June 30, 2026-Plant Mission Trips and More State Parks

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This was one of our slower days which was perfectly fine with me. We had one state park that we were going to see today, but they were closed so we pushed that back til tomorrow. Robby did some work this morning, and then Robby, the dogs, and I headed off for a trail.

We walked the Blue Heron Trail which was supposed to be 1.1 miles long. We, however, took the wrong trail to start with and walked to someone's house. We went back to the beginning and started over on the official trail. It was hotter today, but we made it back to the car in good time and with minimal ticks-I had hoped that we had left them all at Crowley's Ridge, but we did not.

We came back, and I read and crocheted. We eventually woke Whitman up, and this afternoon we drove to the nearest "big" town-imagine our surprise when we saw a Sonic there. Of course, we felt like we needed to support the local businesses and had ourselves a Sonic drink.

We came back to the camper, and Robby worked while Whitman and I played a board game. Then Whitman read some while I also read a bit more. It is almost 6:30 now, and I'm actually cooking supper as I type this blog-well, the microwave is cooking supper. Last night Whitman had a frozen pizza while we had our butter chicken frozen meals. Tonight, it is a big chicken pasta meal that I'm heating up. 

We haven't heard much from the mission trip kids today-Campbell did say that they were having lots of breaks because it is so hot outside. Reagan did have her return dentist visit, and she said that it was much easier this time than having 3 cavities filled at once.

June 29, 2026-Plant Mission Trips and More State Parks

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Robby had a call this morning so he tried to quietly sneak outside to do it. Marley heard though and asked to join him. She stayed out there with him until he finished.

Then we walked Spider Creek Trail at Crowley's Ridge. It was about a mile long, but I made it a little longer when I realized that I didn't have my phone. I had just had it, and my short pockets are so shallow that it just fell out. We turned around and started retracing our steps. It didn't take too long thankfully for me to find it, and we were back on our way.

After our trail walk, we came back to the campsite to brush the dogs. We could already see that there were quite a few ticks crawling around them. We were able to get most of them, off, but man, we have dealt with ticks all day. Hopefully, we have taken care of all of them.

We soon hooked the car up and headed to a new stop. First, we stopped at the post office to mail off a book. Then we stopped at our 37th state park-Herman Davis. It didn't take us long to explore since it is just a statue on a corner block in Manila, AR.

We then drove on towards our next stop which was a spur of a moment stop-the boyhood home of Johnny Cash. We weren't too sure that we were going to make it when the GPS started to direct us down a dirt road. We skipped a few dirt roads, but eventually ended up on one when we headed to the home.

The tour guide was good, and the tour was short, so afterwards, we went back to the visitor's center and walked around there. We ate our very late lunch in the camper, before driving on to our next stop — Lake Poinsett State Park. 

We pulled into our site here and didn't see too much of the park since we will do some more exploring tomorrow. Whitman and I played a game before supper, and then Robby heated up a pizza for Whitman and butter chicken for us. Now we are watching Johnny Cash's movie Walk the Line. 

June 28, 2026-Plant Mission Trips and More State Parks

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It was a perfect night of sleep last night. I fell asleep before anyone else in the camper plus I had a great nap today, so I am very well rested and might stay up later than Whitman or Robby tonight. When we woke up, Robby and I took the dogs on a trail that is right next to our camper.

The Dancing Rabbit Trail was just about 1 mile since we only did half of it. It had a neat swinging bridge, but Bentley was not interested in the other bridges at all. They had holes in the metal which she did not like-I was able to get her across the first one, and she improved with each one that we had to cross. 

We came back and had our breakfast, and then we went to the visitor's center and walked around this state park, Crowley's Ridge, some more. This is the first time that I have seen a state park with an inflatable water jumpy thing-I'm sure there is an official name, but I'm not sure what it is. It was 20 an hour, and no, we didn't let Whitman see it. He wouldn't have enjoyed it by himself, but with his sisters he would have loved it; however, it was 20 an hour-kind of pricey.

Now this state park does have an interesting group cabin area-there are 5 bunk house type cabins which are really pretty plus a dining hall all for 300 dollars a night. We even talked to the man at the visitor's center about it because it was just intriguing. Our little family might be big enough one day to need the group camping cabins here.

Despite the water contraption, this is still a pretty state park. We came back to the camper and woke Whitman up. After he had his breakfast, we went down the road about 8 miles to Lake Frierson State Park. It is just another state park with a lake. It is mostly a fishing lake because there were only 7 campsites. We did walk one short trail, before heading back to our campsite.

This afternoon I did crochet a bit and read some, but I guess my body is just wired for a Sunday afternoon nap. Back at home, Reagan and Anderson went to church and to eat at Grannymom's house. Robby said that Anderson washed their cars as well. We did get a report from Campbell this afternoon-it is hot, she bought a fan, and her air mattress doesn't stay filled with air though she sounded like she was having a blast. We have seen pictures of Keaton and Graham, but they haven't checked in with us.

Tonight we drove to Jonesboro for a hamburger for Whitman at 5 Guys and for ice cream for all of us at Andy’s. Then we came back to the camper and played a game. We played Castle Panic, one of Whitman's new games. It is a good one, and I even think that Robby enjoyed it.

Now, we are in for the night except for occasional potty outings for the dogs. I am going to crochet a little bit and possibly read some more. Except Robby think he might have saw a bobcat on his lost dog potty visit so thinking both dogs can hold it until morning!

June 27, 2026-Plant Mission Trips and More State Parks

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The morning started early with Campbell and Keaton having to be at church at 8 to leave on their mission trip to Austin. We left in time to pick up some doughnuts on the way. Keaton only ate some of hers because she was worried about her stomach being upset on the trip-I understand that. 

