September 24, 2021-Breaking in the Wilson's Camper

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We slept wonderfully well last night. Robby said he had to get up four times to go to the bathroom, and I had to get up twice. We are like a bunch of old people. Maybe we should lay off the cokes and water in the evening!

Despite all of this getting in and out of the bed, we all did sleep very well. There is nothing like camping sleeping! Bentley even until almost 9 like the rest of us. We moved pretty slowly this morning and worked on straightening things a bit in the camper. 

Then Robby started working on making our breakfast. We had made our pancake mix last night in an old apple juice bottle, so it was ready to go on the Blackstone as soon as Robby pulled it out. He also cooked some sausage links, and we had ourselves a pretty good breakfast.

It was a really great morning-the kids hung out in the hammocks, rode their bikes and took some walks as we sat around and did pretty much nothing in the perfect weather. I really enjoyed it today since I'll be pretty busy tomorrow running people around so this was my Saturday, and it was a good, good day.

Before we knew it, it was noon. We sure weren't hungry at all since we had really just finished breakfast. Robby did a bit of organizing in our cooking bins this morning. Things are nice and neat in those bins at least. We still have too many things in the camper, so we need to clean a few things and take a few things back into the house.

Some time this afternoon we loaded up and headed on a grand camping adventure-Costco! We did find a few things that we needed and even a few things that we didn't know that we needed. We bought 2 hammocks, a sweatshirt for Anderson, a coat for Robby, a dog cot for Bentley and pancake mix for later. From there we left and headed to the next great adventure: Walmart. We didn't buy much at all there, but Campbell did find a Christmas present.

Back at the campsite, there was some more sitting around this evening. Robby and I did take the dogs on a walk while the Wilsons slaved away at supper. They cooked tonight and made fried rice and noodles for our supper. It was all delicious.

Then they started on our evening dessert. They made homemade ice cream and apple crisp in the dutch oven. It took a bit longer to cook than they expected, but it was certainly worth the wait. While we waited, we snacked on chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal cookies. Friends of the Wilsons stopped by along with Jason and visited for a while. It was a pleasant evening with all of our desserts and the visiting.

June 3, 2014-Camping Adventure!

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Setting up camp!

• This morning was Campbell's last day of school and my girl was thrilled-not so much that it was her last day but because she got to stay all day long or maybe she was excited about eating her lunch that I had packed for her.  Either way, she was up and ready before Robby this morning.  
• And to make things ever better for the girl, they stopped by Nonna's house on the way to school so Robby could work on Pops' computer.  Robby said that Campbell knew they were only staying for a bit and mostly talked to Nonna while they were over there.  Robby snapped a picture of Ms. Hannah and Campbell as Campbell went into class for her last day of a prek-3.
• Meanwhile back at home, the rest of us were working hard around the house and on the kids summer school work.  Tuesdays are math worksheet days instead of computer math so some folks were glad about that (Reagan) and others were not (Anderson).  Graham had actually done his math on the computer before I remembered that it was Tuesday so of course he didn't have to do it again.
• My goal was to be pretty much finished with my work by 10 and I just barely made it.  The kids helped me load up the car with a table full of last minute stuff.  Then we put all of our ice chest food on the same shelf in the fridge.  At 10, Whitman had his nap and we did some reading then I let the kids watch a few movies while I made some bread...
• Not wheat bread today but elephant ear bread.  It was a pinterest recipe and it was not a fail.  It was basically cinnamon rolls that weren't rolled up but cut into squares and put in a bread pan.  Skinny (I mean, Robby who has only 9 more pounds to lose to hit his goal weight) said that he could eat the entire thing-it really was that good.
• Now I do not like leaving for a trip in the middle of the day.  Of course I know that often that can't be helped but it seems like I just spend the entire day picking up things that I have already picked up.  So today, I just didn't pick up and happily made my bread in the kitchen-made for a much less stressful day.  
• Robby was able to come home in time to eat a bite of lunch after the kids and then he loaded up the final things into the car.  Let's see, 6 kids 2 adults and enough camping stuff to completely fill a 15 passenger van.  Seriously, we could almost have hauled a trailer behind us-but we sure didn't want to forget anything.  (Even though we do already have a list of things that we should have brought)
• When Robby did say that it was time to leave, my crew threw down their kindles and bounded into the car.  Poor Keaton has not a clue what this camping would be but she was just as excited as the others.  Even Whitman could sense the excitement in the air and stayed awake the entire trip to Lake Catherine.
• We picked up Campbell and squeezed her into the car with the rest of us and then we were off.  The ride didn't take any time and soon we found our campsite.  You don't get to pick them here but we are very close to the bathrooms and have a decent spot.  As soon as the car rolled to a stop everyone was out and ready to help set up camp.
• First we worked on the tent-everyone helped and the tent went up without a problem.  The last time we used the tent we did have a few less kids so when it came time for me to lay the sleeping bags out in this 8 man tent, I kept having to count to see how many more spots I was going to have to come up with.  
• Here is the current sleeping position-Keaton, Robby, Campbell, me, Anderson, Graham and then Whitman's pack n play in the middle at our feet and then Reagan is at the feet of the boys.  We are at max capacity!  Robby and I debated putting up our little tent (5 man) that we brought but opted against it since we didn't think any of the kids would actually sleep all night in it (I wouldn't sleep in a tent all by myself now much less when I was 8)
• After the tent, we worked on everything else-we just kept pulling stuff out of the van.  And the van is still full of stuff-a bag of sandals, 3 bags of food, a bag of books/papers, a carrier, bathing suits, towels and seriously, the list just goes on and on.  The kids quickly found their bag of balls and outside toys and started playing while Robby and I set up the kitchen area.  
• Once all of that was done, we were just dripping wet with sweat-it is a tad bit sticky and warm (some may say hot) but when you are in the shade and sit down, you do cool off well.  The big ones rode on their scooters some and Reagan did fall and hurt her knee and elbow but after a good cry, she shook it off fairly well and was good to go.
• So we went on a walk around the campsite.  Poor Keaton could have come right back and gone to bed after our little walk-hope she will do well on the hike tomorrow!  Ha!  During the walk, the kids had 2 of our little cameras and a picture was taken of every single thing that we saw-if Robby post those pictures you will feel just like you took the walk with us and will not miss a single thing.  I was afraid that people were going to think we were stalking them.  
• On our way back to the campsite-Robby saw squirrels eating our hot dog buns!  Eeek!  Anderson ran to scare them off and we were able to salvage some of our buns but still had plenty left after we ate tonight.  That was a good lesson for us to put our food back in the car-good thing it was just squirrels and not bears (Campbell is excitedly looking for bears).  Actually, I think that we have lost hot dog buns another time due to squirrels when camping-we should have learned our lesson.
• Back at camp, the kids shot the boys' bows and arrows which was quite entertaining at how far they can go.  Then there were a few rounds of frisbee as we waited for the fire to warm up.  We have these mosquito tiny torch like sticks and Graham bumped into one of those-the ash fell in his sock and he got a bit of a burn.  You should have seen him rip his shoe and sock off but after some ice and medicine, he was fine.  
• When the fire was ready, we roasted hot dogs and not an eye one was poked out!  I call that a successful dinner!  The hot dogs were really, really good or maybe I was just starving.  By this time, Whitman was tired of being in the stroller, tired of being in his pack n play, mad that he didn't get to walk around camp more so even though he was strapped to his high chair, he just took off crawling with that chair on his back! 
• Soon after that, we moved his pack n play back into the tent, turned the fan on him and handed him some milk and he was quickly asleep!  The rest of us worked on making smores.  Keaton helped roast a marshmallow but had no idea what I handed her to eat-she still ate it up.  (Probably should have been a benedryl laced smores because she is still up talking away even after 11)
• After our smores, we played a family game of uno.  The game was not nearly as exciting as watching the kids shake and slap themselves when they felt a bug on or even near them.  Next we walked down to the bathrooms to change into our pajamas and brush teeth.  On the way back, Keaton asked if we were going home!
• Once in the tent, everyone laid down and we passed out kindles for a few minutes.  They are pretty tired though and it is about to be lights out.  So far (at 11:20) I will call our first camping day a success!  Hopefully, we will all sleep well!-I guess I could always sleep in the van.  Who am I kidding, I would have to sleep on top of the van since the inside is so full!

