Dennie Kids: March 31, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • A restful night and then an early morning for school
  • Reagan being the line leader at school today (very important in the life of a 3 year old)
  • Picking Graham up from Grannymom's house-while Reagan and Anderson had some juice and a snack
  • Hiding Easter eggs with Mom this afternoon and then hiding more Easter eggs with Dad this evening-Did I mention we hid Easter eggs? Over and over and over!
  • Eating supper with Dad since Mom was at a meeting
  • Putting on our pajamas and going to bed early-school days are tough!

Dennie Kids: March 30, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • The boys sleeping until after 8 this morning
  • Reagan and Anderson trying to play by themselves while Mom worked in the kitchen-they were unsuccessful-the more Mom tries to work the more they needed her
  • Graham having a mid morning nap
  • Hunting Easter eggs, playing on the swing set and having a great time with lots of our friends (at least 22 of them) at Sara's house
  • Eating candy from our Easter eggs before nap time
  • A very short nap for Reagan and then her watching a movie until bath time
  • Everyone having a bath before Dad came home
  • Supper at Taco Bell and then helping Mom do a little bit of shopping
  • Brushing out teeth and heading to bed

Dennie Kids: March 29, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • A Sunday morning-we even made it to church a few minutes early
  • Eating lunch at Grannymom's house. Reagan loved playing with Lilly, Anderson and Cash enjoyed playing together and Graham loved playing with different toys
  • Afternoon naps while Mom ran a few errands for more bargain shopping
  • Back to church tonight-Reagan and Anderson always get a little confused on Sunday nights-they look for their SS teachers and don't understand why we don't go to Nonna or Grannymom's afterwards
  • Supper at El Chico-everyone had eaten before church even Graham who had green beans and some spaghetti
  • Coming home and having a little bit of coke before bedtime

Dennie Kids: March 28, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • A lazy Saturday morning
  • Walking around Walmart and looking at the toys
  • Lunch at Lenny's and then home to play until naptime
  • Reagan waking up first and getting to email Dad on Mom's computer
  • Playing hide and seek with Mom
  • Eating out again tonight-Anderson fell while we were out and said "me hurt knee like grandpa"
  • Making cookies before our bath-we were all very dirty
  • Eating our cookies and having our milk before bedtime

Dennie Kids: March 27, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Everyone sleeping late after staying up with Carter and Millie
  • Reagan, Anderson and Graham causing Mom to hop off the treadmill a zillion times
  • Reagan having a meltdown about not being able to find her Minnie Mouse ears and a not getting a straw cup-so she went to bed for nap earlier than the boys
  • Spaghetti for lunch-Anderson loved eating the "snakes" while Graham had some real green beans
  • Reagan and Mom getting their haircut. Anderson went too just so he could get a "lollipop from Ms. Tammy's house"
  • Graham stayed home while Dad tried to mow the yard but Graham didn't like the loud lawnmower
  • Afternoon naps for Reagan and Anderson while Graham and Mom tried to be quiet
  • Graham finally taking a nap while everyone else straighten the garage
  • More spaghetti for supper and popcorn for a snack
  • Playing outside and then watching tv with Mom and Dad until bedtime

Dennie Kids: March 26, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • An early morning and Nonna and Pops coming over
  • Playing with Nonna and Pops all morning long while Mom worked for a little bit
  • Eating lunch with Dad and playing more until Graham couldn't stay awake any longer
  • Naps for which Reagan took a very short nap so she could wake up and watch tv and eat candy before the boys woke up
  • Cleaning the house for Carter and Millie and then waiting on them to come over all afternoon
  • Reagan and Anderson looking for Skipper the bunny again
  • Supper with Carter and Millie-Millie didn't think that "that baby" liked them-Graham was a little unsure of all of the excitement
  • The kids playing all evening long and playing with every toy-Carter and Reagan played great together and Anderson was a little heartbroken that Millie did not want to give him a hug when they left
  • Reagan's prayer tonight: Dear God, thank you for my family and please don't let us have the bug again, thank you and don't let it rain or have the bugs and let there be a rainbow. Amen (The stomach bug which we had a few months ago must have been very traumatic for her!)

