Imagination

Somewhere along the line, we ended up with this plastic toy lawnmower.

O has used this lawnmower for some time, 'helping' to mow the lawn and assist with chores around the house.  In particular, he enjoys anything to do with raking, shoveling, mowing, etc.. as long as he's able to help.

So the other day should have come as no surprise to me...

As I was getting the grill started to cook up some kebabs, O was busy running the lawnmower back and forth over the backyard. I was only vaguely aware of what he was doing, just that he was doing it intently.

I glanced over at one point and he had it flipped over... studying the underside with great interest. Then, after a long moment of reflection, the following conversation ensued...

"DADDY!" O shouts. "There's no blade on this lawmower!!."

"Yes, son, I know."

"Well, I can't cut grass if there's no blade!!"

"Yes, son, I know." [pause for reflection] "You have to use your imagination."

Clearly unsatisfied, O retorts: "You can't cut grass with your imagination!!!"

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Owen:  another day, another tree.  Giving the neighbor a heart attack (even though he was only 3 feet off the ground...with a helmet on).  
Edit:  Owen2:  Ever got two photos last week and I found this photo of Owen kayaking solo for the first time (that's Jon in the background).  Of course, he loved it.

Everly:  The sky, her marker painted finger (showing Owen the 'way'), her sun bleached hair, her little clenched board book.  I'd live this moment over again.

35/52

Owen:  climbs everything these days and is braver and braver with each tree/playground/doorframe he conquers.  He and dad had a nice long chat while he was in this tree.
Everly:  I knew as soon as I took this photo that I wanted to use it here.  The goggle face melted my heart.  But then we went fishing on the Saturday before labor day and Everly caught her first fish.  Her reaction is priceless.  

34/52

Owen:  early morning cars
Everly:  I loved how her hair curled up in it's own little nest at the playground

33/52

Owen: earned enough love tokens for a special family outing.  He chose treasure hunting.  Fuzzy happy Owen with the geocache.  He also chose one of his cars to leave for the next person - exchanging it for a small stamp.

Ever:  the lake was crystal clear and perfect for swimming.  She spent all day in the water with completely wrinkled feet to show for it.

32/52

Owen:  caught his first fish today with Adrian

Ever:  superwoman swing series

31/52

Owen:  wow.

Everly: early morning tantrum.