June 4, 2014-Camping Adventure Day 2!

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From burnt biscuits to a 2-mile hike!

• As I wrote last night, my precious Whitman was sleeping peacefully at our feet....that didn't last long!  At home, he fusses and cries out often while sleeping.  We do the obvious thing when this happens-ignore him.  Ignoring him can't really be done in a tent when you have 5 other babies sleeping as well.  We did though try to ignore him for as long as we could-then we tried some milk and a diaper.  He guzzled his milk before Robby could finish changing his diaper and he continued jabbering/fussing. 
• We finally got him out of his bed to lay with us (that meant me moving Campbell over-50 pounds of dead weight.  And she ended up with my comfy sleeping mat and I was just on the rubber mat)  Whitman enjoyed laying with us-except he wouldn't lay down.  He just rolled and tossed and climbed and would scream if we tried to make him stay still.  By this time, we were considering locking him in the van.  
• We tried water and then finally, we tried what we should have done in the first place-ignore him and play that the others didn't wake up.  Reagan did wake up and look around but laid back down when I told her that he would be asleep soon.  Both boys sat up as well but they had no recollection of that in the morning,  And Keaton and Campbell slept through it all.
• I really don't know who went to sleep again first-Whitman, Robby or I.  I stayed awake listening to him be quiet for about 3 minutes and then let out a loud whimper/cry and the  next thing I knew, it was morning-ish and Campbell was telling me that the birds were saying it was time to wake up.  I quickly explained that they weren't talking to us and we both went back to sleep.
• The next thing we knew, we were all waking up at 8 in the morning.  We were shocked-that we rested well, that Whitman finally stopped fussing, that we didn't wake up at the crack of dawn and that it was already 8!  Gracious, Robby practically ran out of the tent to throw breakfast on the stove.
• And what a breakfast it was-bacon, sausage, eggs, biscuits!  By the time all of us made it out of the tent (some dressed and some not) Robby had breakfast ready.  He did have a bit of a hard time with his biscuits-some were overdone and then the ones that were perfect, he sat on top of the oven to keep them warm and burned the bottoms.  But since we had plenty, the perfect biscuits were finally cooked and everyone ate up.  
• That was a perfect start to our morning.  We washed and dried the dishes-the kids really loved this.  Maybe I should stop using the dishwasher and just let the kids wash dishes in the sink!  Then we picked up a bit-we have said that it is so hard to stay organized.  Part of our problem is that our bags (clothes) can't be in the tent because there isn't room but part of the problem is we have so many people and necessary items that it is just overwhelming.  I didn't make a list of necessary camping items so I will need to create one when I get home-Robby and I will have a camping debrief one night when we get home.
• After we had semi cleaned, we loaded up and drove a tiny, tiny bit to the trail head because we didn't think these kids could do any more walking than the trail.  We opted for the Fall Branch Trail-the 2 mile trail and not the ones that were 4 miles.  Those that were 4 miles also had the words "steep and rugged" after it-not words that mix with 1, 2, and 4 year olds!
• We had borrowed a backpack carrier for Whitman and he wasn't too pleased about being in it for the first few minutes but then he relaxed and enjoyed the ride-even sleeping for at least a mile of the trail.  The trail crossed the stream a few times-mostly bridges but one was stepping on rocks to cross the stream.  This trail was fairly "rugged and steep" for my crew but everyone pressed on.
• My Keaton walked the entire way but often told me that she wanted to go home.  And at one point, Campbell asked to go back.  I tried to explain that the trail we were on was a circle and we couldn't just turn around.  Graham heard this and walked over to Campbell to say "Campbell, I'm tired, Daddy's tired, everybody's tired.  But you can't just give up."  Sometimes he is just the sweetest little thing! (like today when he washed my water shoes off at the lake before he brought them to me)
• The trail was absolutely beautiful and I would really love to come sometime in the fall.  The kids would enjoy seeing it with the leaves changing.  At the end of the trail is some waterfalls-we probably could have swam in them, as other folks were, if we would have brought the proper attire.  But we will save that for another day and Grannymom and Grandpa were already at our campsite waiting on us.
• And at the very end of the trail, there was a swinging bridge.  Robby bounce and bounce on that bridge-delighting some Dennies and terrifying others.  By this time in the trail, I was pulling Keaton and Campbell both with the boys bouncing along beside Robby and Reagan behind us taking pictures.  Seriously, I bet they have taken more than 300 pictures on 2 cameras.  Surely one of our kids will end up being a photographer-you would think that they all would, the way they fight over those cameras.
• Back at the campsite, my kids who were minutes ago exhausted bounded out of the car like lightening to see Grannymom and Grandpa.  We all talked for a bit and the kids showed Grandpa their archery skills-they aren't good at aiming but Anderson can really shoot that arrow far.  Robby took a quick shower because he was dripping wet from sweat from hauling Whitman around on the hike.
• Then it was time for lunch-lunch wasn't a thrilling camping meal but it was still delicious.  I always think that anything you eat outside taste better and our sandwiches today were no different.  We all ate and then after a bit, it was time to go swimming!  We had been lucky on our hike that the sun was mostly behind clouds and that we were deep in the shaded woods but we were not so lucky when swimming.  It was hot, hot and sunny!  But the kids didn't seem to mind at all.
• The sandy beach is really just tiny rocks but my crew loved playing with those rocks.  They made some type of water dam and the little girls loved filling their lap with the rocks.  The swimming was too cool for anything above my knees but Whitman still enjoyed floating in his floatee.  That floatee was probably 7 years old so it was on its last leg and barely held the baby up-he didn't mind at all though and loved every minute of it.  
• The other kids splashed, played and swam for quite a while.  I think they were pretty tired because we really didn't have to beg anyone to get out of the lake.  Back at the campsite, Robby took the boys to take a shower and then I took the girls for their shower.  And oh how nice a shower made us feel.  Though just about the second you walk out of the bathroom door, you start sweating again!
• Grannymom stayed to help get supper ready for a bit.  Tonight's supper was cooked on our coals.  We put a hamburger patty, an onion piece, potatoes, carrots, a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper on a piece of foil and then wrapped it up and put it in the coals.  The kids all made their own packs (needed a sharpie though to keep them straight)  When the timer went off, Robby picked up one and it was cooked perfectly.  We started getting them out but others were not cooked.  So he just quickly cooked them on his grill and then we started eating.
• The kids really did well and at least tried everything.  Whitman did only want to eat if he could use the fork himself and Keaton wasn't going to eat for anything.  But oh my the ones that we did eventually get cooked in the foil pack were delicious.  The potatoes and carrots were excellent.  That will definitely be a meal that we do next time.  
• I had my own dessert cooked in a pack of foil too-apple crisp.  It turned out very well-Graham and Reagan helped me eat it but I ate most of it and could have eaten more of it had it not been for the kids taking my plate to go and wash it.  After we cleaned up, we walked up to the playground. 
• And Robby had his own dessert cooked as well-cookies on his camping oven.  Reagan said that they were the best cookies she had ever eaten.  I think that was a bit of an overstatement but they were really good.  Whitman did throw down his potatoes and carrots after he had a bite of cookie.
• The kids played while Robby ran-his 98th straight day.  When he would run by us, the kids would holler and cheer him on.  We played there until they ran out of things to play so we played Bible charades.  Finally, Robby ran back to us and we went down the hill to the bathrooms and then back to our campsite.
• The kids and Robby had played a game while supper was cooking, so tonight we just read our Bible story and then tried to put Whitman to bed by himself.  He thought stayed awake until we went to bed and then talked happily until he fell asleep (hopefully the child we sleep all night).  We tried to see the stars with Graham's telescope but we weren't able to-maybe sometime we will go someplace less tree-y to look at them.  
• Then we all climbed in the tent-I typed, Robby worked on pictures and the kids played their kindles for a bit.  Campbell was the first to put hers down followed by Graham and then Reagan.  Poor Keaton had not had a nap today and was sound asleep during the Bible story.  
• Things may change depending on how the night goes (ha!) but we have had an excellent time camping and will definitely camp soon (hopefully) again.  

