Week 105: Back to the great outdoors

Before Tate came along Chuck and I spent countless hours in the yard, mowing, building/planting new flower beds and the never-ending chore or weeding. Over the past two years we've let the landscaping slide to the back burner while we focused on our little man. Now he's getting big enough to play outside while we work in the yard. So, Wednesday, after the rain cleared away and we all got home from work/day care, Chuck, Tate and I spent some time outside.
While Chuck was mowing, Tate and I hung out in the backyard. I pulled weeds that have grown up through the pea gravel near our garden pond while Tate discovered the shear entertainment of playing with a stick found in the grass. As the wonder of the stick wore off he moved on to throwing pea gravel in the water (poor gold fish!).
As I watched Tate play I was moved to grab my camera and take some pictures of Tate in front of the pond. The only problem was he WAS NOT a willing participant. Instead of doing as I directed Tate cried and then climbed into my lap making it nearly impossible to take his picture.
I managed to snap off a few shots.
Next thing I know Chuck popped into the backyard for a break before starting on the backyard.
Of course my two boys had to take a minute to play in the pea gravel together.
Then, unprompted, Tate decided he would help with the mowing.
Kids do the darnedest things!