Marissa was not sure what "having to go to work meant" and thus was not too enthusiastic about Momma's plan for the day.  Once she realized that we had to drain the pond, which was lots of fun, as she was at the far end of the pump hose playing with the water being pumped out even though it was the yechy water from all the dead leaves.  Then we had to catch the toads who were trying to find a place to mate and lay their eggs, thus having us putting them into a bucket, only to be placed back in the pond once the fresh water was added.  Another yechy job for us.  Then we had to scoop all the dead leaves out and clean and rinse the pond liner.  Yet another yechy job!  Pinkie had a ringside seat watching all the fun but did not lift a paw to help.  Each year I wonder "why would anyone do this?" When the pond is set up and the fish are happy and the fountain is trickling and there is sheer peace sitting there in the sun or in the evening, it is bliss. That peace is only interrupted when I have to holler "quit throwing stones in the pond!"  With two children it takes on the form of a mantra.  However generally speaking it is pure joy and one of my happy places.  Once Marissa realized that the job allowed for snack breaks at her house she was all in.