Camping in November: November 15, 2015

Sad to be going home!

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For some reason it was much draftier in our tent last night.  We had worked on the tent yesterday, making it straighter and putting the rain fly on properly so surely that isn't what caused the breeze.  But the only other idea we have is that it was windier and that caused the breeze.  Either way, it was colder but we all still slept better.

Whitman fell sound asleep in his bed and laid there covered all night long.  Anderson was the one that I was the most worried about since he was near the edge and pretty much only wanted his light sleeping bag on him.  Of course the minute that he fell asleep we piled blankets on top of him.  

Robby and I stirred a few times during the night and Keaton had a coughing fit but other than that everyone snuggled down in their blankets and our heaters worked over time.  It is amazing how quickly the tent warms up after the sun comes up.  Though, we certainly would not have been able to survive without those heaters.

Those silly birds woke up us again this morning but we were all so tired that we just went back to sleep and slept until almost 8.  As soon as we were moving, we heard Tony getting the fire ready.  Robby worked and worked squeezing the air out of all of our sleeping mats.  Reagan and I loaded the bins up with our blankets and sleeping bags and then breakfast began along with the tearing down of camp.

Breakfast was the same as yesterday but I do believe that Robby has now mastered the dutch oven biscuits and Tony's hashbrowns did improve.  Whitman was so excited to see Shannon pull out the orange juice that he could hardly contain himself and that boy probably drank the half gallon himself.

We all ate-the kids first today and then the grownups, that way our food was still hot.  And then everyone started packing things away.  The kids played in the woods, played ball and even rode their bikes for a little bit.  Really, we were just at a perfect spot and they had plenty of room to explore and roam.  

The hardest things to pack up was our tents-the eating tent and the sleeping tent.  But it was both a win because we were able to get them both back in the bags that they came in.  Surprisingly, loading up didn't take too long and we even sat by the fire for a few minutes.  We were pretty lucky today because by after breakfast yesterday, it was sunny and we were hot but today it was cloudy and we didn't get too hot while loading up (actually I am yet to warm up.)

We all drove to the bathrooms before heading down the hill but Robby didn't show up and called since his car battery had died-the poor thing just couldn't handle all of the opening and closing of doors.  He has his fancy jumper (which has been well used) and caught back up with us in no time.

It took us about an hour to get home from Petit Jean and it was a beautiful drive.  Once home, we all started to work.  Since we all smelled like campfire, we tried to keep most everyone outside working until they had their showers.  First we emptied and cleaned the cars and then we started putting everything away.

The shower ran for well over an hour-first with Reagan and Whitman, then Graham and Whitman, then Anderson and Whitman and then Campbell, Keaton and Whitman.  Robby was next and then me.  That along with the washing machines that have been running constantly, our water bill will be through the roof this month!

Everything was finally put away and everyone was clean around 4:30 but we are already packed and ready to go again.  We took a pretty good inventory and now have a few things to add to our Christmas lists for our next camping adventure.

After a bit of downtime, it was then time to load up and go down the road to the Wilson's house.  They had some leftover camp food that we had to eat up.  The girls brought at least 20 pounds of baby doll and baby doll paraphernalia to play with and Whitman brought about that many trains but he spent most of his time watching Thomas.  

After we ate and visited for a while, we headed home to put my people in bed.  Tomorrow is a school morning but even more than that, tomorrow is laundry day!

June 5, 2014-Camping Adventure Day 3!

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Tearing down camp to head home...

