No one could remember the last time the septic tank had been serviced—could’ve been years, could’ve been decades, who knows? With three busy bodies now living full-time in the house, we figured it was probably wise to have it pumped before the system decided to surprise us.

Step one: find the tank. Easier said than done. We weren’t left a map, just a vague idea based on where the snow mysteriously melts first each winter—nature’s little hint, courtesy of a warm underground secret.

Once we finally tracked it down, we booked a cleaning with a local company. That’s when the real excitement began. Rost was over the moon when the poop truck pulled into the driveway. We kept a safe distance, but watched the entire process with wide-eyed enthusiasm—well, mostly Rost.

Now, if you ask him what he wants to be when he grows up, he won’t even hesitate: “I want to drive the poop truck!” Dreams really do start in the most unexpected places. Don’t be surprised if he asks where your septic tank is if we come visit.