Playing in the Dirt

My younger two children LOVE to play in the dirt! However, this is not typically something I let them do because 1) it puts holes in the yard that are never the same again and 2) they get beyond filthy. But one day last week when I was feeling extra-nauseated, I was looking for a fun activity that would keep them both busy for a while (Sarah was finishing school). So I told them they could play in the dirt! They played so nicely together for over an hour before I told them it was time to get cleaned up and come inside. They were both quite dirty, but Rachel was COVERED from head to toe in dirt and mud. Her hair was such a mess. I turned the garden hose on so they could spray off before coming in the house and went inside to get towels and run bath water. When I came back out, Benjamin was standing there stark naked hosing himself down! Apparently he did not understand the need to keep clothing ON while hosing down! I quickly helped him into the house while saying a silent thank you in my mind for lots of trees in the backyard to shield the neighbors' eyes from what was happening. It took a shower and two baths to get all of the dirt out of Rachel's hair and Benjamin said while getting out of the tub, "Whew! I'm never playing in that dirt again! It makes me so tired!"