• Oh what a difference a night makes-last night my Whitman slept wonderfully.  He was asleep when Robby and I finally turned off our computers and that baby slept all night.  We all slept wonderfully.  I was kind of awake when Robby pointed at Whitman who was sitting quietly in his bed at 7 this morning.  We got him out and let him crawl around and wake everyone else up-they always take delight in waking him up so we thought we would let him have his turn,
• As soon as Robby and I were awake enough to sit up, we started packing up.  I was shoving sleeping bags into their bags as the kids were still laying in them.  The kids helped haul stuff to the car for us and soon we opened up breakfast (powdered doughnuts).  
• Then we had all hands on deck to help take the tent down.  Robby and I could do it so much easier by ourselves but those little guys have to learn so we patiently (well, we tried) to teach them how to do it.  They all did well and we were even able to get the tent back in the bag-always a good thing!  And like always on our last trip day, we didn't take hardly any pictures.  We never do on the last leg of our trips-we try but we just don't.  Robby just told me that Whitman didn't make it into any pictures.  Oh, I wish I would have taken his picture tonight when he was swimming in the pool and wearing Campbell's goggles.  
• We were loaded up and in the car before 9 this morning.  The drive home took no time at all and soon we were unloading.  The kids helped unload, rode their bikes and watched the tree house man (tree house-finished except for adding the slide, swings, telescope and steering wheel)  We first all worked on the van and then the garage until it was time to move our crew to the inside to work.  They all then helped me inside the house and finally everyone had showers.
• Soon it was lunch and Robby made pizza.  My Keaton and Whitman were pretty tired so they soon took their naps and I guess that Campbell and I were tired too because we just snuggled up on the couch and were asleep in no time at all.  Before I knew it, the afternoon had almost passed and Robby woke us up saying that it was time to go swimming.
• We quickly got ready and headed to Grannymom's house to pick up our bathing suits (she brought home some of our camping laundry for us) and then to pick up a pizza for supper-oh, I know that we had pizza for lunch but pizza is just good (easy) pool supper food.
• On the way to the pool, Robby's house alarm dinged saying that the door in our garage was opened and then closed.  Hmm, that was odd.  We figured that we had left the door unlocked and thought maybe the wind did it.  We weren't really sure and then it happened again.  We could tell no one was in the house but still Robby dropped us off at the pool and then ran home to check on things.  
• Things looked fine then he saw neighbor kid with some of our basketballs.  Neighbor kid opened our door, walked through our dark garage, got 2 basketballs out and then took them to another yard to play.  This required a trip to talk to neighbor kids mom and Robby wasn't a happy camper.  He explained to mom that he was out and the police (alarm company) called.  I doubt that neighbor kids will be back over here for awhile.  (Though we did leave the door unlocked accidentally, it is a good lesson for us-we should probably lock up a bit more and be less trusting of neighbor kids!)
• Back at the pool, the kids played with Lilly and Cash until it was adult swim and we passed out the pizza.  They gobbled the pizza up and were soon swimming again.  Whitman was all over the kiddie area-you really have to watch him because he will just stick his little face in and thinks he can go anywhere.  
• My Campbell even got to swim in the deep end without floatees for a bit.  I took a turn in the water with her swimming to me and she did pretty good.  Later, she jumped off the diving board for Robby to catch her.  Keaton went down the slide twice but each time but she can't stay sitting up on the slide and bumps her head every time but she still enjoys it (a tiny bit).
• Reagan, Anderson and Graham spent most of their time jumping off of the diving board.  They went over and over and over again.  I am sure that they are worn out-but we are going back to the pool tomorrow!
• We stayed at the pool until it was closing time (9:00) and then we hurried home to put the kids to bed-they are a tired, tired bunch! 

August 13, 2020-Longpool

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This was the day that my kids have been waiting for for weeks on end: Longpool. They have heard their friends talk about it for months and begged us to go with them once we bought the camper. They didn’t have to ask to hard since we are always up for an adventure. 

We did school this morning-it is hard to believe that this is already our 8th day of school. Most everyone was finished pretty early. Of course Whitman was my straggler, but since I read him 3 library books I did kind of slow him down. 

By noon, he had finished and everyone had helped me straighten the house some. The kids would have done anything I asked to speed up us leaving. Of course last minute things always do get a bit crazy. Camryn arrived at the same time that the electrician showed up.

We had loaded everything the night before and some of the kids had packed this morning. I didn’t really have a lot of add to the camper before leaving, but I did have my list on the table for the few things I might forget. 

Unfortunately, we did forget on thing, but fortunately, it didn’t really matter at all. We had intended to fill the black tank with ice on the way. Robby had already squirted a bottle full of dawn dish detergent in there, and the ice would help agitate the tank so it would be a sparkling clean place for us to keep our…

Well, we forgot the ice, but that was fine. Hopefully, that is the only thing that we did forget. We did load up with all of the kids plus Camryn for this adventure. The drive to Longpool was just about an hour and a half. I had never set up front in the camper, so I felt like I was driving too. 

Robby probably didn’t need any help, but I certainly did point out every car on the side of the road plus every brake light that I saw. Also, the cab on the top of the camper is hanging over your head which is not like my car. In it, I can see the reflection of the road which kind of can make my dizzy if I think about it. 

The drive here was really pretty once we left the main roads. We met the Heltz and followed them up. While we were driving, the kids all mainly sat up front playing on their devices. Graham did ask for a snack as he was opening a cabinet door-he quickly learned that was not the thing to do since most everything in that cabinet rained out on top of him. There are still lots of camper things that we all have to learn.

When we made it to the campsite, the first thing we had to do was to dump the sudsy black tank. That didn’t take too long then we went to the tiny little campground loop to find our spot. The Heltz’ have been here before and told us about how empty it is. However, when we drove around the loop, there weren’t many spots left-just 4 which was the exact amount that we needed. 

Wes beat us here so he had his kids sitting in the other 3 spots just waiting. There were even people circling looking for a site. We had the site closest to the bathrooms which is fine-they did notice that we have a little bit less shade, but hopefully it will be fine. 

There is an empty spot in the middle waiting on the Fergusons, while the Heltz are next and the Crafts are across the road a bit. It worked out perfectly for everyone. Once Robby backed in like a pro, we started to unload.

First there is getting level. Then we have to hook up the power and electric. Both slides and the awning have to come out. Next comes the fun stuff-the tablecloth, chairs and rug. Setting up the tent is the hardest thing, but it sure was fun to decorate it tonight with our new lights. 

As soon as the let the kids out the door, they ran to see their friends. So far there are 16 kids here and two families will arrive tomorrow. When they were all walking around the loop, it looked as if the circus had come to town or like a parade going down the street. 

This campground is indeed pretty full. There seems to be another large group. I didn’t count all of them as they were eating supper, but I sure did notice their full size refrigerator that they brought camping with them. I am new to this camping stuff, but this was the fist time that I have seen that!

Around 7 or maybe even after, I heated up our supper. Tonight we ate the BBQ that Robby smoked yesterday. We had that along with chips and baked beans. I am not sure, but I think that I was supposed to save the beans for another meal and have corn tonight., We wrote out a menu, but I can’t get to it on my phone since we have no cell service. (That is why I am writing all of my blogs out at night, but will be late posting them.)

