Free fun for all

When it comes to doing things together, Amelia and Lola often have a hard time coming to an agreement. Whether it's playing a game, watching television or doing an activity, usually one or both of my girls is not going to be happy.

However, this past weekend their daddy came up with a brilliant plan that satisfied both girls and allowed him to sit and read his newest edition of Popular Science while they occupied themselves. I felt it important to photographically document this occasion since such a time of harmony and peace between these gals doesn't come along very often. 

Your eyes are not deceiving you, that is Amelia driving the lawn mower while pulling Lola behind it in the wagon. Before anyone gets on their high horse and chastises me for putting my 7-year-old behind the wheel of our John Deere, let me clarify that the blades were not turning. No one was in any danger of being hacked into little pieces, and I swear Amelia, who could rack up awards for being a conscientious rule follower, didn't dare go over the speed her daddy told her was acceptable for fear she might disappoint someone or find herself without television or computer privileges for disobeying.

The girls had a ball going in circles in the front yard and were not happy when Jeff finished his magazine and ordered them off the mower and into the house so he could actually cut the grass. I figure this won't be the last time he pulls this trick out of his hat in order to occupy the girls. Plus, as an added bonus, the girls having fun in this manner didn't cost us a dime and simultaneously gave Amelia practice in handling the mower in preparation for the day when the grass-cutting reins are turned over to her, which will be here sooner than she realizes.

I just wonder how Jeff plans to prep her for also learning to use the Weed Eater because wielding that contraption is not nearly as fun as pulling her sister around the yard. I have a feeling she might try to pawn that job off on Lola and save all the "fun" work for herself.