The rest of us were not worried about this because we all had our fill of doughnuts. When we came home, Robby went to work getting things ready to leave while I started getting ready for myself to leave. I left to meet Dana and Grannymom to go to a baby shower for Josh's baby. It was in Star City so we had a bit of drive, but it was a sweet little shower. 

While I was gone, Robby took Graham to the airport for his flight to Denver and then onto San Diego. His flight leaving Denver was delayed, but he landed safely albeit 90 minutes late. He had a smaller group on his mission trip, but he was excited for sure.

I made it home earlier than Robby had expected. It didn't take too long for us to get everything ready to leave, load up Whitman and the dogs, and to leave. We told Reagan and Anderson bye, and then we headed towards Crowley's Ridge State Park. 

We had a super easy drive except for the few miles of detour that we took-Robby knew immediately that we weren't heading the right way, but it took a long while for us to find someplace to turn around. Thankfully, we found a gas station which worked perfectly because the dogs needed to potty, and we also needed gas.

We made it to the campground around 8 or a bit before. We are at the end of the loop, and even though there were neighbors right next door watching us back in which adds to the stress, we did perfectly. Robby backed up like a pro. 

We got all settled, and then Robby and I took a short walk around the campsite. We came in and started on our supper-hot dogs. While we were eating, Campbell and Keaton made it to Austin. We cleaned up after supper, and currently the dogs are laying on the bed with me!

June 26, 2026

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• Robby had his dgroup this morning. I saw on my phone when he left the house, but I quickly went back to sleep for a little bit. It was kind of nice, but I really should have been doing a few things around the house.
• Today has been a fairly busy day, though I'm not really sure what all we have done nor am I sure how it is already 9. Graham was the first one to leave today-he went to eat lunch with some friends, and then he went to Walmart to buy some snacks. Him buying snacks is very different than the girls buying snacks-he barely bought enough to matter.
• Whitman and I started on an escape room type game around noon. We probably played it for about 2 or 3 hours today, but we finished it. We are both a little dorky and really enjoy those games. I'm not sure if anyone else would like them-well, I do think that Anderson would like them.
• Anderson left first this afternoon to go and help some some yard work for Pops. He left at the same time that Reagan, Campbell, Keaton, Reagan, and Whitman went to Sonic-I think that Reagan was making missing Sonic yesterday up to Whitman.
• Robby and I left at that time too because we ran to the Sams and Walmart. We forgot our ice chest so our Sams cold things had to huddle together to stay cold while we ran into Walmart. We were quick so it was all good, and everything made it home still cold.
• Robby and I did some quick loading of the food in the camper, and then I helped Graham pack up his suitcase. Then all of us but Reagan and Robby played two rounds of a game.
• Then Campbell and Whitman went to pick up pizza for our supper. We all ate while we discussed the location of someone we all knew-the debate was if they were at the beach or not. It was quite an entertaining discussion even though none of us really cared if they were at the beach or not. 

June 25, 2026

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• Robby and I went to a funeral this morning. We ran to Walmart and the library on the way home. We had to buy breakfast burrito ingredients at Walmart, and then at the library, I had to check a book out since I had requested it, but then I had to turn it back in since I had already read it. 
• When we came home, multiple children asked us where we had been. I guess I didn't adequately post today's activities-I thought I had told people, but I guess not. 
• When we did get home, things got busy-we are loaning out our big white van this week, so friends came to get it. Then I left for the dentist with Reagan and Whitman. Robby went to work on making the breakfast burritos plus the internet man came by at the same time that he needed to get on a work call. I think that it was pretty hectic at the house for a while-but I was sitting in the dentist office peacefully working on my crochet.
• Whitman was done quickly, but Reagan had a little bit more work done. She didn't feel great on the way home, so we skipped Sonic and rushed her home. Last time poor Whitman went to the dentist, his car didn't get Sonic while the other one did. I told him that we would definitely pick some up next week-maybe even multiple times. 
• When i did make it home, I worked on wrapping the breakfast burritos for the freezer. Plus I made cinnamon roll Iaccoca. It was very good, and we snacked on it while we heated up our various suppers.
• Anderson power washed a good bit of the afternoon-he was so muddy from the dirty sidewalk that you could not tell where his boots ended and his legs began. I think that the power washing is not done for a while-if we have thought of it, it has been power washed. 
• Graham went to play pickleball this evening after he ate the warm cinnamon bread. Campbell wasn't going anywhere, but I think that her and Keaton might be headed to play volleyball later in the evening...however, I do not plan to leave the couch for much for the rest of the night. 

June 24, 2026

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• I guess since we have been staying up so late watching tv, I have been having hard time getting out of bed lately. It doesn't help too much that it has been kind of cloudy or even rainy the past few mornings. 
• When I did get up, I started on a few things around the house. I didn't make anything in the kitchen today, but Whitman did. I had to wake him up around 12:30 because he wanted to make homemade pizza for a late lunch.
• The dough took an hour to rise so we were all munching on pizza around 2. It was really very good-we did take a short cut and used jar sauce instead of making our own,
• Campbell had left early this morning to get breakfast with a friend, go shopping, get gas in her car with Robby, and then to a friend's house to swim. She made it back in time to start working on supper for the family.
• She made baked sweet potatoes with ground beef and avacados for the toppings. It was really good, but we made too many sweet potatoes so now I need to figure out something to do with them because I don't think anyone will eat the leftovers just as they are now, 
• After we ate, Campbell left again for another pool party. She is making the most of her summer vacation for sure. Reagan and Whitman are watching a movie tonight, and Anderson is working out in the garage, but other than that it is a quiet night around here.

