Helping Daddy

One of the many things we appreciate about our house is the big deck in the backyard.  With a great park just down the street we don't feel like we really need a big yard or a swing set (maybe we'll change our mind about the swing set down the road, but for now we are happy to walk to the park).  The deck, however, is perfect for hanging out, grilling out, blowing bubbles, sitting on the porch swing (new this year!), or lounging in the relaxers (the most comfortable deck chairs ever).  To get the deck ready for action each spring, Erich scrubs it down and washes away all the dirt and grime that has accumulated over the past year.  Last year Avery was excited to help Daddy, but at barely two years old, helping really meant splashing around in the bucket for a while until she got bored and was ready to come inside.  Fast forward to this year and our now three year old was an unstoppable machine.  She loves spending time with her Daddy and is proud to be his special sidekick.  She scrubbed her heart out and made countless trips up and down the deck steps from the soapy water bucket to her designated scrubbing post.  Finally, after almost two hours of going nonstop, she said, "Daddy, I think I need a break."  Avery is a bundle of energy and that was the first time we've ever heard her utter those words. The girl was working hard!  After a quick break and a snack she was back at it and didn't stop until the job was done.  That night Avery went to bed at 6pm and slept in until 9:30 the next morning.  It was at that point that we started to wonder if we broke some sort of child labor law the day before.  She was clearly exhausted!  But she had a great time and soaked up every minute with her Dad.  She's already looking forward to next year.  I wonder how old Avery will be when scrubbing the deck becomes a dreaded chore instead of a fun Saturday morning with Daddy.  Until then, we'll enjoy her happy hard working attitude!