We Want Grass

 For years, the neighbor children have gathered and played in our yard.  We enjoy hearing their cheerful voices and having them in our yard.  On Sunday, before sacrament meeting, Ken talked to one of the moms and told her that the hill in our front yard is too steep and he is getting old enough that it is dangerous to mow the grass, so we are getting bids to have it xeriscaped.  Her two daughters that play here frequently overheard the conversation.  Though they said nothing at the time, they must have talked to the other children and they decided to do something about it. We have choir rehearsal for twenty minutes after church.  During that short time they hurried home and put together a peaceful protest, complete with song, dance and even a smoke machine.  When we got home, they rang the doorbell.  When we got there, they turned on the smoke machine and the oldest started playing the guitar and they sang, to the tune of Silent Night, "We want grass, we want grass . . .  "They had made up words and choreographed the whole song.  It was so cute.  

They gave us this note, promising they will mow it.

We were so touched.  Oh they are cute!  But I think we will go forward with our plans.  Though they will be disappointed, we have noticed a change recently.  For years, they have played vigorous games of some sort of made-up tag.  I'm not sure I understand all the rules.  It's quite complicated.  But recently we have noticed that they gather to chat more.  They are growing up.  They just sit in the chairs we have out front and talk.  So maybe they won't even miss the grass that much?  We hate to disappoint them but needs must.