June 23, 2026

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• We weren't too speedy getting out of bed today either, and I can't blame it on the weather. I did get up when Marley started stirring. She doesn't really bark or even whine much in the mornings, but I can hear her feet scratching when she starts stretching to wake up. 
• I was busy all of the day long-I even made two new recipes. One was a churro oyster crackers. They were good, but it was kind of like eating handfuls of sugar. The other recipe was a sourdough sandwich bread. The bread could not have turned out any more perfect, but it was just bread and not very flavorful, but I tried them which is all that matters.
• I am also working on picking out pictures for the year since we are so far behind. I used to do one month at a time, but today I picked out 6 months of pictures. It isn't hard to do and is kind of fun looking at all of the pictures, but it takes a while, a long while.
• Adi came over around lunch time to go to a movie with Campbell and her friends. Reagan, Graham, Keaton, and Whitman went to the same move at a different time today. I think that everyone really enjoyed the movie.
• They were not home too long until we all started leaving again. I left first to go to a mahjong meeting. I had much fun, and I feel like I understand it a little bit more. Keaton, Campbell, and Whitman left next for Bible study at Raymar. 
• Graham went as to Bible study too in another car. Anderson left the house next to go and play basketball, and when Bible Study was over, Graham met Anderson and the basketball people after Bible study. Campbell and her car load went with friends to go and eat pizza.
• I made it home before everyone else, but they all started showing up soon after. Reagan is the only one who didn't leave today, though on my way home I did spot someone that looked like her walking down Lawson-I even slowed down to make sure that it wasn't her.

June 22, 2026

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• We weren't very good morning people this morning-possibly because we stayed up until way, way too late. Since it was raining, I sure didn't hurry out of bed either. 
• It was kin of a slow day, so I was able to still accomplish most things that I needed to. I even joined Reagan on a trip to the dentist-she also has cavities so she gets to go to the dentist two more times during her very short break. 
• Anderson and Graham both did some power washing this afternoon. You wouldn't think that we have a lot concrete to power wash, but I guess that we do. There will still be plenty of power washing to do tomorrow. 
• Campbell was going to make our supper tonight, but she had a birthday party at 2-she went out to eat, then to swim, and then get snow cones, and then to play volleyball-that girl is still gone. She is living her best life. 
• I made supper instead, and people must have liked it-breakfast sandwiches. Then I helped Robby with some new shelves in the camper. Currently, Robby and I are doing some binge watching...I have a book I want to be reading or pictures to be getting ready for the kids' picture books, but there is always tomorrow.

June 21, 2026

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• This Sunday morning if I didn't wake up, I think that at least most of the house would have slept through church. Now Campbell and Keaton were awake and getting ready early enough that they requested to take a second car to church-we didn't need a second car, but they wanted to make sure that they had plenty of time to get there early.
• They had doughnuts for dads today before church. Robby had some with a few of the kids as we were walking in. Keaton and Campbell had found our seats today since Grannymom is traveling. After church, we all went to Nonna and Pops' house to have our Sunday lunch. 
• Pops made pork tenderloin, but he also had fried apples. They were delicious-not a one of my people had any, but I sure loved them. We stayed for a while visiting, and then we all headed home.
• The first thing I had to do when we came home was chop about 6 inches of hair off of Keaton. I think that I did decently-at least there wasn't any tears involved.
• Robby ran a few errands this afternoon, and then he came home and started back on his cleaning binge. I did about two things in the house, and then I had myself a nap. Soon, Reagan came home which having everyone home completed Robby's Father's day.
• We helped her unload and went to work on her clothes and bedding. She had to bring everything home this week, but it is probably nice to start back at camp with everything organized and fresh.
• This evening we all went to the Wilson's house for our Sunday night supper. Campbell was there for about 10 minutes, and then she ate and ran. She went to a friend's house for the rest of the evening.
• The rest of us stayed and visited until it was past time to go home. We enjoyed the evening but are always sad when the weekend is over. True to our normal schedule, when we made it home after 10-Robby started organizing the garage some more, Anderson and Whitman played a 45 minute game of chase involving a waterpick around the house, Reagan worked on her school schedule, and Keaton had me cut her hair another inch. Campbell is still out and about, but it has finally gotten quiet in the house, so we will watch just one or maybe two shows before bed.  

June 20, 2026

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• No one really moved quickly this morning. Bentley didn't even go outside until after 2-she is on the summer schedule like the rest of us. 
• Robby went to take a shower this morning and ended up in the garage working, and there he stayed until tonight. I helped him off and on while he completely reorganized his tool bench area. While he did that, he had Graham pick up some sticks. Anderson was busy power washing during all of this, and he worked until he got pretty sunburned. 
• Reagan was off today, so she had a bit of a quiet afternoon/early evening in Hot Springs. She said that she was enjoying being quiet. She will be home for a few days tomorrow so that will be fun. 
• Campbell and Keaton babysat this afternoon-they left with a ton of things-a craft project, something to return, and even a snack to make.
• After Robby finished working in the yard, we went to Kroger to pick up a few things. Of course, we filled the buggy and spent a good bit, but most importantly we came home with ice cream. 

June 19, 2026

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• This was a Friday that seemed like a Saturday for sure, so I'm pretty sure that I won't know what to do with myself tomorrow. Robby was off work today because of the holiday so he stayed busy most of the day outside.
• I joined him some, and our first project was putting Reagan's rugs up. The rug that is not actually Reagan's cleaned up much better than the one that is Reagan's. However, they both look a lot better than when we started.
• Then Robby moved on to working in his shop, so I brought Marley out to watch us as we worked. Soon though we were headed to Hobby Lobby with Keaton and ran an errand to a few more stores as well.
• Then it was back home, where I opened a huge box of new books and games. It was like Christmas for Whitman and I. After watching some soccer, Keaton and I made brownies, and then Keaton, Anderson, and I played one of Whitman's new games.
• After we played that, Robby and I did some more shed cleaning, and he ran another errand. While he was gone, I played another game with Whitman. 
• However, now Robby and I are sitting on the couch watching tv-it is after 10, but we are going to binge watch a show for a while. 

