With the weather turning decent and lambing season coming up, we’ve been covering a lot of ground around here lately. The kids are a year older than they were last year–obviously, right?–so they’re a little more muscular and a little more capable. I can send them off on their own more now. As long as I’m not far away at any given moment.

I never let them get further than across the yard from me. Who knows when I might be needed to rescue a toy pig from the water trough, fend off an attacking rooster, or get some fruit snacks. I haven’t completely mastered the art of discernment when it comes to the unceasing “Momma! Look!” So I don’t want to find myself dropping everything and burning a path across a 20 acre field just to find out that one of the farm cats ate a grasshopper.

While I do love knowing that, as the Keeper of the Juice Pouches, I’m Essential Personnel around here–it’s good to encourage them to figure things out themselves.

Sometimes it’s a mechanical issue, and sometimes it’s just a matter of effort. Sometimes we just need a little teamwork.

And sometimes you can see them giving their all…

And you smile just a little bit…

…When you hear “Momma!” You want them to grow big and strong and tough–

But not to quickly.

I’m linking up with Boys in Motion today, over at Home with the Boys, so be sure to stop by and see some more little rascals in action!

I’m also linking up today with Verde Farm’s Farm Friend Friday, so be sure to stop by over there if you still need more sheep, cows, chickens, pigs, donkeys, and whatnot!