This is a test...this is only a test

As your children grow older, they do learn.  This is to be expected but with some kids...can be a blessed miracle.  And as you share a common living space, you begin to learn you other family unit members...peccadilloes.  And children DEFINITELY figure their parents out.  On the flip side of that coin in knowing that they have figured us out and when they are "Playing" us, it becomes the parents benefit, in when to "allow" themselves to be played.  Like a master chess player, we move the pieces, at first apparently randomly..but with a strategy! 
Such was the case last night.  Being the forth, and also being that we usually don't do anything special.  I mean seriously.  We don't drink, our barbecue is broken, and the thought of setting alight and blowing up my paycheck?  Not so much.  So the older two, wanted to "get out" and see the city fireworks.  As we are always looking for leverage and a way to test their trustworthiness, we agreed.  pending of course that the kitchen and front room were PROPERLY cleaned before I got out of the shower.
This accomplished two goals:
1) that the two of them COULD work together to accomplish one goal, without fighting, and in a timely fashion.
2) that we could trust them to return home at the appointed time.
They accomplished both goals.  So NOW, the next time they quibble about doing chores we have both an example of the fact they CAN get it done.  And leverage for the next time they want to do something.
Not to mention the fact that it gave mom and Dad some much needed alone time!
Well I hope you all had a good fourth, and we will be Oh So Busy putting out some new goodies today!
Peace!