Dennie Kids: March 25, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • An early morning trip to Walmart for a little shopping-everyone was very good and even had a snack
  • Watering our tomato seeds outside and playing outside until Dad came home for lunch
  • Lunch with Dad and more playing-we love to ride our trikes and call each other "Grannymom" and "Grandpa"-Reagan says "come on Grandpa" to which Anderson replies "okay, Grannymom"
  • Afternoon naps-Reagan woke up first and we worked on her Dr. Seuss book
  • The boys slept until after 5-my boys are good sleepers!
  • Supper at Grannymom and Grandpa's house
  • Coming home and having to go straight to bed since it was late

Dennie Kids: March 24, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Everyone sleeping past 8:30 and Mom even having to wake Anderson up when Nonna came at nine
  • Playing with Nonna while Mom ran to work for a few minutes and even getting to swing outside
  • Eating lunch with Mom and Nonna-we had our favorites, pb and j (Reagan), macaroni (Anderson) and yogurt (Graham)
  • Early afternoon naps since we were getting sleepy
  • Reagan making a fort in Mom's room with lots of pillows for over an hour and then everyone climbing up on her bunkbeds
  • Playing in our house outside in the rain until we were soaking wet
  • Supper with the family and then playing all evening-we played so well tonight
  • Graham took a late nap and is getting to stay up and help Mom and Dad cook

Dennie Kids: March 23, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Spending our first day of spring break at home-even though it is always spring break around here
  • Anderson wearing big boy underwear all morning long-he did #1 and #2 in the potty one time (actually, he did near the potty, not really in it) He wore his big boy underwear until they were all wet!
  • Planting tomato seeds outside
  • Eating lunch with Dad after Reagan's huge meltdown about her princess ball-we couldn't find it so she fell apart
  • Afternoon naps for everyone while Mom did some spring cleaning
  • Looking for birds and Dad with our binoculars
  • Eating out and then running an errand-Mom was busy couponing and she was thrilled when the cashier said 70 cents!
  • Playing ball and getting to stay up late!

Dennie Kids: March 22, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Church early this morning-Reagan is always so excited to get to wear a dress
  • Mom and Dad helping in Reagan's class during big church
  • Running a few errands around town before naptime
  • Back to church tonight and then supper at Chili's-Reagan loved the chips and dip, Anderson loved the rice and Graham enjoyed his cracker and even took a few bites off of the menu
  • Graham has been sleeping well downstairs, so he has been moved to Anderson's room tonight and Mom and Dad are crossing their fingers that all goes well

Dennie Kids: March 21, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Mom and Reagan making blueberry muffins before the boys woke up
  • Mom running an errand while everyone put on their clothes
  • Dad deciding at the last minute to go to the zoo with us
  • Picking up Uncle Jason for our day at the zoo-but it was cold and rainy so we didn't stay too long
  • Seeing the bears open the presents, drink their milk and eat a cake-and we even had some cake too!
  • Taking Jason to our favorite restaurant-McDonalds and shopping a little bit with Mom
  • Afternoon naps for everyone
  • Visiting Grandpa at the hospital-he had his knee done (again) He has to get his knee better so he can build us a swing
  • Spending the evening with Nonna and Pops while Mom and Dad went to the Rep to see The Foreigner (Mom said it was very, very funny)

Dennie Kids: March 20, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • A lazy morning around the house
  • Shopping with Mom at Target-she got lots of bargains and she has decided that she is addicted to coupons!
  • Driving to meet Dad for lunch-Anderson suggested "games" so Dad took us to American Pie
  • Reagan and Anderson riding bikes in the kitchen until nap time
  • Everyone waking up for supper-Graham ate all of his mac and cheese meal-even though he gagged on each bite he had for lunch!
  • Watching Busytown at the Arts Center-it was just like a book that Mom had while she was a little girl. Reagan sat still the whole time, Anderson made it 40 minutes before getting up and Graham bounced and sang along the whole time!
  • Home to bed!

Dennie Kids: March 19, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Another school day and a rough morning for Reagan-she didn't want to go but forgot all about that once she had her peanut butter and jelly sandwich and milk
  • Anderson coloring in his class today and Reagan making "two triangles"
  • Picking Graham up from Nonna and Pops and everyone getting to play a little bit there before heading home
  • Graham eating an early supper and everyone playing until Dad came home
  • Writing words and painting our letter W
  • Leftovers for supper and then watching "Small World" on Mom's computer-Anderson loves to sing Small World and talk about the ride. He told me that the Noah's ark he was playing with was not Noah's but the Small World boat
  • Hanging out at Grannymom and Grandpa's house for a little bit this evening before bedtime
  • Mom thought that Graham was waving a few days ago but today she is sure that she is waving-he waved bye to Nonna and Pops tonight

