Because she wants to

AJ insisted on going outside and sweeping the sidewalk with a sprig of pine needles.  I hear a group of neighbor kids approach her. They gather around her and ask what she is doing and why.  AJ tells them she is cleaning and because she wants to.

AJ is really shy around children she doesn't know and I kind of hold my breath, hoping that her very straightforward answer doesn't earn her a bit of teasing or some strange looks.  

A few minutes later, I peek out the window and one of the neighbor girls has joined her.  AJ skips back up the stairs with a huge smile on her face.

Apparently the girl promised to help her sweep the sidewalk next weekend.