June 18, 2026

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• When Robby and I went to bed last night it was after midnight because we had been watching a tv show. I had even suggested that we watch another one before bed. However, you would think the house would be quiet after midnight, but Campbell was in the bonus room, Whitman was sitting on the stairs, and Graham was outside playing basketball. It is like we are all used to the night shift or something...even Bentley didn't get out of bed until after 11 this morning, and that was even with some prodding.
• Bentley is fine today and eating normally off of the floor. Marley's stitches look better today, but she was just sick so I haven't yet given her supper. It is late for supper now, but I guess it isn't that late if we will stay up for another 4 hours.
• This has been an eventful day. Robby planned a trip for later in August today so that thrilled the girls, but the trip planning kind of distracted Robby. 
• Graham went to Hot Springs today with a friend, and while he was sitting in a turn lane to turn, a car clipped his mirror causing the casing to come off. Robby had him file a police report since the person didn't stop, so that was an experience for Graham. This further distracted Robby today.
• This afternoon Robby took Bentley out to potty on the leash. He then started working on something outside while Bentley laid near him. He had to get something from the camper, and Bentley just laid in her spot. Then Robby worked some more and happened to get an email.
• He then went inside and sent a few emails. Anderson then told Robby that he was ready to pressure wash, so they worked on getting all of that set up. Meanwhile, Keaton started wondering where Bentley was. She looked throughout the house, and then had Whitman help her. I joined in the search as Keaton asked Robby and Anderson outside if Bentley was with them. They said no, and she returned inside to continue the search. 
• Keaton and Whitman had looked all over the house, and I had just made it through half the house when we moved the search outside. Whitman immediately spotted her walking around at the bottom of the yard. She was having a big time and was so happy to see him. Bentley had probably a 45 minute adventure outside!
• Campbell went to a friend's house this afternoon-she has swam, eaten supper at their house, and gone to Target. Who knows what else she had done, and what else she will end up doing before she gets home tonight. 
• Robby is still working outside-Anderson pressure washed for around 3 hours while Robby has worked on about 15 different projects outside. Currently it is 9:30, and he just started on cleaning the outside sink. 

June 17, 2026

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• This morning Marley was awake bright and early. She is feeling much better today-I think that I liked Marley when she was a little more tired and sedate. She is trying to lick her stitches so we have had to be a bit more on top of her today. 
• Bentley is acting odd today-she isn't eating a treat that is on the floor unless she lays down to eat it. We think she just pulled something because otherwise everything else is normal. She probably pulled something at some point when her and Marley were acting a fool.
• This morning, everyone but Graham met me at Top Golf. Nonna and Pops joined us-they played some too. I think that they both really enjoyed it. The kids had fun too. On the way home, the kids ran to Sonic to pick up some 99 cent corndogs and drinks. Keaton and Whitman heated up a frozen corndog too at home and had a taste test. They both agreed that the frozen one was better.
• This afternoon I walked some and then did some school work with Whitman. He is going to finish a few things this summer and won't have to do them during the year. 
• Robby started his pressure washer and went to work on Reagan's dorm room rugs. Just a note-if you are ever buying rugs for a dorm room, don't buy anything that is white or cream colored. They were filthy! Bad enough that if we were not able to get them clean, then I would have bought her new ones.
• Robby worked for a few hours, and they are not perfect; however, they are much, much better. I can't even describe how bad they are-like these girls just walk around barefoot all day and then clean their feet on the rug. I took some pictures, and I'll post them so you can see that I'm not exaggerating.
• Tonight we had a mission trip meeting for Campbell, Keaton, and Graham. I went to that while Robby continued to work on the rugs. When he went to hang them up to dry, Anderson had to help him because they weigh a zillion pounds. 
• After the meeting, Campbell and Graham went out with their friends while Keaton and I came home, I had made a meal tonight, but since I had seen it on Facebook, I didn't make anyone eat it. Keaton and I thought it was decent, but Anderson disagreed. It is definitely one that I don't have to save the recipe, but it also killed hunger so it did its job.

June 16, 2026

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• Marley went to bed last night between Robby and me, and she was wearing her little surgery suit....Robby woke me up around 4:30 because that dog was no longer wearing her suit. She had torn it off. I first told Robby that I could sew it, but after looking more at it I realized that wasn't possible. 
• And we could also tell that the meds had worn off because she was bitey and not really ready to settle in her kennel. Now, this morning, Marley was pretty much back to her old self. She has been a little more tired today, and after I saw her trying to lick her stitches, I repurposed her shredded outfit, and after a few cuts, it was pretty much as good as new...well, it has kept her from licking the stitches, but maybe because she is so busy trying to bite her outfit off.
• Anderson was the first person to leave today-he worked from 8 this morning until after 9 tonight. He had lunch and supper so he was well taken care of. After Anderson left the house was kind of quiet except for Robby on work calls
• At 2 though Campbell, Graham, and Whitman had their dentist appointments to fill their cavities. Even with insurance it wasn't cheap at all. Graham and Whitman even had to go back for them to finish, We did take two cars so Campbell could come a bit late, and then when Graham was finished he took Whitman in the car and headed home.
• Tonight was Bible study at Raymar for Graham, Campbell, Keaton, and Whitman. I didn't really give Whitman a choice about going, but he had fun-they even stayed out later than Robby and I. We went to eat with our Sunday school class. 

