Mow Mow

Remember that robotic lawn mower that Elijah loved to go visit in our neighborhood? Well, Jon let that idea marinate for a year or so. When our ride-on mower started having issues (like it does literally every year, despite keeping it in the garage and doing all the things we're supposed to), Jon was ready to take the leap. And so one day, this giant thing arrived at our door:

Installation was not an easy feat, especially in mid-July. We had to place a boundary wire around the entire yard, including the trees, garden and playground. And by 'place' I mean bury it an inch or two under the grass. We woke up early to beat the heat, but still ended up working most of the day for a couple of days. Poor Jacob was living with us over the summer while taking a Hindi class in DC, so he got roped into the wire-laying party, too. Fun for the whole family! We were so terrified that when we went to hook up the wires to the base that there would be a disconnect somewhere and we'd have to dig it all back up. But miracles happen, and it worked on the first try!

Next step was selling the old mower.

Elise apparently wanted to be sold as an accessory since she insisted on being in all the photos. 

Of course it decided to start leaking oil right as the buyer arrived, but it all worked out!

All of Elijah's dreams have come true. 

Sure, he may not have a puppy to play with, but he can now shepherd the Roomba mower around the yard all summer long! 

After some deliberation, we decided to name said Roomba "Mow Mow" as a nod to our most favorite TV show, Avatar: The Last Airbender. The amount of joy that it brings me to see Mow Mow out cutting the grass all day instead of me or Jon is full to overflowing. Automation is pretty awesome.