Henry is always eager to help around the shop. Although he’s only five years old, he’s been around long enough to know the difference between being kept busy and doing meaningful work. As we prepared the driveway at the Hazelnut Inn there was plenty for Henry to do. He has his own Henry-sized shovel and wheelbarrow to move the gravel. Raking and helping build the sidewalk forms are also tasks he can assist with. When it came time to tamp the gravel into place Henry was first in line to steer the heavy packing machine. Watching Henry work so diligently this afternoon reminded me of when his father was young and helped me at every turn. Peter was my constant companion as I worked and often my dad was there as well. Projects sometimes took a little longer when young Peter was on hand but having him there and helping was well worth the effort. It is a family tradition.
Getting into our work
Today, was the day we planted nine new fruit trees in the backyard. Henry, of course, desperately wanted to help. He helped me dig the holes on our little backhoe for a few minutes but quickly decided he wanted to be more hands-on. That meant he wanted to get inside the hole and finish digging with his hands. It turns out he is also an expert at spreading the bone meal and placing the trees and then packing the soil around them as well. Manning the water hose is definitely a favourite job as well. Working with Henry may not have made the job a whole lot faster but it DEFINITELY made it FUN!
Thank you great grandma!!!
Henry and Juniper’s great grandmother is in the process of downsizing and wanted the great grand kids to have some of the things she no longer needs. There were some fabulous treasures to be passed on. Moth received some drawing and art books. Juniper loves hand crafts and drawing so Great Grandma Mary also had put aside some books and supplies for her. Grandma also knew the kids loved to help out in our shop. Henry has been asking for his own tool box for some time and when a tool box was offered we jumped at the chance. Even better, the double tool cabinet was full of a wide assortment of amazing tools! Before the kids arrived we first went through the drawers taking out knives, chisels and other dangerous things. Both kids were so excited to see the GIANT tool chest. They understood the tools were to be shared. Together, and with great delight they went through each drawer and gleefully sorted the tools. As each tool was discovered they asked us what it was for and how it was used. They will use this valuable gift for many, many years to come. When they were finished going through the cabinet Henry asked if he could put his old tools with the new ones. With a smile Henry told me I could use the empty drawer in our tool cabinet for some of my tools as he no longer needed it.
