April 24

We had dinner on the patio (in the hot, blazing sunlight, which prompted me to suggest that we wait until after 6:30 to do so again in the future). Afterward, Isaac headed back inside the house. And then he started rinsing plates and cups and putting them in the dishwasher.

I know: big deal. My 11-year old loaded the dishwasher. Throw a party. But I was, in all seriousness, touched by the gesture because no one asked him to do it. It's one thing when I ask (or tell) my kids to perform a chore; it's another entirely when they just do one and then respond with a cheerful "you're welcome!" when I say thank you.

So for that bit of sweetness and show of self-driven responsibility from my middle boy, I'm grateful.