The Craft crew brought their suppers to our picnic table, so it was quite a crew eating supper. Soon the parents all migrated to our area as well. The kids ended up in the camper for a bit-I took some deep breaths, and it was all fine. They weren’t crazy so we let them stay in. We did bribe them to come outside for a popsicle later though.

One thing that we quickly noticed was that this site doesn’t have nearly as many bugs as last week. There were a few large bugs that the kids had fun swatting out with the electric fly swatters, but there were hardly any mosquitos or moths or whatever it was that we had so much trouble with last week. 

It was after 10 when we all went inside our own campers for bed. It took a while to straighten outside since we are expecting some rain tonight. We didn’t want things to get soaking wet. It took a while for folks to get situated tonight. No one had showers, but the little girls washed their feet off before bed. 

Camryn and Reagan are in the overhead bunk tonight with Whitman and Keaton sleeping on the table. Graham is on the couch with Anderson also in the bunk again. Campbell has Reagan’s spot from last time-the lower bunk.

Currently, it is 11:30, Robby is taking a shower while Graham and Whitman are still chatting. Hopefully, we all can sleep in a little bit tomorrow. I know that I might can, but we much have time for breakfast-chocolate chip pancakes!

August 28, 2023-Back to Disney We Go

(click for today's pictures)

This morning Robby and I were the only ones to get up for our Animal Kingdom visit. I really enjoy the safari so I wanted to see it one more time before our Disney days are over, and since the best time to see the animals is in the morning, we went early this morning.

We were there at opening along with quite a few other people, but we were only about 20th in line for the safari. We saw tons of animals this morning-the elephants and zebras are always my favorites, but the hippos and ostriches walked right past us. 

After the safari, Robby and I walked against the crowds pouring into the park to head to our car. Since we were out, we ran into Walmart. I did buy more plain bagels for the boys, but I also saw the Walmart has Hawaiian bagels-doesn't that sound interesting? I should have also bought some more cream cheese, but I'm sure there will be another Walmart trip. Or maybe we need to stay away from the stores.

Graham was the only kid awake when we came home, so Robby and I started putting away a few of the things that were outside. The weather said that some rain was going to come tonight, and then lots more in the next few days, and we don't want wet things. 

After doing that, most of the kids were still sleeping so Robby and I drove around the campground. We went around all of the camper loops-maybe about 16 of them. We knew that this was going to be a lower week crowd wise, plus the price for the camping spots this week is also the lowest we have paid which also tells us about attendance. In addition to this pesky hurricane coming, we think that this campground is 1/4-1/3 full which is really pretty empty.

Soon the kids started waking up. We are in the loop closest to the restaurant where we can go and get our drinks refilled so there was lots of that happening today. Plus lots of bike riding-Graham's chain did come off and he had to have Anderson bring him a screwdriver and water to wash his hands. Keaton walked forever with Bentley, and I think that Bentley went to the dog park about 3 different times. She should be exhausted, but she is laying beside me going to town chewing on a toy right now.

Around 1, I asked who wanted to go to the Contemporary for a snack, and had 5 takers. My only non taker was Whitman, but if everyone else was going, then he didn't get a choice. He was none to happy about this though. However, after our bus ride and then monorail to the Contemporary, he was the first to get his snack so that changed his attitude.

We then monorail hopped to the Polynesian, and the big boys had Dole whip. From there, the boys all headed back to the camper while Robby, the girls, and I went to the Grand Floridian. There Campbell and Reagan found their snacks (fries and a berry shortcake). The Grand Floridian is under a lot of construction so it was pretty sad looking. 

While we were gone, it looked like it was about to start raining, so we had the boys throw everything that was still out into the van. Thankfully, it didn't rain at all today. When we came home from that adventure, Robby and I went ahead and put everything up every well. The only things that we have left out right now is the doormat and the bikes. Hopefully, the rain (and hurricane) passes us by, and we have some more sunny days, but if not, we look forward to the adventure (I just hope I packed enough ponchos).

When we got off of the bus and were walking towards the monorail on our way to the Contemporary, Robby had all of the kid go into Magic Kingdom and then walk out. This was their tickets were able to get a Tron ride for tonight. So around 7 (maybe, I am not really sure) we all headed to Magic. 

The kids all rode Tron (Robby and I couldn't since we had gone to Animal this morning and couldn't get into Magic until 3 which I was certainly fine with.) Then the kids rode Space before the boys left. They went back to the camper and then loaded up to go and grab themselves some supper at McDonalds. I heard they spared no expense and even had ice cream.

When they left us, Keaton and Campbell rode the Speedway. Since the fireworks were happening, we were able to almost walk right on Seven Dwarfs before we rode the Carousel. Then the girls and I ended our day with dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table.

Keaton has said a few times that she wanted to eat in the castle, and really, we aren't going to be here too many more times. I am not exactly sure if she has eaten in the castle, and Reagan and Campbell said that they don't remember it if they had so tonight was the night to make those memories. (I can't find when we ate at the castle last, but it was before 2011 which is when we when we ate with princesses in Norway at Epcot.)

Of course this meal isn't cheap by any means, and since the boys would care nothing about this, it was a girls' only trip. Seeing the princesses was fun-Cinderella was probably the most exciting to see, but we also saw Jasmine, Snow White, Ariel, and Sleeping Beauty. The girls and I laughed that we enjoyed our meal more after the princesses had all come and talked with us-we were able to relax.

We each had one of the appetizers-braised beef (the smallest and best which I ordered), tomato soup (which Keaton didn't like), citrus salad (which Campbell didn't like), and shrimp (which Reagan did like!) Then we ordered 2 entrees of pasta and chicken (this was pretty good, but very rich) and 2 entrees of pork tenderloin (this was not as good as Pop's pork tenderloin but still really good.) Next up was dessert, and we all got the same thing-a chocolate mousse type cake along with some cold chocolate custard (maybe). The girls didn't like the custard thing so I ate theirs and then brought my cake home for the boys to split tomorrow.

Of course we had leftovers, and I did my best to move and eat slowly because I sure didn't want to be rushed during our meal. We were making memories after all. Our reservations were for 9:50, and it was 11:00 by the time we were leaving the restaurant. Since the park closed at 10, it was fairly empty. Keaton and Campbell danced around Main Street and took tons of pictures on the way out. They had so much fun doing this.

We stopped at 2 bathrooms before we made it out of the park-the food was fairly rich. Then we rode the boat back to the campground where Graham was waiting in the golf cart to pick us up. I told Graham and Robby all about the food while Reagan and Campbell went to the bathhouse to shower. 

Today was a great day full of memories, and now we are crossing our fingers for the rain to hold off until tomorrow night around midnight!

