Everyday Moments - Emptying the Dishwasher

Usually in the space I'm sharing about something special or new that we or the kids have done but the other day I was watching Andrew and Benj go about their morning routine and I was struck by the thought that this is a very fleeting time in our life. The kids change so quickly and it's so easy to forget about little, everyday moments that seem so special at the time. So going forward I'm hoping to capture some of these regular, everyday occurrences too so we have those memories (and also so that I can point out to Benjamin and Julia that yes, there was a time when they were eager to help with the chores!).

First up - emptying the dishwasher. This is task that Andrew and Benjamin do almost every morning after breakfast. They start with the bottom rack as Andrew tries to quickly grab all the sharp knives and other potential weapons from the silverware tray before Benjamin begins pulling out utensils and handing them to him. 

Benjamin is also tall enough now to be able to open some of our kitchen drawers (although he has to blindly grope around once he opens them) so he is able to put a few utensils away himself. They then move on to dishes - Benj pulling each one out individually and handing them to Andrew to shelve. 

Next up is the top rack. Invariably, Benjamin tries to climb up and stand on the door of the dishwasher to do this part and is repeatedly taken off and reminded that he needs to get his stool.

He eventually complies and begins pulling glassware from the rack as Andrew scrambles to take it from him before it is dropped on the floor. I will say that Benjamin has never actually dropped a glass from the dishwasher on the floor but the frantic reaction that Andrew has each morning would make you think that we are often dodging a sea of broken glass! (note: I am not immune from this reaction either it's just amusing to watch it play out)

 The top shelf usually also contains several snack containers that have upended and are filled with water so another challenge for Andrew is not getting drenched during this whole process.

Once everything is put away, Benjamin very proudly closes up the door and I'm pretty sure that Andrew mentally sighs a huge sigh of relief that this particular chore is done for the day!