Dennie Kids: March 18, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Anderson waking up first this morning followed by Reagan and then everyone waking Graham up
  • Spending the morning at Nonna's house while Mom went to work for a bit
  • Eating lunch with Pops-Reagan and Anderson like fish sticks
  • Graham finishing his nap while Reagan and Anderson played outside until time to go home
  • More naps at our house but first Reagan and Anderson played in the kitchen sink until Mom's floor and their clothes were soaked-Graham just watched as they laughed and squealed the whole time
  • Waiting on Dad to come home outside before running a few errands and eating hamburgers for supper
  • Baths for everyone and then taking a few pictures before bedtime

Dennie Kids: March 17, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Mom and Dad having to wake everyone up this morning and then rush everyone off to school
  • A good day at school by everyone-Anderson hugged his teacher when he left and Reagan was proud of the shamrock she made
  • Graham spending the day with Grannymom, Grandpa, Josh and Zach-he even went to the zoo and fed the otters-with his rattle!
  • More rabbit hunting with Josh and Zach-and they found him for a few seconds before he ran off
  • Reagan and Anderson helping Mom decorate St. Patrick's Day cookies. Reagan loved to use the sprinkles and they used all of Mom's sprinkles!
  • Supper at Playtime Pizza with Josh and Zach-Graham enjoyed the ice cream, Reagan liked playing the games and Anderson just ran from game to game
  • Getting home late and bouncing their new bouncy balls in the kitchen before bedtime

Dennie Kids: March 16, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • A restful night and a late morning-what could be better?
  • Reagan and Anderson going with Grannymom, Josh and Zach to play at Rock Creek-Josh said that Anderson was very loud while they were playing there and Reagan said she couldn't find Grannymom one time and was scared
  • Graham helping Mom fold the clothes and he took a few naps while Reagan and Anderson were gone
  • A quick bite of lunch and then playing with Josh and Zach all afternoon long
  • Everyone played dominoes, sequence, played outside and the highlight of the afternoon was searching for the rabbit that lives under our deck-they used flashlights and broomsticks to try to find him (it was quite entertaining for Mom who laughed almost until she cried at four kids shining flashlights and hollering at "Skipper")
  • A very short afternoon rest for Reagan and Anderson-it started at 4:50 and ended when Mom got them up to leave again
  • Eating supper at Jacob's house-Anderson asked if he could go upstairs and Jacob's house and then said that he would not make a mess there-but we did anyway
  • Getting home late but reading our St. Patrick's Day book, "The Night Before St. Patrick's Day, before bedtime

Dennie Kids: March 15, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Everyone waking up for church after 8:15 this morning-we had to hurry but Graham was able to have some cereal before we left
  • Anderson telling his teacher that he was going to eat lunch at Grannymom's house, Josh and Zach were there, Dad threw the ball on Grannymom's roof and he was going to have juice and a banana at Grannymom's house-he is quite the talker!
  • Graham not having a bottle during church-he has gone from getting 2 at church to not having any-he isn't a baby anymore!
  • Lunch with Josh, Zach, Lilly and Cash-it was quite loud! The kids enjoyed playing together and Anderson is excited about Josh and Zach coming to our house tomorrow
  • Afternoon naps while Mom ran a few errands and used some more coupons (see pictures of her savings)
  • Supper with Laryn and Sara Ashley at Genghis Grill-it was delicious. The kids even stood in line with Mom for quite a long time while she made her bowl. They enjoyed seeing the men cook our food
  • Coming home to ride bikes for a few minutes and read a book before bedtime

March 14, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)

We all slept well last night, we always do in hotel rooms. Anderson insisted on his milk this morning. (Mom had brought some but he drank it all last night) So him and Mom had to go downstairs to grab a few cups of milk very early this morning. Mom was not a pretty sight and was still squinting in the elevator while trying to make small talk with strangers. Soon, we were all up and at breakfast with our pajamas on. Next on the agenda, was back to the swimming pool. The water seemed a little cooler this morning but the kids still enjoyed it. Graham would just kick his legs and grin. After showers for everyone, it was nearly check out time and we had to scramble to get out of the hotel (we have never stayed in a hotel until check out time). We then parked and walked to a popcorn shop for a little bit of caramel corn before heading to bathhouse row. We toured the Fordyce bath house which is part of the Hot Springs National Park. Reagan was a little freaked out inside and kept asking us if we knew the way out and she could not understand why there were so many bath tubs. After the bath house, we all put our hand in the hot springs-which were pretty hot. We decided to have lunch at the English Muffin but after finding it, it was closed until supper so we opted for Rod's Pizza Cellar. The kids loved watching the train circle the restaurant. Afterwards, our short little vacation had to come to an end which didn't please Reagan or Anderson. We were back in Little Rock around 6 and Anderson was still asking about the airplane.

