Work can be fun

I have 12 double cousins.  I have double cousins because my Mom's oldest sister married my Dad's oldest brother.  My Aunt Hazel, and Uncle Elmer were married, and had 2 kids before my Mom was born, so my Mom has a nephew and a neice that are older than she is.  

My aunt Hazel continued to have kids until after my sister, the youngest of my siblings was born.  I guess it's a little tough to have a dozen kids without spacing them out over several years.

We spent a lot of time at Aunt Hazel's.  She and the kids raised a garden that was about 2 acres, and we helped harvest, and can the produce.  I guess you could call it help.  We would work in the garden for a while, and manage to find time to play tag, catch fire flies, do some fishing, and generally just do what kids do.  

We played outside until one of the adults called us in, usually a little after dark.  Sometimes, late in the evening, a group of us would be assigned to crank the ice cream freezer.  I believe we ate more homemade ice cream and watermelon that any other kids around.

Work can be fun, if you go at it the right way.  My Mom and Aunt Hazel just knew how to do it right.