Vacuuming and Painting

On our long, long afternoon here today (made longer by Elliot's too short nap, of course), I took some advice from 2 very knowledgable sources. First, I took Aunt Carol's advice and put the kids to work. Owen ("Mr. Meticulous") loved the chance to get down on his hand and knees and vacuum those especially hard to reach corners. Elliot helped a lot too although I don't think he realized his vacuum wasn't plugged into anything (I had just given him the extra attachments to play with). Nevertheless, he went at his job with his expected vigor. Thanks, Aunt Carol, for reminding me of this great activity.

Then, I put into action an idea I first noticed on http://www.parenthacks.com/ which is fast becoming an essential parenting website for me. Check it out for tried and truly great ideas on how to deal with a variety of issues, including how to spend a long summer afternoon.

Seriously, for over an hour this afternoon Owen and Elliot methodically painted the entire backyard, every toy, every chair and the entire patio. Both of them doing the same thing, but this time working together beautifully. It was brilliant.