June 24, 2025-Camping at Petit Jean

(click for today's pictures) 

We slept late enough this morning that we didn't even go on a walk because we knew that it was too hot. It was almost noon when we finally realized that Bentley had not been out. Robby and I had both gotten ready and then climbed back in the bed. He did some work, and I did some crocheting. 

At 2, we decided to go to the pool. Whitman, to our surprise, said that he would ride his bike there. We took off in the van, and he took off on his bike. It didn't take Robby and I long to realize that the pool was closed. That was a bit disappointing. 

We caught Whitman before he rode all the way to the pool. Robby put his bike in the back of the van, and we headed off for another adventure. This adventure wasn't Whitman's favorite, but we walked on Cedar Creek trail. It was a little over a mile, but it was really a neat trail.

Whitman isn't much of a hiker, and about after a half of a mile, he was done. He pressed on, and we made it out alive. Most of the trail we were by the creek, but there were also some cool rocks and one area that we were in was like a grotto. 

When we finished the hike, we did celebrate with some ice cream. Robby and Whitman both had 2 scoops, but I just had one. Whitman should have probably only had one scoop because he didn't eat his ice cream fast enough that it didn't melt everywhere.

Tonight we had baked potatoes and grilled chicken for supper. I heated up some of my famous baked beans (from Sams.) We had things to make s'mores this trip and even wood for a fire, but we never got around to it. Whitman did find the marshmallows tonight so I guess that is at least part of a s'more.

Robby and I picked up some tonight so we won't have to do as much tomorrow since it will be warm. We could stay a few more days here-especially a few more days when the weather is a little bit cooler. 

August 13, 2021-White Oak Lake State Park

(click for today's pictures) 

We started our day just like the other days lately. Bentley woke Robby and I up. After her potty break, she came back to our bed until it was time to get up. The new thing lately is that she now sees animals out of our thin blinds while we have gone back to sleep. If it is a squirrel, she barks a bit. If it is the roaming neighborhood dog her bark is a bit more vicious. However, if she sees deer our the window, she goes berserk.

Yesterday, she saw Campbell and Graham in the way back yard playing. She barked like a bear was out there. Robby and I were in the kitchen, and I swear that I lost at least 3 years of my life because this ferocious bark. 

This morning I did sleep in a bit longer than other mornings, but soon I was up and others were starting to stir as well. Reagan was really the only one that I had to wake up this morning. Anderson and she were the only ones who had school work left to do. She actually did hers, got ready and then went back to bed. Sometime in the morning, I walked into her room and she jumped out saying. "I'm ready."

I didn't really do a whole lot this morning-just the normal around the house things. Well, I did take a zillion loads to the camper. Other than figuring out where I would put my Christmas dishes and where I would keep the kids school, we are ready to live in this thing.

We decided that I would just drive today instead of tow the car. We definitely want the car so it was for sure coming. We debated whether to tow or me drive. Towing involves hooking up and then having to unhook two different times plus driving is just a bit more stressful. However, if I drive then we are all split up plus we are using gas. We finally decided that the 30ish dollars on gas was worth the hassle. 

So Keaton, Campbell, Graham and I headed out first this afternoon around 12:30 to run to Kroger. There were a few things we needed for the trip-hamburger buns, french fries and milk. Plus we needed sugar for the house since it was such a good sale. 

Robby showed up in the camper as we were checking out. Campbell and Graham chose to ride in the camper-probably because of the wifi or the dog. Keaton did stay with me and chatted the entire hour and a half drive.

Well, like any Dennie camping trip, we had rain! It rained off and on on the way. At one point, it rained pretty good. And then this evening there was thunder and lightening, but it never rained. We are staying at White Oak Lake State Park.

It is a fairly small campground but has a nice little loop and a pretty lake. Now, once again we did get the spot with no shade. We should have driven around to check if there were any empty spots that were more shady. However, our spot is pretty nice and before too long we were all set up. When everyone is working, we are able to get settled pretty quickly.

Since it was so hot, we decided to load up and take a drive. We thought that we might just go and explore the Little Grand Canyon of Arkansas. It was a short drive around the lake and then down a gravel road. We stopped where we thought it was and headed off down the traisl.

Anderson found it first. It did kind of look like a miniature Grand Canyon. However, it felt like Death Valley-it was so, so hot. The sun was blazing down on us and we were drenched in sweat as we explored. It was pretty steep, but we found a few different trails down to the water. 

It was actually hot enough that Bentley even waded through the water a bit too cool off. It was so hot that the kids were asking to drink Bentley's water and even poured some of it on themselves. Robby, Campbell, Keaton and Graham did more exploring than the rest of us. Whitman and Reagan were the wimpiest of the crew and sat in the shade. Anderson did a little bit of both.

We were all delighted when we did finally get back to the car and slurped down about 2 water bottles each. It was quite an adventure-a hot adventure. Actually, it was pretty amazing to see. The pictures show that at some times this area is a happening swim hole with bluish green water-not today. It was deserted with stagnate brown water. We are glad that we have seen it now and can check it off of the list.

We then headed back to the campground. This is when the storm was rolling through nearby. The girls hung a hammock and played with it. Then it was kayak time. We aired those new babies up and Campbell and Keaton were able to kayak a little bit. Campbell was pretty skittish about it, but they both did just fine. 

Anderson fished while the did this, but Graham and Campbell also got in on the fishing. Graham and Anderson also took a spin around on the kayaks before we hauled them back to the campsite. 

Now, somehow time gets away from you. Even though we had an easy supper tonight-ravioli and bread-it took forever. The main probably was that the water didn't boil very quickly. The pasta only had to cook for 2 minutes so once the water did boil, we were eating minutes later.

I think that everyone enjoyed the supper, but they also enjoyed the ice cream that we had once we got back inside of the camper. We put everything under the tent tonight and tarped it up just in case of rain. Then we took a few bike rides and walks before finally heading in for the night. 

It is now 11 and we are no where near going to bed. Well, everyone is in their beds and ready for bed, but a football game is on, I haven't had my shower and everyone is playing on their devices. Bentley is the only one that is wisely sleeping!