March 13, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)

We woke up this morning and Reagan was ready to go on a trip. She couldn't understand why Dad had to go to work and Anderson kept trying to go to the van in his pajamas this morning. Mom probably said a thousand times that this was going to be a short trip. But she forgot to tell Anderson that we were not going in a plane and he has asked a few times today "plane?" We left the house around 12:30 and made it to Hot Springs and dropped Robby off at the races-his work team was spending the afternoon there. He made a little bit (and I mean a little bit) of money while we were out spending in at Walmart. We didn't spend that much since Mom was couponing but she did buy everyone some candy. Graham was awake the whole ride to Hot Springs and most of Walmart. We picked Robby up and headed the wrong way to our hotel since we had left the GPS at home. It was no big deal because we ended up at McClards which is where we were going to eat supper anyway. We had an early supper of tamales, bbq sandwiches, fries and grilled cheese for the kids. After supper Reagan asked "If this is Hot Springs, why is it so cold here?" We found our hotel, Staybridge Suites and checked in. The hotel is very nice and the pool was fairly warm. Reagan and Anderson could not wait to get in the pool and they both wanted to wear their "armies" in the pool. Graham enjoyed the pool so much also. By the end of the evening he was leaning down to drink the water. After swimming for a long time we came up to shower everyone off. We then took a walk around the hotel while drying our swimsuits and called it a nigth soon after.

Dennie Kids: March 12, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Another day at school-Anderson still has his rash but it is a little better and his legs weren't as sore this morning, Reagan talked to Ms. Mary at school today (because her Dad said she could have some candy if she did)
  • Graham spending the day with Nonna and Pops-he likes for Pops to give him his milk and then take a nap with Pops
  • Reagan and Anderson not being happy about Nonna and Pops bringing Graham back to our house since that meant we couldn't got to their house
  • Mom doing some couponing at Target-$25 worth of stuff for $3.52! She had LOTS of coupons and it took her forever to check out. Mom even got a little bit nervous but it was worth it in the end!
  • Playing with Nonna and Pops for a while and then making our vegetable letter V
  • Watching a little video for our DisneyWorld trip-Anderson was so excited to see the Small World video
  • Supper at MiMi's cafe-Anderson would say "hi man" to all of the waiters that passed, while Graham ate tiny bits of bread and smiled at the waitresses and Reagan devoured orange after orange
  • A little more couponing at Walgreens and Walmart (some good deals and free stuff but not picture worthy)
  • Pajamas, milk and bed

Dennie Kids: March 11, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Reagan waking up first, then Hobbles woke up and finally Graham around 9
  • Anderson woke up and was only walking on his tip toes again and had a rash all over his body
  • Spending the morning at Nonna's house-Pops came over and so did Beebee and Papaw
  • Nonna cooked one of Mom's favorites for lunch-fried spam and potatos! (Dad is going to try it soon too)
  • Naps at home-Reagan woke up to help Mom clean out under the sink
  • Back to the doctor for Anderson-his ears were good, the doctor said the virus that caused his ear infections probably interacted with his antibiotic which caused his rash and that same virus probably caused his joints to be sore. All should be well in a few days
  • Mom taking everyone to Sam's to pick up more medicine for Anderson (Shelley, the pharmacist at Sams, is now Mom's buddy)-and then to Walmart to buy some more and back to Sams-in the rain and cold at supper time! We survived-actually everyone was very good
  • Eating super-Graham doesn't eat baby food for Mom anymore all he wants is his bottle. Anderson ate enough for us to give him his medicine and Reagan cleaned her plate (anything to please her Daddy)
  • Reading stories until bedtime