June 15, 2026

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• So last night I ended the blog mentioning that today was going to be a busy day. It was, but before I went to bed, I searched up the blog post from the day that Bentley had her little surgery. Oh my goodness, that was busy. We were both driving people and running around; I don't even know how Robby was able to work at the time. Possibly these days aren't as busy because we have multiple drivers where Robby and I aren't running people to so, so many places.
• This day started off with Anderson leaving for work around 7:30. Robby and I left at 7:45 to drop Marley off at her appointment. When I came home, i went to work preparing for her return-Bentley was sick so I have towels and carpet cleaner ready to go. (Fingers crossed we haven't needed them yet though it's still early evening.)
• We came home, and I walked and did a few of my chores. Graham and Keaton left to meet others and eat lunch at Newks. Campbell left her house sitting gig and met them there, and then she went to Target for a bit of shopping. 
• Graham and Keaton picked up lunch for Reagan who was on her way home for the night. They made it home, and then Campbell and then Reagan came in. I then left with Whitman to take him to the orthodontist. Poor thing, his teeth are already bothering him from today's tightening.
• We came home, and Robby arrived soon afterwards with Marley. On the way home, Robby wrote and said that she still was pretty peppy. She is pitiful, but so far she is not as pitiful as Bentley was. She has even hopped up on my bed and the couch. 
• We have her dressed in her little surgery suit, and she is laying on a pillow sleeping right now. Graham left to go and play basketball at a friend's house. Anderson got off work early, and he met up with Graham. Oh, and Campbell was only home for a bit because she left pretty early this evening to go to a friend's house (yes, we currently have 3 cars all in one neighborhood.)
• I washed Reagan's clothes while Keaton made a repeat of last night's taco cups. Whitman was already getting him some soft mac and cheese for his supper! I'm on the couch now, but I'm trying to make another loaf of bread so hopefully it will work better this time.

June 14, 2026

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• Keaton had to be at church early this morning to work the doors so I left first with her. When I left, I wasn't too sure that all of the boys here were going to make it. Graham was stirring, and I think that Whitman was barely awake, but no one was really moving too much.
• Keaton went in to do her job, while I stayed out in the car and played on my phone. I joined everyone else when they arrived. Campbell did make it from her house sitting gig early, but we had forgotten her shoes-Keaton and I were supposed to bring them. Oopsie. Thankfully, she was still wearing some shoes so all was well.
• After church, we left for Grannymom's house for lunch. She had bbq which we all enjoyed. Then Robby and I ran to Walmart really quickly to pick up a few things. When we came home, Graham left to go to a graduation party, and then ended up staying out to play volleyball with some friends.
• I started on a pound cake for supper, and then I did sit down to rest some while the pound cake was baking. Campbell went to Rock Creek,and then she joined Graham at volleyball.
• The Wilsons came over for supper-we had Mexican, and I have a bunch left over too so people will probably have Mexican tomorrow too....if I can get people to eat leftovers. After the Wilsons left, we picked up the kitchen and next I have to make a list for tomorrow-it is one of those days that we need a spreadsheet.  

June 13, 2026

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• I slept in a little bit for me today...well, I take that back. Campbell had the ACT so I had to wake her up at 7:20 this morning. Then after her test she headed across town to house and dog sit for the rest of the weekend. She thought that some of the ACT was easier this time than last time, but she said that math was not easy at all. I'm sure she did just fine though.
• After she left, I did crawl back into bed for a little bit. It was nice but Marley wasn't too happy about us snoozing. Robby did get her up and then after a bit he put her back in her kennel so we could rest for a bit longer.
• Robby had some errands to run today so he left to go and do those. Meanwhile, i was at the house without really anything to do-I haven't had many Saturdays lately without being busy. I worked on school work for next year and stayed busy doing that most of the day. I also made a load of cinnamon sourdough which was a fail, but I'm going to try again. 
• Anderson had a wedding to go to this afternoon. He didn't seem to mind going, but I bet that the kids wedding attendance is going to really start amping up in a few years. He did look nice in his wedding clothes-I should have taken a picture. I have gotten bad at pictures lately.
• Whitman had Anderson 3D print him a figure from one of his games so Whitman spent a good bit of the day painting it. He finally said that he was going to take a break until tomorrow.
• Robby and I went to eat out with the McGuires tonight. We had pizza, and it was really delicious. Plus there was a bread appetizer, and the butter we put on that was divine. While we were gone, Anderson and Graham went to play volleyball. 
• Now Robby and I have just sat down on the couch tonight. He has the news on, but I'm not sure if I can stay awake that long.

June 12, 2026

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• I had pretty much one goal today, and that was to finish one square of my new Christmas blanket that I'm working on. I almost have completed it-this is pretty much the same as my other blankets, but I don't really understand yet how to change the colors during while crocheting in the square so I have to do some more research before I start again.
• Even though I'm not finished yet, I still have three kids out and about so I might have time before I do head towards bed. Robby is even working in the camper right now on the shower so it might be a Friday nights.
• I did do a few things off of my summer bucket list-I finished a book which was my 8th book this summer so that item was marked off. I also made a sourdough recipe-rolls-which were pretty good. I'm trying to bake 8 sourdough recipes this summer, and that was the first one. Then I also made cookies because I'm trying to make 8 recipes that I have saved on facebook, pinterest, or wherever from the internet. The cookies were my first of those recipes to make, so I only have 7 more to make.
• Robby brought the kids home some lunch, and then we ran some errands, and I ate at Tacos for Life. I had the kids rice bowl, and it was so good-it also made me miserably full....or maybe that was all of the sopapillas that I ate. 
• Keaton and Campbell left first this afternoon to go babysit. Anderson left next to play basketball with some friends. Graham left right after Anderson to join him and then go to another friend's house. Robby and I left later to go to the Wilson's house just leavng Whitman and the dogs at home. Whitman didn't mind at all, and enjoyed himself so much that he had 2 cokes!