August 6, 2020-First Camper Adventure! Lake Maumelle

(click here for today's pictures)

• The morning didn't start as I wanted it to. I woke up to Robby asking if I had set my alarm. I had set my alarm, but it never ran out loud-ugh. I was so frustrated which wasn't a great start to the morning. Thankfully, the kids all woke up well, and school at least started well.
• Graham had a bit of a hiccup on some of his work. He was so frustrated when summarizing something was hard for him. He eventually recovered, and we finished school early since this was the 4th day of school meaning that we didn't have to do spelling today.
• While I was working on school some, I also was trying to load a few last minute things into the camper. I will say that hope that every time we go somewhere we don't have to work this hard. We should have most things in it now and ready to go.
• We had our lunches and even did a bit of house work. I am not really sure what I did all afternoon. I will say that I spent way to long sweeping the kitchen floor. I think that I had not swept in at least a few days. 
• We waited as long as we could for one last package delivery-the delivery folks are here a lot these days. Oh, speaking of delivery-we had our groceries delivered today. The service was free for a month, so that was a fun treat. I think that we might could get used to having things delivered. I would probably spend a lot less.
• Graham was waiting on straps for the hammock-they came around 6 or 7, but we had already pulled out a bit before 5. We drove right to Maumelle Park-Robby drove the camper while I drove my car. Anderson and Graham rode with me-I am not really sure why they didn't want to ride in the camper. I drove since this weekend we have a few other activities to get to.
• Our first camper excitement was the dump station. This was a new experience for Robby. He had read up on it-even had a dry run, but nothing can compare you for the first look at poop! Ha! Funny thing was it wouldn't go down the hose. We almost started the panic-until he realized that he new fancy tank cleaner outer was in the closed position. Once it was open, everything worked perfectly. The water flowed out clear by the time that he was done! It may have been clear, but we still all lathered up before driving on.
• We found our spot, and I helped Robby back in. I think that this spot might have been a bit difficult to back in to-very narrow with high edges plus very long. It took a little bit but no foul words were uttered-actually it wasn't too bad at all.
• Robby worked on hoses while the rest of us worked on setting up camp. We did it like we have done it a thousand times before. There aren't many people right here by us. The next camp site which would be right next to us was empty tonight.
• We watched a bit of tv outside while eating popsicles-who doesn't camp with a freezer full of popsicles? Once the popsicles were gone, we walked around for a little bit. It is quite fun looking at everyone elses' rides now that we have a camper too.
• Once we made it back, Robby and I started on supper-English muffin pizzas. Campbell and Keaton helped me sprinkle the cheese and put on toppings while Robby worked on trying to light the oven. We probably should have tried that before heading off on our adventure. It took phoning a friend and a few youtube videos before he figured it out. 
• Once he did, we stuck the pizzas in. It didn't take long for them to cook, and soon we were outside eating our supper. After supper, we turned on a movie to watch. Despite bug spray and citronella candles, the bugs did eventually run us inside to finish the movie.
• Some folks took showers while the rest of us enjoyed s'mores from the microwave. There were a few people on our walk that had fires going, but we thought that it was still a bit warm for a fire even though it was pleasant out tonight.
• S'mores and our few showers seemed to take quite a while, plus the movie that I had picked for tonight never seemed to end. We finally had to stop it. The book was really good, but the movie was a flop! (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang).
• Around 11:30 as we were starting to bed down, the rain came. It wasn't much at all, but oh it was wonderful. The little pitter patter of rain was delightful as I laid in bed tonight and worked on the blog. 
• Overall, it was a pretty successful day. We had lots of fun on our first night camping! Hopefully tomorrow will go just as smoothly.

September 28, 2020 - Day 3 of Camping on the Beach

(click here for today's pictures)

When we went to bed last night, Graham asked me how long he had to stay inside before we got up in the morning. He was ready to get outside and start the day already. It would have been a good idea....except that he was still asleep at 9 this morning.

We really all were asleep at 9. Reagan slept the longest and had a class at 10 on the computer that she had to scurry around to get ready for. While she was doing her class, Robby was making pancakes and bacon outside. Let me tell you, we do this camping right.

Today the bacon was cooked in the air fryer. He cooked one batch fairly chewy (yuck!) and one batch fairly crispy (yum!) The bacon debate runs deep in our house-actually Reagan likes it super chewy while Anderson and I like it crispy and everyone else, I think, like it somewhere in between.

Once the breakfast was all cleaned up, we walked down to the beach. I will say that the walk to the beach is probably a bit over a quarter of a mile. It isn't a half mile, but it might be close. Either way, the walk isn't bad.  But when you are going to the beach for the day with all of your stuff, the walk could certainly be bad.

Since we had the car, Robby loaded it up with stuff, and we just met him at the water. He dropped the stuff off, and while he parked, we had brought everything down towards the others and had the tent set up. Let's see-we brought a tent, 4 chairs, a beach blanket, 2 towels, a bag of beach toys, 3 boogie boards, a bag of goggles, some snacks, a bag of sunscreen and an ice chest.

All of those things were used...even the sunscreen, but I guess I didn't use it well enough. Everyone one of my people have red faces. I will say that I don't put sunscreen on their faces-they do that, but apparently they don't do that well. I will also say that I do put sunscreen on their backs, and I royally messed up on Campbell's back.

She has streaky white lines all over her back where I didn't rub the sunscreen in when I sprayed it. I never thought about doing this since all summer long I have never rubbed sunscreen in! On her second coat of sunscreen this afternoon, I certainly did rub it in much better. However, that was too little too late since she was already pretty red. Hopefully, tomorrow she will be just pink and not so fried.

The beach was pretty perfect-it was pretty hot out, but in the shade of the giant tent, it was pleasant. There was enough breeze that I could have stayed out all day. All of our people were there until about noon when they went back to eat lunch. Now since we had just eaten breakfast at ten-ish, we weren't hungry then. 

We stayed at the beach for a bit, and then went to meet everyone at the pool. The kids played there, and hopefully got a lot of sand out of their bathing suits in the pool. Then my crew went back to the site for our lunch. While we were there, Graham, Keaton, and Reagan decided that they did not want to swim anymore so they had showers.

We had a leisurely lunch of sandwiches before heading back to the beach with Anderson, Whitman and Campbell. The others were hanging out at the Heltz/Ferguson sites. Graham eventually threw on his bathing suit and joined us. 

Things were going great on the second beach visit of the day. I was even about to close my eyes when I saw Whitman bust out of the water stumbling on the beach holding his arm. By the time he made it to me he was sobbing. I thought that he had hit his arm with the boogie board or something.

I soon realized it wasn't that, but there wasn't anything that I could see on his arm. He was in so much pain though and eventually told me that he saw something red. I googled jellyfish stings which it didn't really look like, but did see that I needed some vinegar to help or needed someone to pee on it. (The boys were out deep and I couldn't get their attention-and I don't do that.) 

We walked back to see if anyone had any vinegar, and by the time that we made it back up the hill, he said that it was better. Soon little tiny dots started appearing on his arm. Back at our site, I rinsed him off with the sprayer and rubbed hydrocortisone on his arm. I meant to give him benedryl too but forgot.

Later, I was talking to Robby, who was out further with the boys when this happened, and they had been seeing jellyfish so we are pretty sure that is what stung Whitman. Within a few hours, the bumps were gone, but did come back a bit tonight. He said that his arm is fine now though.