Dennie Kids: March 10, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Anderson waking up with a "hurt foot"-he wouldn't put any weight on his leg this morning and even crawled to get his milk
  • Reagan going to school and Anderson even getting to go too-he almost got sent to Grannymom's but his leg got a little better
  • Graham being a good boy most of the day with Grannymom but fussing until she laid him down for a nap
  • Reagan and Anderson having a good day at school-Reagan told Ms. Lisa that her brother doesn't eat much
  • Reagan throwing a fit at Grannymom's house so we left early and she spent the rest of the afternoon in her room until she was ready to call Grannymom (she has told Mom not to tell Dad that she got in trouble)
  • Anderson taking another nap once we came home-he still doesn't feel 100% but his leg is fine!
  • Mom and Reagan spending the afternoon counting all of the forks in our house to write in her "Book About Me"
  • Reagan helping Dad taking the garbage can to the curb and Anderson helping taking the recycling bin
  • Pasta and green beans for supper and then Dad brought home some peanut M&M's!
  • Playing with Dad while Mom went to Bunko
  • Pj's and then bed for all

Dennie Kids: March 9, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Mom waking up early before everyone else this morning-that never happens! She ran almost 2.5 miles before getting back in bed.
  • Reagan and Anderson refusing to eat breakfast (the breakfast that Mom has lots in the freezer for them) Reagan said she would get a snack at Grannymom's house
  • Anderson feeling a little better today-no fever but still a little clingy
  • Playing at Grannymom's house and riding bicycles outside
  • Mom picking us up and heading to the park for a picnic
  • Dad meeting us just in time to watch the boys while Reagan had to use the bathroom! There were no bathrooms so this was her first experience of going outside and she loved it
  • Graham loving the picnic-he would almost crawl of the blanket to try and grab some grass
  • Naps this afternoon and then Reagan and Mom playing Sequence until the boys woke up
  • Sitting outside waiting on Dad to come home from work and then eating supper
  • A wagon ride in our triple long wagon! They love it though it was a little heavy for Dad to pull up the hills
  • Baths for everyone before bedtime

Dennie Kids: March 8, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • A short night for all of us-time change hit us hard this morning while getting up for church
  • Reagan and Anderson going to Sunday School while Anderson was still running fever so he stayed in our class
  • He sat down for story with the other kids and then saw Pops and said "bye Momma" as he left with him. He also called "bye Grammy" as he walked by Graham's class
  • Anderson going home early with Nonna so Mom and Dad could go to church
  • Sloppy Joes for lunch at Nonna's house. Graham enjoyed the banana pudding-until he spit it all back out at Mom!
  • A run to Krogers and then naps for everyone
  • Reagan and Mom waking up first and eating a little snack before Graham and Dad came downstairs
  • Mom having to wake Anderson up for supper
  • Everyone playing while Mom and Dad cleaned the kitchen
  • A few books before bed
  • Yes, Mom has been shopping a little bit today-she might be a bit addicted to her couponing but she is getting lots of bargains! Promise there will be more pictures of the kids tomorrow and less of Mom's shopping!

Dennie Kids: March 7, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Graham waking up at 6 and wanting some milk
  • Anderson and Mom getting up at 8-Mom ran on the treadmill while Anderson drank his milk and had a lollipop
  • Dad and Reagan sleeping until after 9
  • Anderson taking his medicine a little better today-Mom had to lay on him this morning again but he got better throughout the day. He is still having a little bit of fever though, is not eating much but is still playing and feels pretty good
  • Mom going to a baby shower while the boys took naps (Anderson did ask for a nap this morning) and Reagan and Dad playing outside
  • Reagan helping Mom make a few cakes
  • Popsicles for everyone instead of lunch and then another nap for all the kids
  • Running a few errands and then taking our supper to Grannymom's house
  • Playing outside with the balls-Graham loved watching Reagan and Anderson throwing the balls up high
  • Having our baths at Grannymom's house while Dad and Grannymom worked on the computer
  • Coming home and going straight to bed since it was late

Dennie Kids: March 6, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Reagan spending the night with Nonna and Pops
  • Anderson waking up feeling much better-he asked about "my rea rea" once but never seemed to notice she was gone this morning
  • Graham sleeping until after 9
  • Mom having to sit on Anderson with his head between her knees but he took his medicine!
  • The boys going shopping to Target and Kohls with Mom-she scored some good deals
  • Reagan coming back home with Nonna
  • Nonna bringing lunch and Anderson had a few chicken nuggets-more than he had eaten in a day or two
  • Afternoon naps for all the kids while Mom walked on the treadmill
  • Reagan and Mom playing Boggle and Go Fish until Graham and Anderson woke up at 5
  • Running a few errands with Dad
  • Riding bikes until bedtime-we didn't want to go to bed!

