ne of the things I love most about alpacas is their amazing mothering qualities. I’ve had the honor of watching three of my girls give birth and raise their cria here at Iolanthe, and not a day goes by that I’m not inspired by how loving they are to their babies. As it turns out, their love for the wee ones extends to wee human ones. Their curiosity and gentleness is so beautiful to watch.

Today David, Megan and their kids: Tiny, Izzy + Chloe, came for the girls’ and boys’ monthly toenail/herd health day (it’s really more like a herd health hour). The kids were enjoying the day and having fun and the alpacas, all snug in the catchpen, couldn’t help but keep a watchful eye out on the wee humans. . .

. . . even though David was before them offering them grain with all its magical deliciousness that basically can get alpacas to do, you know, almost anything, at the idea of a treat before dinner. And yet, they’d rather watch the wee humans. Or better yet, be fed a snack by one of them.

Izzy and Faith bonded almost instantly. I’ll have to ask David if he remembers what Izzy said about Faith (about why she was his favorite one). We put grain in Izzy’s hand and Faith ever-so-gently nibbled it out of his palm.

We played photobooth with the kids for a bit (rapid burst on the camera, no booth required) and I think the kids had fun mugging for the camera (I had one of the big lenses on). There are plans to do ‘photobooth’ sessions with Iolanthe’s kids someday too.

After all the clowning around you can usually get one or two shots that are, well, you know, priceless.

Like this one:

After the kids’ photobooth session their Dad and I tended to the alpacas’ pedicures. As we work through the herd I’ll usually say the name of the alpaca who’s turn it is next. Let me assure you that if you think alpacas do not know their names, think again. When it was Harmony’s turn I said to David something to the effect of “let’s do Harmony next,” and, as he was there as my witness, Harmony looked up when she heard her name and instead of prancing around the catchpen like some alpacas do (yes, I’m looking at you, Mischief), she took one step forward toward us.

As if to say, ‘I’m Harmony. Where do you want me?’

Alpacas never cease to amaze me.

***

Last but not least, I have some exciting news to report! One of the things I’ve always envisioned for the ranch, from early inception, was to feature fantastic art pieces (some to be interactive) for Iolanthe’s kids and their families to enjoy.

This morning the herd and I welcomed local Sequim artist Ray Hammar for a visit. He creates these incredible sculptures out of recycled materials: they can be found in homes, gardens and art galleries throughout the state. We brainstormed on a bunch of ideas for the ranch, which was just fantastic! I’m really looking forward to working with him on future art projects for Iolanthe. You can visit his website at BlueCollar Artwork.

Thanks so much for coming out to visit, Ray!