What could possibly inspire a 6-year-old to volunteer to head outside on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon to rake leaves?
Sure, there's a certain novelty factor, not to mention the anticipation of receiving his weekly $1 allowance. But no, it was the promise of something far more rewarding that had AJ eagerly changing out of his Sunday dress clothes and picking up our new rake.
It was the chance to take part in an age old tradition that symbolizes all that's fun and carefree about these final days before winter sets in. And being the good big brother that he is, once his work was complete, AJ invited his sister to share in the moment. One, two, three...
Jump!
Follow that up with throwing handful after handful of leaves at each other. Okay - I suspect this was the real reason he called Sydney to join him. He needed a target.
I can't help but wonder if on some instinctive level, my kids "get" that this nice weather won't last forever. It's as if an inner clock or calendar is telling them to make the most of these final warm days before the snow flies. Or perhaps now that school's back in session, AJ isn't able to spend as much time as he'd like outside, and so he has to pack in the fun on the weekends. Regardless, it's never been so easy to get them to turn off the TV and head outdoors.
The first thing Sydney said when she came out of her bedroom Sunday morning was, "Mommy, is it still fall?"
I didn't dare confuse her by suggesting it's Indian summer. It wouldn't matter to her anyway. All she needs to know is the sun is in the sky and the leaves are on the ground. And really, what else could you possibly need to have an afternoon of fun.
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