June 11, 2026

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• This was a super nice day-I felt like yesterday was Saturday all day long, so it was nice today not being the end of the weekend. Though I guess for Robby it wasn't the weekend, so he still had to work. 
• I knocked out quite a bit from my list which was nice. Plus we even kind of got back in the doing a little bit of summer school each day swing of things. Whitman even helped me make banana bread this afternoon when he woke up. 
• Campbell was the last one to wake up. She came down stairs around 2, and that was after I did wake her up to ask her a question. Keaton, Campbell, Whitman, and I did play a game while they waited on Robby to bring them a late lunch.
• Campbell and I then ran to Walmart and then to check out her house sitting duties for later this week. We picked up supper for Whitman, and then hurried back to the house. I took the puppies on a very short little walk, and now Robby and I are sitting on the couch.

June 10, 2026-State Park Camping during Camp Week

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Robby and I woke up and immediately started getting ready to leave. It didn't take us long to pack everything up and get on the road. Robby did stop to empty the tanks on the way out of the park. Then, we just zoomed on down the road without any problems. 

We made it home, and I had about 30 minutes to work until I needed to run to the store quickly and then pick up the kids. I knew that they were going to be a little late, as they always are. However, I wasn't expecting them to be 2 hours late. There were a lot of other things I could have been doing at home, but at least there were a lot of people to visit with while we waited.

I knew that the kids would be home when they were supposed to get home at 12:30, but by the time we finally all got in the car they were starved. Robby had ordered pizza so we picked it up on the way home-we even devoured the breadsticks before we made it back to the house.

While I was waiting on the kids, Robby had finished emptying and cleaned the camper. So I went to work on washing the kids clothes-and I have just finished. I do still have clothes in the washer and dryer, but those are just blankets so I will be able to finish the laundry before bed. 

The kid all had fun during camp. Campbell's team one the week, and I think that Graham's team came in second. From all I've heard, Whitman had a really good time. Keaton and Campbell have been downloading their pictures from the week all afternoon long. 

June 9, 2026-State Park Camping during Camp Week

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Another pretty perfect day. Robby and I started our morning with a walk down to the swimming area of the lake. It is a huge swimming area, but since the river is so low to get to the swimming area you have to really walk quite a bit. The river really looks to be flowing, but I guess it isn't too bad near the edge. We took the dogs down there, and Bentley was headed in so I almost found out all about the water. Thankfully, I managed to stay on my feet.

After our walk, I read some, and then we headed out for lunch in Batesville. We ate at a food truck called Meme's Burgery. I'm not really sure what all our burger had on it-I know it had an egg, bacon, and delicious sauce. It was absolutely huge and messy, but oh, it was delicious. Plus we got their loaded fries-they had some name too. We couldn't finish them even though we split the burger. They were excellent as well. I think that this place won the best burger in Arkansas award last year, and it was well deserved.

We then ran into Kroger because I needed to pick up something for Reagan that was on sale today. Then we meandered back to the campsite and took the dogs on another stroll. Robby worked the rest of the afternoon while I napped and read (I've read 3 books while here, and finished an audio book.)

This evening we had a shop at Hardee's and ran a few more errands. We ate when we came back to the camper, and then we repeated our evening walk from yesterday. It might have been hotter out today because I'm still pretty sticky.

Anderson worked all day today again, Reagan comes home Monday for 24 hours, and all of the camp kids get home tomorrow. 

June 8, 2026-State Park Camping during Camp Week

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I did wake up this morning to make sure that Anderson was awake at home. He was and even headed to work early. He had to be at work this morning at 8, and he should be done at 9 tonight, but it might even be later. I really shouldn't have worried about him getting up today, it will be tomorrow that I should worry about. (He is just working two days this week, and possibly two days next week of the same schedule.)

We soon got up and drove to a trail to walk the dogs on today. We could have walked to the trail, but it was ok to drive. The trail was just a mile or less, but it was in the woods so we hurried on. I have kind of decided that I don't really like walking through the woods. I look sidewalks and bug less places. 

When we came back to the camper, we brushed the dogs super good to make sure there were no bugs on them. If I have understood the vet, he said that their flea and tick causes those bugs to not bite them, but it doesn't cause them to not get on their fur...then they will crawl on over to us and bite us. (This makes me wonder why we don't take flea and tick medicine ourselves.)

I started a new book and read it while Robby did his work. We then drove to Jacksonport State Park which was about an hour away. The dogs did fine, but they both wanted to be in my lap which I had to put a stop to. 

This park is on the White River right near where the Black and White rivers meet. It kind of reminds me of Maumelle park, but there are only 20 sites, and only 4 of them are full. This was an old steamboat town until the refused to pay to get the train to come through their town. So the train went just down the road to Newport (it was the New port). 

We unloaded and set up everything-and by set up, I mean I put out the two mats and our table by the door. Then we took the dogs on a short walk before we had our lunch. I was looking forward to it-crackers, salsa, and cheese, but I was disappointed. I'm not sure why though..maybe my tastebuds are changing.

We then went to the visitor's center to look around, and, of course, there is a courthouse attached to this park that we looked at. Then we ran some errands-the post office, a gas station, a subway, and even a stroll around Walmart to buy some ice cream. 