Dennie Kids: March 5, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
  • Back to the real world today - Graham waking up 6:30 and Dad having to wake Reagan and Anderson up (only on school days!)
  • Anderson woke up with a fever so he got to skip school today
  • Dad taking Reagan to school where we made a duck puppet as we worked on the letter "P" and we got to go outside and play
  • Anderson and Graham hanging out with Nonna & Pops. Anderson even got to go to the grocery store for a long time
  • Mom picking Anderson and Graham and heading to the doctor. We got to see Dr. Bynum today. Dad and Reagan joined us while we waited for the doctor. Turns out the fever was a symptom of two major ear infections for Anderson. Graham just has a cold and the doctor said Reagan was in great shape
  • Anderson & Graham took a nap while Reagan and Mom made brownies for tonight's class meeting
  • Dad & Reagan running to Burger King real quick while Mom did some laundry
  • Reagan going to Nonna & Pops while Mom was at class meeting while the boys stayed home with Dad
  • Anderson decided he did not want to take his medicine and tried every bit of Dad's patience for an hour & half. After much negotiating, tears and finally being worn down - Anderson took his medicine and then got to get every toy out he possibly could

March 4, 2009 - California

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
We woke up this morning with Anderson stirring. After getting his pants wet, he demanded to put on his shoes and socks. So he tossed and turned in bed for the next hour or so wearing his pajama top, shoes and socks. The phone rang soon after-the airline! Our flight was delayed so we would miss our connection. They had rebooked us so we would get home at 10 instead of 6. After breakfast we loaded up to fight the LA traffic and get to the airport. Since our Randy's Donuts was on the way, we decided that we would take one more try at finding it (see Sunday's post). Well, our GPS was right on the money this morning and we drove right to it. Anderson, who said "eat donuts?" for hours after not finding in the other day, was the first to find it today. Reagan was so excited and kept thanking Anderson for finding the donut place. Mom had her picture made and Dad bought everyone a donut. Dropping off the van at the rental car place was easy and we hopped on the bus and were quickly at the airport. We were actually surprised at how short our wait in the security line was. We had a little time at LAX before heading the Denver. Flying over the mountains near Denver was the roughest plane ride we had ever been on. Reagan didn't seem to notice and the boys had slept the entire time. At Denver, we walked across the whole B concourse-seriously, we walked for over 20 minutes to get from one gate to the other. Fortunatley, James caught a cart and beat us there. After a snack and a little downtime, we were back in the air to Little Rock. The boys went back to sleep on this plane ride and Reagan and Mom read books. When we get on the planes, Anderson finds his seat and then puts his backpack under the seat in front of him. The Dennie kids are seasoned travelers. One time Dad asked Reagan what had favorite part of Disneyland was and she grinned from ear to ear and exclaimed "the escalator." The off-duty pilot infront of Robby laughed out loud and then told the guy in the seat next to him! Yes, our kids would enjoy the mall as much as anything else. But Mom and Dad are making lots of memories! Jason was there ready to pick us up and the kids were all in bed by 11ish. Mom and Dad had a little bit of unpacking and blogging to do before bed.

March 3, 2009 - California

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)

The kids started coughing around 6 this morning. We told them they could get in bed with us-Reagan did, Anderson did too and then promptly got out. He didn't think there was enough room! We got ready and headed to breakfast after waking Graham up-he was tired after drinking 2 bottles in the middle of the night!

It was only a short trip to Disneyland from our hotel. Robby dropped everyone off and went to park the car. He was able to park about half of a mile away and walked back since that was probably quicker than taking the tram. We all walked to the entrance gates and claimed our spot near the first of the line. The park didn't open until 10 but we were let in the gate around 9:45. James rented a scooter and we met up with everyone at the Dumbo ride. We had copied a Disneyland plan from a book and the plan was titled "Dumbo do or die in a day." On the way to Dumbo, we ran into Mickey Mouse and had Reagan and Anderson's picture with him. Anderson said Dumbo was his favorite ride and it was also Graham's first Dumbo ride and he enjoyed it very much.

