The Kids' Playground

Watching our seven kids frolic and play, for however long I pause in the course of a day, brings a joyous satisfaction to my soul. As with children, everyone is a friend with whom to be played—no matter their age or species. Fearless Mary often leads the way; indeed, she was the first kid I saw using the Livestock Guardian Luther as a furry goat mountain. (Goats are forever playing king of the mountain. They naturally gravitate to the tallest point available.) Although all of the animals bring me joy, it's the abandon with which the younguns play that makes their antics special.

This morning as I was tossing scratch grain out for the chickens, I looked up into the home pasture and saw the youngest kids hard at play. Their playground of choice included the alpaca moms and crias: cushed, camel-shaped objects well-suited for climbing on, jumping off, racing around, and playing chase over and among. By the time the top photo was taken, Miss Judith had decided that she was no kid's toy and had risen in preparation to leave. Although the other camelids have their ears back, at this point they were still tolerating the little goats' antics.

I know a bit of what they were feeling because Miss Mary has taken to using my back and shoulders for a trampoline anytime I stoop over in the stall where she sleeps. Feeling her jumping onto me, scampering over me, and launching herself off only to turn around and return is entertaining--until she slips a cold, muddy hoof inside my collar and leaves tracks across my neck.

The second photo, taken soon after the first, shows both Goldie Rose and her cria Lili Grayclouds preparing to spit in protest to the kids' attentions. It was too bad for them that a little spit wouldn't phase these youngsters. Now nearly two weeks old Tony, Todd, Ted, and Theresa have the childlike ability of being able to focus on their games while remaining oblivious to any adult discomfort with regard to their behavior.

Eventually three of the alpacas moved on, leaving the older, perhaps more patient Van to entertain the kids. I was sorry that I, too, had to move on--but glad to have had my camera handy to capture a bit of the fun.

Chanted with a slight Boston accent, I imagine the kids playing a goat version of Ring Around the Rosie. "Ring around the alpacas, No pockets full of crackers, Fiber Fiber, Let's jump on 'em again!"