The Amazing Adventures of Benjamin X and the Wonder Twins: December 2010

I can't believe its December already. It seems like fall just started and now we're already close to winter. Fortunately this year I had Ben around to help me with all the yard cleanup. He was a big help. Maybe not so much with actually getting the work done (of which I still have lots to do), but more with keeping us all entertained while doing the yard work.

Since this was the first fall where I could finally put Ben to work, we first had to explain to him how the leaves fall off the trees this time of year.

I think he understood, but more likely he was side-tracked by the airplane that flew over.

So now it was time to get to work. Of course Ben wanted to use whatever tool I have no matter how big it is.

That obviously didn't work out very well for either of us. Ben wasn't very efficient with the big rake, and well, I'm not very efficient using my hands to rake leaves. Something had to be done. But not before we took a break from all that work and took a ride around the neighborhood to watch all those other crazy people who try to blow their leaves off their lawn.

I explained to Ben that raking leaves is the better method because then we could rake together and talk at the same time. So on my next trip to the Depot, I came back with this...

I think he actually did move a couple leaves, but mostly he was just combing the grass. We moved to the backyard next where he provided some more entertainment.

Ooops, we're thirsty. Time for a break again!

OK, back to work again.
Things were going well until Ben decided that two rakes were probably better than one.

Yep, time for a break again.

Sorry Ben, Daddy can't sit down yet, there's still lots of work to do.

How about you go and feed the gargoyle?

Yes, raking can be lots of fun...

...but I think it's more fun to play in the yard with your friends.

So Ben invited some of his friends over from daycare for a play date.

And everyone piled into the wagon for rides around the yard!

Later on we even had car races!

Grandma came over one day to play with Ben in the yard too.

Ben wanted to show off his new cottage.

So the two of them sat down on his front porch and talked about things. I'm not sure what they were talking about, but Ben seems pretty serious about it.