When we came back, Robby did some work on his computer while I napped for a minute. Then we took off on a walk by the river. We came back in the road which was built kind of on the levee, and even though we were walking in the sun, it was incredibly breezy.

Now, I'm finishing the blog, and we will have our supper in a little bit-a frozen dinner of butter chicken. We are looking forward to it!

June 7, 2026-State Park Camping during Camp Week

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This morning Robby and I woke up and started moving around because it was supposed to rain around lunch, and we had a few things we wanted to do before the rains came. Today at the visitor's center at Lake Charles, while talking about the lower lake levels, the lady said that they are always calling for rain here, and it never rains. It didn't rain here until 5, and the all day of rain that was predicted just ended up being for about 20 minutes so the rain never messed up our plans.

We walked the dogs this morning on Cedar Trail which left our camping loop and walked around the lake-well, around some of the lake. It is a 645 acre lake which is a good little bit. Our walk ended up being over a mile and a half by the time we made it back to the camper. We achieved our purpose-make the dogs tired.

Bentley hopped up on the couch, and she probably stayed there until we returned hours later. Marley wasn't too keen on going in her kennel, but she did with the promise of a treat. Robby and I then left go to Davidsonville Historic State Park. It was another lake, but it also had a huge town that they were discovering from an archaeological dig-though they weren't digging today, and possibly they haven't done much with some of the park in years.

Our next stop was a Sonic for a bite to eat in Pocahontas. Then we drove around Williams Baptist college in Walnut Ridge-it was not what I was expecting. Also in Walnut Ridge, the have a little park dedicated to the Beatles. The Beatles landed one weekend night in Walnut Ridge to change planes into a smaller plane to go to a ranch in Missouri for the next night. Someone heard the large plane coming in and sent some teenagers to check it out. They knew who they were, and word got out so when the Beatles returned from their trip to get back on their plane, the whole town was there to greet them.

Next up was another Sonic where we bought our supper, followed by our last state park of the day: Powhatan Historic State Park. This was a nice preserved courthouse with a friendly park worker. We walked around the courthouse, and then we walked down to see some of the other preserved buidlings.

From there, we hurried back to the camper since we had been gone a few minutes. We took the dogs and headed on another walk. Our phones said rain was coming, but we trusted the park lady and pressed on. As we were about to take one long trail, a man drove up and cautioned us of the mosquitoes in the woods. That was all the warning we needed.

We kept walking on the main road until we came to a short trail in the woods but not near the lake. We did it, and by the time we made it back to the camper with the dogs, they were ready to come in again. It is odd that they know their way to the camper and start pulling on their leashes once we get close.

Since then, we have just been in the camper, and it's been wonderful. I've finished one book and started another. Robby has worked and worked on drawers and cabinets and moving things around. I'm about to fix our supper, and then we will probably take the dogs on another little walk. 

June 6, 2026-State Park Camping during Camp Week

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This was a fairly busy Saturday morning. The first real happenings were Robby going outside to work. He did admit that he possibly has ADD because he bounces from task to task especially when he is working outside. One of the task that he bounced to today was mowing the yard. 

I was in the kitchen and heard something hit the big kitchen window. I glanced at it and breathed a sigh of relief that whatever the lawnmower threw over there didn't break it. However, I didn't look close enough-right in the bottom corner, there is a hole from a rock. Thankfully, it is in the corner and just dinged one pane. Robby thinks there is something he can buy to put in it to stop it from spreading to save some time before replacing that window.

Next up Anderson and Whitman left for hair cuts. Anderson felt like his was a little short, but it looked good though. Whitman's might not have been short enough, but it also looked nice. When they made it home, I made Whitman take a shower to get the hair off of him. He was adamant that there wasn't any hair on him, but I was even more adamant that he would take a shower still.

My first trip was to drop off Campbell and Graham at church to go down to camp at Ouachita. First though, they wanted to stop at ChickFilA. I stayed long enough at church to check them in, but then I told my two bye and left. I dropped off books from the library and headed home.

I wasn't home long, but Robby arrived with lunch for everyone. We all ate, and then I was back in the van dropping off Whitman and Keaton for camp. Whitman is not crazy about camp, but he walked right in and started talking to a friend. I ran to the store on the way home, and when I made it home, the Wilsons came over for a little bit delivering us treats from their getaway to NWA.

Then Robby and I said bye to Anderson who is holding down the fort this week, and then we were off. We headed to Lake Charles State Park. It was a two and a half hour drive, and we just sailed here. We had no trouble-except both of the dogs wanted to sit in my lap. I have a blanket in my lap because of their sharp nails, but since my legs were crossed, my legs went to sleep!

Lake Charles State Park is in the middle of nowhere, but it is pretty. We have the best campsite-we are right on the lake. We got here, unhooked, and Robby set everything up. Then we walked around our loop and another loop. There are a few trails, which we didn't do tonight because we were hungry, but we may not get to do them tomorrow because it might rain.

We had a baked potato for supper which was really good-or maybe we were really just hungry. We then sat inside. Robby worked while I read and even napped. Now, he has just had his shower, and I'm going to take mine soon. My book has gotten good so maybe I can read some more tonight.

