Summer Fun!

So, summer is in full swing, ready or not! It is the end of July, and my four older children have just started sleeping in to 7:30! That is quite the accomplishment as they are early risers! Declan, aka, Hubba Bubba, sleeps until about 6, so I'll take it and run! You know, this Halloween, I will mark my 10th anniversary as a mother (Walker will be 10) and I have to say, most days, I don't feel like I know any more about parenting or am any more confident as a mother than I was on 10-31-03. So either I am an EXTREMELY slow learner, or I have to resign myself to the fact that there just is no figuring this out completely. Same as having five kids. You would think I would carry some innate insight from having had four previous infants, but you would be wrong! I google or bing constantly about stuff I don't know about Declan's stages. And gosh darnit, I think that it is ok. Sometimes I think it is good for the kids to see me handle these challenges and problem solve on a case by case basis. It shows I am human and hopefully role models problem solving. Sometimes I think that my chosen methods of problem solving may just be what gives therapists in our area job security for the next few decades! I feel like I am on a roller coaster, but I also feel like I am just now learning to enjoy the ride! Pictures are of Declan at the pool in his stroller; Mr. Maxwell flaunting his cornhusker hat at the splash park at the pedestrian bridge; The yummiest four Flavor-Ice you ever did see at the Field Club Fourth of July Parade, courtesy of Aunt Denise, and lastly a smile from Declan!