Whitman didn't care about going back to the beach after this-I bet he won't care about going back anymore ever again actually! The others stayed and played for a good bit before we all headed in for showers. Tonight, we met all of our buddies at Seaside.

We have so many great memories of Seaside from when we went there 20 years ago. Tonight we walked around to the beach area-and almost got trapped on the beach. There was a gate that locked going out to the beach-and it locked with us on the beach! Ha! People eventually came and unlocked it, but we were about to have to go on a big adventure to find a way back into town.

We then walked around the green space some before finding some snow cones for some of the kids. Anderson, Whitman, Robby and I were the only ones who waited for ice cream later in the night from Ben and Jerrys. I really should have gotten the custard at the snow cone place like Campbell and Graham did because they got so much more than I did at Ben and Jerrys.

After Seaside, we went to Ben and Jerrys and quickly devoured that ice cream before going back to the campsite. Reagan and Campbell were talking outside with their friends while we set the boys up watching the Truman Show. I think that they enjoyed it-they had all stuck with it even though it was over 2 hours. 

Robby and I were going to watch but ended up going down the road to chat with the adults outside before it was finally time for bed. The kids were all exhausted tonight, so hopefully it will be another late morning for us!

May 23, 2023-Disney or Bust!

(click for today's pictures) 

Check out was at 11 today, so Robby was up working well before then. Pretty soon after he climbed out of bed, I did roll over and apparently laid on Bentley enough for her to yelp and get out of the bed. Then I was awake and started stirring.

Graham and Reagan wanted to take showers before we left the Fort Wilderness. I take all of my showers in the shower in the camper and do all of my bathrooming in it as well. Reagan can not stand having to take a shwoer in the camper. She even wears shower shoes and asks me every single time where the "clean towels" are. Of course every time this camper rolls to Jacqueline Drive, all towels are washed and the shower is scrubbed so there is no need for any of that.

I will agree though that the bathrooms at Fort Wilderness are incredibly nice. Anderson did remind me that the ones at Camping on the Gulf and Catherine's Landing are also very nice. Really most of the kids except Whitman do go to the bath houses when they have a chance. I think that Campbell and Keaton enjoy the adventure of it and always choose to go. Robby will occasionally go especially when he needs to shave. 

All of that to say, I had to wake Reagan and Graham up so they could go and take their shower before we pulled out. Anderson helped Robby with the last few things outside, and we were pulling out a few minutes after 11. It did seem like I spent most of the morning folding our laundry that Robby had washed so I wasn't much help.

Our drive was maybe 3 hours to Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine. We stopped at Sam's for me to buy some granola, but they were out of it. However, our main reason for stopping at the exit was because Buccee's was right across the street. We filled up wiht gas and grabbed some slushies before hitting the road again. Actually, I didn't get a slushee-I found a tiny things of Dr. Pepper float Blue Bell ice cream. I like Blue Bell and I like Dr. Pepper, but it was a disappointment for sure. 

It was around 3 when we arrived at the campsite. It is like we are in the middle of a jungle-such a neat campsite. And we are right across from the bath house, but most importantly we are on the closest loop to the beach.

As soon as we parked the camper, the kids started getting their bikes and rode to the beach. We all soon joined them. It was so pretty, and the weather was at least 20 degrees cooler than it was at Disney. We set a few things up-though of course after working hard to dry everything out last night, it is raining tonight and things are getting wet again. Oh, well, We can set it all back up at home if we need to.

This evening we went to downtown St. Augustine and walked along St. Georg street. We, of course, found us some supper at Pizza Time which some say is the 2nd best pizza in the US. We all bought a slice (mine was ravioli pizza), plus Robby bought gralic knots, a ceasar salad, and a potato ball (not really sure what it was-kind of like mashed potatoes shaped into a ball with meat and cheese on the inside and smothered with marinara.) It was all delicious-and I think that the majority of Dennie's liked tonight's pizza better than the pizza we had in Italy at Epcot. (Reagan and Anderson were the ones who liked Epcots better.)

We made it in before 9 tonight which is earlier than we have the last few nights-last night was well after 11. Robby is catching up on some work while everyone else is on their devices. I have ran out of books to read so I am downloading one on my phone. Soon we will make beds and make some plans for tomorrow.

November 1, 2023-Disney Season Pass Era Ends

(click for today's pictures)

Overall, this was a great last trip to Disney and a great last trip in the camper as well. I'm just kidding about the camper...kind of! In all honesty, the camper did give us some fits on this trip and even on the way home. However, the week was pretty great at Disney and the campsite plus we made it there and back safely so I can't complain too much.

Robby and I went to sleep around 2 last night. After drinking hot chocolate on the late night drive, I had to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Of course since we were sleeping with the slides in, I couldn't get out with out crawling over the dog first and then Robby. I sure didn't want to wake Robby up because I was worried that if I woke him up, he would just decide to start driving. Thankfully, we hadn't been asleep that long so we both did get back to sleep.

It was just about 7 when my alarm went off. Robby was already in the bathroom, and we were soon on the road. We stopped at the first Buccees for gas, but we didn't go in since the kids were still awake. Then everything starts running together really.

At some point today, someone honked at Robby so he pulled over to inspect everything. His tow strap had come undone. They loosen as you drive, and Robby had already tightened them yesterday. This wasn't a problem though-except it had become tangled so he had to deal with that while we were on the edge of the road. It didn't take long for him to fix it, and we were back on the road. 

The kids eventually started waking up. Everyone was up for a Buccee's stop in Leeds, Alabama. Before too long we were stopping and going in Memphis rush hour traffic. This is when someone honked again at Robby. This time they told us that our tire was smoking.

This was not what we wanted to hear at all. (We just bought a car with what we paid to fix the other side and do some preventative maintenance on the now smoking side-and not really a car, but a good bit.) It was slightly smoking-nothing like the other side did. There was no smell and nothing leaking anywhere. 

Robby decided that we needed to leave the area that we were in so we pressed on and just prayed that it was the new brakes causing the smoking. We then stopped at least 3 more times to see if they were smoking, but there was nothing. He can see the tire pressure and temperature so that was all fine. 

What was not fine-Robby and I. Really, I am not too sure just how much more we can take. Our stress level is a bit high and nerves shot! We love the camper and love camping, but maybe we can just fly. In all honesty, we did feel confident in the work that we had done, plus Robby needs to get a tune up, and hopefully the camper will be in good shape and ready for the next adventure. Though the next few adventures will be in the state of Arkansas!

When we did get home, the kids helped us unload the camper. That took about 30 minutes or maybe just a bit longer. Then I made grilled cheese sandwiches for everyone and heated up some soup from some cans. This meal was a hit-Anderson said that he would be fine with us having it once a week.

I have a load or two of laundry to fold and then it will be bedtime for everyone!