak up on this pond it was important to squat down and walk up behind some reeds.  Now,  when Daniel squats to walk he's about 14 inches tall, so guess he figured Mom should do the same, that wasn't happening!  But they snuck up on the ducks and Mom got a good aim!

Lo and behold, 2 ducks went down, but one came up and flew away, go figure?  Still got one duck!  Daniel went to the edge of the water to retrieve it and it needed another shot.  Water, muck and mud flew up high all over him.  Dripping, he brought the duck to Mom and immediately took a picture!

Mom talked Daniel into letting her carry the gun, while he carried the duck, on the treck back to Dad and the gang. After a 5 minute walk, just as they connected with Dad, the duck started flapping violently so Daniel passed it quickly to Dad.  Dad immediatly solved the problem, as Mom struggled to resist the urge to vomit. 

The mood changed quickly as Dad shared his pride and joy of his wife's first successful duck hunt!  Now he affectionately calls her his "Duck Babe".

Duck Babe

It's not a true adventure with Dad unless something gets stuck!

The thrill of a catch!

Only SERIOUS duck hunters allowed!

                                                                               
                                                                                 

On this same day, Daniel got a turkey, and Emily got 2 ducks!