Afterwards, we rode Peter Pan's Flight and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. We needed a carousel break next. Graham rode with Mom on the carousel. He loved the rides and would just stare at everything. On one ride, he was even leaning backwards to see more stuff. Snow White's Scary Adventure and then Pinocchio were next. As, I mentioned James had his scooter so we were able to hop to the front of the lines. However, the park was not crazy crowded today so we lucked out. After a little walk, we rode the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. It was pretty cool and almost put Anderson asleep. We headed back Fantasyland to ride Alice in Wonderland and It's a Small World. Small World had just been redone and contained some Disney characters which was neat to see.

We next went down the hill to Mickey's Toontown to ride Gadget's Go Coaster. This was Reagan's favorite ride. Anderson just keeps the same expression throughout any of the rides. He enjoyed it too and didn't seem as scared as at Disney World. After the coaster, we walked through Mickey's House and Chip and Dales treehouse. Afterwards, we had lunch in Toontown. We boarded the Disneyland Railroad and traveled to New Orleans Square.

We all rode Pirates of the Caribbean which had two decent sized drops-pretty good little drops when you are trying to hold a baby in your arms. Haunted Mansion was up next. The kids don't seem too spooked by any of these rides. After Haunted Mansion we rode Winnie the Pooh and walked along the Rivers of America. We took pictures in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Her castle was not as ornate or large as Cinderella's castle. Reagan even noticed and said "it's small." Dad told her that real estate was more expensive here in California.

Next we walked to Tomorrow Land and rode Buzz Lightyear. After Buzz, the Monorail was next. It is sleeker and red but seemed smaller and more crowded that the DW monorail. We then rode Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin and finished the evening off with the Go Coaster again.

We did most everything we wanted, there were a few rides we missed out on. As we left the park, Reagan saw the Astro Orbitors and said "Daddy, there is a little kid ride that we forgot to do"-so her Dad told her we would come back. And we will since we were very impressed with Disneyland. Also, when we were on the train we stopped at one stop, Anderson saw the Autotopia cars and said "me off, ride those." It was a whirlwind day-we rode 17 rides and were at the parks for nine hours with 3 kids. They did great, well, as good as a baby, 2 and 3 year old can do.

After picking up a Christmas tree ornament and James dropping off the scooter, Robby picked us back up. Needless to say, we were all tired on the drive home. So tired that Anderson and Reagan fell asleep on the way home. Reagan woke up to eat some supper and drink some milk but Anderson never woke back up tonight. Graham had taken a few naps at the parks and was ready to play tonight but went to sleep pretty quick after helping Mom and Dad pack up a few things. Our flight is in the morning, and we plan on trying to find us some donuts on the way to the airport.

March 2, 2009-California

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
The night seemed to fly by but we all woke very well rested. After another breakfast at the hotel-cinnamon rolls for everyone-we loaded up and headed out to Joshua Tree National Park. The morning traffic wasn't too crazy and we were able to use the HOV lane so we made it to Palm Springs with just one bathroom stop. The drive to Palm Springs was beautiful. In some areas there were hundreds of wind turbines which were quite different to see. We drove the strip in Palm Springs and walked through the visitor's center. Afterward, we walked along a trail leading to their welcome sign. Reagan really gets into taking pictures and Anderson tries hard but his "cheese" only lasts about 2 seconds and then he is distracted.

We soon needed another bathroom stop and a milkshake. Reagan and Anderson split a sundae and the rest of us had milkshakes-Graham just glared at us as we ate. He wanted one too. After a short nap by Tara and the kids, we had made it to the Oasis Visitor center at Joshua Tree National Park. We browsed the gift shop and headed for the park loop. The Joshua trees were quite interesting to look at and the rock formations were unique. We decided to stop at the Hidden Valley trail. It was a 1-mile hike and started off. We almost made it 1/2 way at the trail became more rocky so we turned around. Reagan and Anderson enjoyed hiding behind the big rocks and Graham just enjoyed riding in the front carrier. The weather was just great too-cooler than yesterday. After driving out of the park, we needed a little snack and grabbed a bite to eat.

The drive back was much quicker even though the traffic was a little heavier. We drove around the Crystal Cathedral and even saw their "In-Car Worship Area"-which we think is a pretty good idea! We may actually start doing that at home. It was still early but we have covered this town fairly well and the kids needed to get out of the car for a little bit. After washing some clothes and a snack, we are going to head to bed.