June 5, 2026

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• This was the first morning this week that we didn't have to wake up super early. I still woke up at a decent time and started on my chores. Robby soon ended up on top of the camper working on the roof.
• Campbell was the first one to leave this morning to go to a birthday party, plus she had a few errands to run to get ready for camp. Keaton and I left next because she was eating brunch with some friends. While she was doing that, I got my hair cut and ran around Walmart buying Graham a few things for his dorm room. 
• When I came home, I helped Anderson fill out some paperwork. Then I left for a meeting at church. Anderson also left to check out what he has to do on Monday. We both made it home about the same time. 
• Then the next item on my list was to pack the boys. Campbell and Keaton to not need any help packing, but Graham always wants me to help him put everything in his suitcase. Of course, since he takes about 50 changes of clothes, he definitely needs help. Whitman could probably do decent, but he is still my baby so I probably do too much for him.
• Campbell and Keaton left in the middle of their packing to go and babysit this evening. Robby brought home some supper for everyone. Currently, Robby and I are eating healthy pretzels on the couch while the big boys are playing basketball outside. 

June 4, 2026

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• This was the last day for Camp Geyer this year, and we all survived, and we all even had fun. When my group finished, the janitor man swooped in before we could even finish cleaning and took over. We let him! We had been leaving our room super clean and neat each day though.
• Whitman and I went down to the Family Day while Keaton, Campbell, and Graham spent some time cleaning up the sanctuary. We ate, and then Whit and I left to run to Kroger to pick up his camp snacks. 
• After that, we met Anderson and then Robby at Top Golf. We played quite a few games-then Anderson and Robby tried to hit the ball as far as they could. My Top Golf skills have not improved or become more consistent at all! Though I do think that Whitman can hit the ball further than when we started.
• I have a few things on my summer bucket list-the first thing I completed was finishing my blanket yesterday, but today after golf I went to Barnes and Noble to complete another item on my list. (Going to Barnes and Noble). Even though I have a gift card from there, I still didn't buy anything. I did enjoy looking and have a few ideas of things that I want to buy.
• When I came home, I worked on some paperwork with Anderson and some thank you notes with Graham. Robby brought home supper for everyone, and right now no one has left to go out tonight. I think that the girls are leaving soon though, and possibly the big boys are outside playing basketball now.

June 3, 2026

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• Day 3 of Camp Geyer, and even though we made the same things as we did on Monday, today was a super adventure. The cookies spread way over where we couldn't see names. Plus one cookie burned, which caused us to have to make 4 cookies out of 3. We were able to do it successfully, but it was a bit like Jesus feeding the 5,000. \
• The girls were supposed to babysit after Camp Geyer, but the kiddo was sick so Keaton went shopping with Graham. Campbell urged me to stop at ChickFilA on the way home-she bought her meal and bought Whitman a shake. As we were picking up our food, Graham and Keaton were there picking them up some food as well.
• When we came home, Campbell went to work painting a sign, and I did some chores. When Graham came home, he was home for a bit, but then left again with Anderson to play soccer. While they were gone, Campbell left to meet up with her friends. 
• Robby came home with supper for everyone-Whitman and Keaton were the only ones here so they got first pick. Then boys came home and grabbed supper and quick showers. Then Graham left for volleyball, and Anderson left to watch a basketball game at someone's house. We truly should live in Bryant.
• Keaton has been busy packing for Collide, and Whitman and I played a new game. It was an easy game so it didn't take us too long to learn it and play. Now, I'm on the couch trying to keep my eyes open to read my new book. 

June 2, 2026

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• Camp Geyer day 2-today in my group we made three recipes: grilled cheese bombs, ritz cracker sandwiches, and tea sandwiches. It was fun and even though we melted our butter too soon, everything went super smoothly today.
• It was hat day, and unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of Whitman, but he wore a massive hat. Campbell also wore a hat; I'm not really sure if she will stick with Camp Geyer or move back down to Camp Geyer Jr. next year. I see Campbell and Whitman, but I didn't see Graham or Keaton usually during the days. 
• While we were at Camp Geyer, Reagan left for her next week at camp. She is super enjoying it, but I hated that we weren't there to say bye. Robby was around when she left and had filled her car up with gas. 
• After Camp Geyer, we met Anderson at Nonna and Pops' house. They had quesadillas ready and waiting on us. Everyone ate quite a few, and then Campbell left to take Keaton to a camp planning party. Campbell then went on to church to help get things ready for camp. 
• I picked up Keaton this afternoon, and we ran to a few stores on the way home. We did buy her a pineapple, and I decided to buy some bananas. I didn't know that Robby had also bought bananas today! I guess we might just have some banana bread in our future. 
• When we made it home. I made a meatball subs for supper. It seems like we have that alot, but it is a favorite of the boys for sure. After supper, I tried to finish my blanket, but I think that I will have to finish it another day....hopefully tomorrow. 

June 1, 2026

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• Today was the first day of Camp Geyer so we were all up early. I had intended to wake up earlier than I did and walk; Graham also planned to wake up early to run, but neither of us did! We slept for every last minute that we could.
• My cooking class was fine today-we had about 32 kids and made sugar cookies and oatmeal cookies. Surprisingly, the cookies all turned out pretty good. It didn't take us too long at all to set back up for tomorrow.
• When Camp Geyer was over, Campbell ended up going shopping with friends while everyone else came home. Reagan was also on her way home for her 24 hours off. She didn't come home with nearly as much stuff today, but she is enjoying her group-she is was 11th graders and has a good group of co counselors.
• This afternoon, Robby and I took Bentley and Marley to the vet. Marley got a heartworm shot while Bentley got a few other vaccines. I'm glad that Robby was there to help out because I couldn't have done the vet alone.
• When we came home, I worked around the house some-still catching up on laundry plus we had Reagan's laundry. Robby came home and brought Reagan some lunch, and when Campbell was out shopping, I had her pick up a few things for Camp Geyer tomorrow.
• Our big activity today was cleaning the camper and reloading it with all clean things. We even made supper for everyone tonight and sat at the table and ate. The boys played basketball this evening for a long time outside.
• Now, Bentley has already asked to go to bed, and I don't think that we are far behind her.