August 18, 2012

(click here for today's pictures)

• Last night as we went to bed, Robby went through all of our plans for the day with the kids-Clinton Library, zoo, Lilly and Cash's birthday party.  Of course he told them that all of our plans hinged on the rain but at that time the weather looked fairly promising.  
• But when we woke up we were greeted with crazy thunder and lightening.  The kids were still so exhausted from yesterday that they slept until 8 and then we listened to them talk on the monitor.  It must have been very dark in their room because they weren't sure of the time.  Graham went to the clock to read the time and read it backwards "5-5-7."  To this Campbell starts shouting "0-0-2" over and over.  Eventually Anderson figured out the correct time.  But it didn't seem like they could hear the rain or lightening.
• Everyone was quite disappointed when they saw the rain but we explained that we were still going to have a fun day despite the weather.  The Clinton library plan was still on go so we got everyone ready while Robby and I were busy coming up with plan B to replace the zoo. 
• As we were getting ready this morning, Graham looked at Robby and said "you are going to die in 20 minutes."  Robby replied with "well, that will be a downer."  That conversation was kind of odd but thankfully, Robby lasted all day long today!
• When we got off the interstate we could see the lines and cars at the Clinton library-crazy, too crazy for us.  It was free day but I think the crowds were there for the free backpacks and watermelons.   Free day can wait until another day for the Dennies so we quickly worked on plan c.  Thankfully, we have a pass to the Museum of Discovery and headed there.
• The kids were so excited to show Robby around and especially excited to show him the bed of nails.  We all tried it out today (even Reagan who was too skittish to do it last time).  We did everything in that museum and I had to continually tell the kids and Robby (who was having as much fun as the kids were) to move along.  
• The skies were clearish when we left, so we headed to the zoo for member appreciation day.  The kids were so happy that it wasn't raining because today was free carousel and train ride day for members.  The lady scared the boys when we entered because she told us that right then the train wasn't running due to water on the tracks.  You should have heard the screams when we saw the train running-they were ecstatic.  
• We rode the carousel first, then saw the snake moving (never see that) and saw an elephant walking around too.  Then we stopped for our free hot dog lunch in the cafe which filled everyone up-they were starving I guess from the busy morning.  Next up was seeing the giraffes walking around, seeing a rhino closer than usual, viewing the cheetahs playing (our first time to see them), seeing the lions and penguins before walking to the front.  All of the animals were much more active today than usual-must have been enjoying the cooler temperatures.  
• Back at the front, we all got our free cups of nectar to feed the lorikeets.  Reagan and Anderson were feeding their birds with Graham and Campbell standing nearby.  When suddenly the 4 birds near us took off and flew right passed our heads.  I will admit that I did let out a little scream but the kids were more startled than me.  Anderson spilled his nectar all over his shirt, Reagan spilled hers on her shoes and afterwards, Graham handed me his cup and said he was ready to wash his hands.  We won't be feeding those birds anytime soon!  One more carousel ride before getting back in the car to head home.
• At home, Keaton, Campbell, Robby and I all had a nap while the others watched a movie.  My phone woke me up and we then rushed around getting ready for Lilly and Cash's party.  The kids were so excited and had lots of fun swimming.  Robby and I didn't swim because it was cold, cold, cold outside but all of the kids didn't seem to mind-though Reagan's lips were blue most of the night.
• We had hot dogs and lots of cupcakes.  After swimming, the kids migrated over to the playground for a bit of playing before we headed home.  At home, we gave everyone showers and then tucked them all in.  Another big day for these Dennie kids!