March 1, 2009-California

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
After going to bed around 2 (Little Rock time), we slept pretty well. Reagan woke up once screaming about a spider, Anderson bumped into the nightstand a few times but never woke up and Graham needed a bottle sometime in the middle of the night. Still, we were all up and at 'em before 7 and headed to breakfast shortly. The breakfast was good and the kids ate like they hadn't eaten in days-omelets, sausage, juice and cinnamon rolls. Graham even finished his cereal in no time.

We were on the road around 8:30 and drove to Disneyland to buy our tickets for Tuesday. After circling the park and accidentally driving into the parking garage, we finally found the spot to buy the tickets. Rob and Virginia quickly hopped out and while we hung out in the van and watched the monorail drive by-it was red. We found Watt's Towers next. It was an interesting stop to say the least. The Dennie's had seen it on Jeopardy and it even made it into our book. We can say that we have been there!

Next stop was supposed to be Randy's Donuts. The GPS programmer had put in Randy Donuts instead so we were 5 miles away. But Rob found the address and we headed there next-to find a Jack in the Box. It just wasn't meant for us to eat donuts today. We will do a little research and hopefully can find it the next time we are in L.A. Our day was much smoother as we headed to the Hollywood sign. We drove to our viewing spot high in the Hollywood hills (it is a great spot that we found in a book and have now been there 3 times). The kids enjoyed posing by the sign before driving back down the hill for lunch at Pink's Hot Dogs. The line was long but moved fairly quickly. Tara had the Martha Stewart dog and Robby had the Super Strech Chili Cheese Dog.

We needed a good walk after our lunch and walked around the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We passed the Kodak and the Chinese theaters. Reagan was so excited to get to put her hands in the star and was a little disappointed when she didn't get to make her handprint. Anderson saw a Spiderman and gave him a high five-we didn't take a picture since we would have to pay! After our walk, we needed some ice cream so we stopped at the Cold Stone Creamery. On the way back to the parking deck, Reagan and Anderson got to ride the escalator a few times. And this is what they said was their favorite part of the day!

We had fought traffic all day but there seemed to be alot on our way to Griffith Park. Our plan was to stop at the pony rides and railroad part but the lines looked crazy so we just headed straight to the carousel. It was a good stop and the kids loved the fast carousel. Virginia was holding Graham and he just jumped and jumped while listening to the music. After the carousel we then drove awhile to get to Huntington Beach. They were having their kite festival. We arrived at sunset and there were only a few kites left in the sky. We walked along the beach and chased the water. It had been hot earlier in the day but now was quite cool.

We needed another nutritious supper and decided to stop at In and Out Burger before calling it a night. The hamburgers there were great so our tummy were full as we headed to the hotel. Graham got a bath in our room and Reagan and Anderson took a bath in Virginia's room. After they played for awhile, we turned off the lights and gave everyone their milk. No one is asleep yet-but hopefully we will sleep as well as we did last night.

February 28, 2009-California

Highlights from today: (click here for the pictures)
We started our Saturday morning off fairly lazily. We took Graham's 7 month pictures and video (since he won't turn 7 months because there is no February 29). Reagan and Anderson rode their bikes around the house, had mostly cheese to eat all morning, had baths along with Graham. And all the kids took an early nap-Graham even had two.

Jason picked us up to head to the airport around 1. We loaded up and Reagan questioned Mom the whole way if we were going the right way to the airport (she didn't want to miss our plane). The Dennie's were unloading as we pulled up. We dropped off our one bag, made it through security and boarded our plane in no time at all. The flight to Denver was 2.5 hours. Reagan spent most of her time coloring and writing with Grannymom, Dad and Anderson played play-doh and Mom, Graham and Grandpa slept! The flight was smooth and we landed early. In Denver, we had quite a walk to our next gate so James caught a ride. After a layover and supper, we were back in the sky. This next plane was the largest one the kids had been on (767-300) and I don't even know if they realized there were flying since they were in the middle section. Everyone was great again and Graham stayed awake this whole flight. We landed around 10 our time and found our luggage and our rental van (exactly like ours but no movie). We had about a 30 minute drive to our hotel near Knotts Berry Farm. After a stop at Walgreens, we pulled into our Holiday Inn Express. The kids had baths and everyone has found a spot to sleep-Graham in the bathtub, Reagan on the floor beside Mom and Anderson is laying on the floor beside Dad's side of the bed (no pack'n'plays here-but he fell right asleep-maybe since it is 1 our time now).