The Other Side of Fun

For as much fun as we've been having, there's been equal and opposite experiences to match.  The above picture was taken after one of our zoo trips but the scene has become familiar, in our family this is known as "blarbing".  Not pictured are the three youngest crying screaming and James, the oldest who usually just retreats to a quiet corner with a book.

Bedtime and naps have been optional and meals only happen on the days we run out of great snacks. It also took me a few days to realize that the clocks in my mom's basement are a few hours off so I guess bedtime doesn't matter anyways.

In some ways it feels great to lose track of time and days but I'm also losing track of my nursing schedule which in turn has resulted in painful milk clogs.

Occasionally I'm questioned, "what day is it anyways"?, or informed, "Mom, I think we forgot to have lunch and dinner today"! but my favorite is "please can I go to bed now"?

My parents aren't really helping much with the routine.  As soon as my Dad hears stirring he calls down the stairwell, "who wants licorice"? Of course they all jump out of bed (or off their couch) for that!  But that is still on the fun side of fun.

What I'm talking about has to do with the girls who all the sudden forgot how to use the potty because they were "laughing too hard" or "to busy having fun".

Then there's little Henry.  This would not be an accurate record if I failed to mention his recent struggles.  The poor little guy has been experiencing recurrent allergic reactions to the most basic foods (even rice!).  I'm now armed with two epi pens and have already taken him in to two different urgent care facilities.  I mostly blame the stress of that for our mealtime disruption - it's hard enough to feed a small crowd on vacation but even more challenging when you can't take any shortcuts.

Speaking of shortcuts I just realized that William has been wearing that Gators T-shirt for days but I guess that saves me a bit on laundry.

I certainly feel torn between the familiarity and fun with family and the cravings for normal routine and balance.  But I suppose the disruption of summer vacation actually does bring balance to our life, this season with its lack of daily routine is a part of our yearly routine.

I suppose also it is laziness that brings balance to our summer fun.  And that is why I just bought a box of books at D.I. and another pile at a yard sale today..... to encourage the kind of summer laziness pictured below.