Hanging out with the Pigs

I haven't posted much about the guinea pigs lately. They are still alive and doing well. Here are a couple of photos of Chad and Riku taken last week. It is amazing how much the boys and pigs have grown since August 2009.

Guinea Pigs Bath Time

It had been a while since Riku and Leon had had a bath, so the boys decided that it was about time for a good cleaning. Chad ran some warm water in the sink and took the guinea pigs in one at a time for their washing. They didn't seem to mind the water too much, but did shake a lot once they got wet. Evan's main job was drying one of the guinea pigs after its bath.

Chad soaping up Riku.

"Hey, this isn't too bad."

Evan doing his drying duty.

Everyone is clean!

Uncle Stefan Meets Muddie

Todd's brother, Stefan, was in town last weekend so he came by the house to spend some time with the boys and check up on all of their critters. He was amazed at how much the guinea pigs have grown. They eat a lot of fruit and vegetable, so I don't know how they are putting on so much weight.

This was Stefan's first time meeting Muddie. He liked looking at her, but wasn't sure that he wanted to pet or hold her. Evan didn't mind holding her and Stefan got his courage up and gave her a quick pet.

Thanks for stopping by...we enjoyed the visit!

 

Uncle Stefan is a little squeamish about petting a lizard.

  

Uncle Stefan gets his courage up and pets Muddie.

  

Evan loves that lizard!

My, How They Have Grown

It has been about three months since Riku and Leon joined our family and my how they have grown. Riku is the larger of the two and he now has the nickname "Fat Albert" because he loves to eat and has the hips to show it. Both guinea pigs have matured and calmed down quite a bit. Evan used to be a little afraid to hold them because they were all over the place. Now they will sit on his lap, calm as can be.

Riku and Leon on Evan's Lap

Chad holding Leon.

Evan holding Riku.

Evan with both pigs.

Evan helping clean the pigs cage.

Growing Guinea Pigs

Riku and Leon are eating like crazing and growing bigger. Instead of being babies, they are more like teenagers now.


The boys spend time with them every day and I have noticed that the guinea pigs are less skittish and more comfortable around them than they were when we first got them. Evan used to be afraid to hold them, but walked around half the day with Leon in his arms yesterday. 

Riku and Leon under Chad's leg.

Evan relaxing with the guinea pigs.

Evan with Leon on his back and Riku at his head.

Brotherly Love!

Evan the Photographer

On Friday night I was feeding Riku some lettuce and Evan turned the tables on me by becoming the photographer. He was very careful with my camera (under the threat of bodily injury) and got some good shots.

Joan and Riku

Riku munching down on some lettuce.

Chillin' Labor Day Weekend

Todd was on call all weekend, so we stayed close to home. There must have been some kind of "I-Carley" marathon on because I know I watched many episodes of that show with the boys. We like to sit on the couch and give some love to Riku and Leon while we are watching TV. Todd turned the tables on me and captured us hanging out:

Evan, Chad (holding Riku) and Me (holding Leon)

Loving Up the Pigs

In the evenings it has become part of our routine to spend some time loving on Riku and Leon. One night, Leon was so relaxed on Chad's stomach that Chad could put his hands down and Leon just stayed there without moving. 


Chad was happy about this and talked about how he could just fall asleep there with Leon on his stomach. He thought it was a neat photo op and asked Evan to take his picture. Todd jumped in on the action and took a photo of Evan taking the photo of Chad. Here are the results:

Chad pretending to be asleep with Leon on his stomach. Evan is in the bottom right corner taking Chad's photo.

"What's going on here? I'm supposed to be taking the pictures!"

A New Home for the Pigs

Saturday was a busy day for us. In the morning, Todd and Chad went to Wal-Mart for our weekly grocery shopping. Evan helped me clean up the house. He loves to push the dust mop!


Around lunch time, the Fed Ex person delivered the new cage for Riku and Leon. Todd, Evan and Evan's friend put the cage together in no time. It is really large and the guinea pigs love being able to run around in it.

Evan helping clean the floor.

Putting the new cage together.

Riku and Leon love their new home!

Chad the Trooper

I have to give Chad credit this week for taking care of our new guinea pigs. Every day he has checked their food and water, cleaned their cages and made sure that they got exercise and some fruit/veggie treats.

I can't say the same for Evan. He helped the first day or two, but since then has been out the door to play as soon as his homework was done. Part of the reason is that he has a new friend named Landon. They have been busy catching lizards and any other creature that crosses their path. I am so glad that Evan has a new friend with some common interests. They are really enjoying their adventures.

Thanks for all of your help with the pigs, Chad. Way to go!

Leon snuggling up under Chad's leg.

Guinea Pigs in Action

The boys are having fun getting to know their pigs. We set up a playground so that they can get some exercise in the afternoon. The boys hop in with them and like seeing them walk around their feet. In this video, Riku and Leon are still cautious, but are warming up.

Playing With the Pigs

The boys continue to be fascinated with their new guinea pigs. We set up a play area for them (the pigs) to run around and get exercise. The boys had a fun time watching them and trying to bond.

Evan got up out of bed in the middle of the night Monday night to check on the piggies. He was still up when Todd got up in the morning. He said that he was "up all night." Needless to say, he crashed easily tonight.

Evan having fun with with pigs.

All four boys in the play pen.

Riku and Leon walking through Chad's legs.

Leon and Riku

They boys finally decided that they would both like to get guinea pigs as their first pets. We made some temporary housing, got all the basic supplies and were ready to go.

We went to the pet store in the afternoon and held a few of the pigs that were available before deciding on our new additions. Both boys made a good choice and their pets, Riku and Leon, are very cute and sweet. We have some deluxe accomodations on order from Sue's C & C Cages. We are all very excited about watching the baby boys grow.

Temporary Housing for Riku and Leon.

Leon (Chad's) is on the left and Riku (Evan's) is on the right.

Riku munching on some lettuce.