While the #dukecrew often refers to the three youngest members of our family, let me take a moment to introduce the full five that make up our crew.
Soon to be the shortest member of the family, I’m Olivia–the small, but mighty one in the family–and the one who writes most of the content for this blog. I currently work as a Chief Financial Officer for a public service organization and at home serve as the Chief butt-wiper, toy picker upper, and spill remediation technician. You will often find me over caffeinated, in pursuit of our next project, and sporting mismatched socks. I’m sure much to Ben’s dismay, I hardly sit down (for fear I may realize that I am actually exhausted) and I keep our plates full with lots of big dreams—our hobby farm included!
Ben plays the part of IT support and guest contributor for the site. An engineer by day (and super snorer by night), he takes a Mr. Spock-like logical approach to many situations, which leads to comical discussions when it comes time for design and decoration. Lover of comic books, videogames, and movies (he is what some, including himself, might call “indoorsy”), but goes along for the ride of the laundry list of projects and surprises himself from time to time on making the ideas from the plan come to life, even when it takes four or five tries.
Lily is the first born of the crew and is always trying to work herself into being the leader of the pack. A nurturer by nature, Lily is often found caring for her baby dolls, or a cat, or a baby sister that didn’t run away quite quick enough. She is overflowing with determination and always wants to be the best. Lily strives to be a part of the activity and to be the most helpful of the bunch, no matter which bunch she is with.
Holden is like an electric circuit- on or off, there is no in between. He has an infectious smile and laugh and dances to the beat of his own drum unless Lily is marching, then he is right in lockstep with her. Holden always has a grand idea and can often be found building with blocks or combining his toys in some way to make them into a super toy. “Hey guys! I have and idea!” can be heard across Duke Farm and you just don’t know what you will find when you turn the corner to find out what he is up to.
Emma is the youngest of the crew, a sour patch kid true to the slogan “first she is sour, then she’s sweet.” Emma knows what she wants and spend five seconds with her and you will know what she wants too. Not to be outdone by her siblings, she is always in the thick of it, ready to get to work. She is as tough as nails, but when she sees someone that is upset, she drops everything (usually her favorite pink blanket) to check on them and give the sweetest little baby hugs.
