If it is dry this weekend I am planning to wire the backyard (only got
to the front last year) and let Betsie do some mulching of leaves and
overgrown ground cover plants.

The backyard is small and bordered by the deck and some 4x4s lining
the flower beds. It sees almost 100% shade so the grass is rather on
the thin side. The previous owners of our house also had 3 kids, so
it’s a bit trampled and muddy. Once I get the leaves cleaned up I
want to put down seed so Betsie has more to mow.