- This morning started early for Campbell and Keaton. They left the house around 6 to go and climb Pinnacle with a few friends. Keaton felt like the easy side, which they climbed, was not much easier than the hard side that she climbed a few months ago with Graham and Brett.
- When they were finished climbing, they went to eat at Waffle House. Since it was full though, they ended up at ChickFilA.
- They came home and were home for just a few little bit before leaving again. Campbell went to play pickleball and dropped Keaton off at Sophia's house to swim. I left when they left and went to Walmart and Sams. I had actually never spent so much at either place so that was fun.
- We all made it home at about the same time, but by this time Graham had left to go and hang out with Brooklyn. I unloaded my groceries and put everything away-or at least I just put everything in the piles that they go in.
- I even had a nap this afternoon, and when I stirred it was time for Robby and me to take Keaton to a birthday party. From her birthday party she went to another friend's house to spend the night-I'm sure that she is exhausted.
- Everyone, but Keaton, met at Chilis for supper. When we finished our supper, Graham and Brooklyn went back to their house, Anderson went to Brody's house (Brooklyn's house too), Campbell went to volleyball, and Whitman, Reagan, Robby, and I ran to Target, Hobby Lobby, and Kroger before coming home.
- Robby and I are now trying out a new tv show, and we have already eaten our ice cream. I'm getting a bit sleepy, but we still have half of the kids out and about.
August 15, 2026
August 14, 2026
- Last Friday felt super like a Saturday to me, and I tried to make this Friday feel like a Saturday too. Even though I tried, it wasn't much of a Saturday. Our lists are pretty long around here because there are lots of things happening this next week.
- I was able to walk this morning, and I tried to go on my walk before it was too crazy hot. It was still pretty warm out there.
- I'm so distracted trying to write this blog-it is nearly midnight but things are a bit crazy around here. Campbell and Graham both just got home, and now Campbell is packing to go and climb Pinnacle early in the morning.
- Our house seems to come alive late at night. Tonight at 9 Keaton had Shannon come over to play Mahjong with us. It took us a bit to figure out how to play with just 3 people; we really should teach Tony and Robby how to play the game with us.
- Graham and I did leave the house today to go and get his license renewed. Robby got us an appointment, and when we walked in I was pretty worried that even with an appointment we were going to be there forever. However, we were out the door with a new license in less than 15 minutes.
- Kitchen update: all of the kids are downstairs now in the kitchen. Reagan must be done packing because she has brought an arm load of empty boxes up the stairs, Whitman walked through to see what the commotion was. Graham has finished eating my cinnamon bread while Keaton is munching on Goldfish. Anderson is trying to encourage people to go to bed, and I'm just staying up long enough to finish this blog.
August 13, 2026-Happy 80th Birthday Nonna
- School day number 8, and the kids were pleased that this school day was a bit shorter than usual. I had gone through and marked a few things off of their lists because I wanted to make sure that everything was finished by lunchtime.
- We zoomed through the morning, and then I left to pick up lunch. I first stopped at Tazikis and almost had to move a car with the back of my van to back out. They got the hint when I started backing up slowly and moved out of my way. Then I grabbed a few pizzas and met the rest of the family at Nonna and Pops' house.
- We celebrated Nonna's 80th birthday with lunch and a quickly made cookie cake (the cookies came with lunch.) We stayed and visited, and after a bit the kids and Robby headed back home.
- I went to a friend's house to play a little bit mahjong. We played 3 rounds in the pool, and we were even in the shade while playing so it couldn't have been more perfect.
- While I was gone, Reagan, Graham, Campbell, and Keaton went on a mess of errands and even came home with Sonic drinks for everyone. Reagan has spent a good bit of time crafting and packing. Campbell has also done some crafting too,
- Reagan leaves Monday so we have some major organizing before to happen before then. I'll sure miss the kids, but I'll be glad when some of their stuff leaves the house!
August 12, 2026
- It is just the second week of school, and I'm already pushing the limit on just how late I can wake up each morning. I'm not sure how long I can keep even attempting to wake up at 7.
- This morning I didn't help matters at all when I chugged some benedryl before school started. I had already had a shower this morning because my bites were so bad, and I figured that the medicine would help.
- Apparently, I took too much or I'm just not a good medicine taker, but I was pretty out of it this morning-it was like I was doing school in a fog all morning long. Thankfully, it cleared around noon but I still had to have a nap this afternoon.
- School went well again today, and this afternoon Nonna and Pops came over to deliver some shirts for Anderson and to see the piles and piles of school things in the bonus room. Campbell and Keaton were not there then because they were babysitting. Then they tired out the new 7 Brew app and got themselves and Reagan a drink.
- Graham went to play pickleball tonight while most of the rest of us had chicken and mashed potatoes. Whitman worked on a science experiment this evening-we have a bunch of extra school work that's evening happening at night around here.
August 11, 2026
- Campbell spent the night at a friend's house so she was gone his morning during school. Plus Robby was in Conway all day so he was gone which meant that Marley was with us.
- While Whitman and I were reading, I had to give Marley a big treat. When that treat was gone, I started to worry how the rest of our school morning was going to go. Thankfully, before too long I looked over, and Marley was sound asleep right beside Whitman. This let us get quite a bit of uninterrupted work done.
- Whitman was on a roll today as well. He knocked out his hardest work before lunch, and then just had to read after lunch. Brooklyn came over during lunch, and she and Graham went to grab lunch,
- I ran to a yearly doctor's appointment this afternoon, and when I came home I worked with Whitman, walked, and then started on supper. I made focaccia pizza, and I think that it was a flop.
- Whitman and Reagan went to see Spiderman tonight while Graham went out as well. The rest of us are having a quiet evening...though I got into chiggers again and am near miserable!
August 10, 2026
- Day number of 5 of school here, and it went pretty good. I was up almost on time and managed to knock out a few things from my list before school started. Campbell was up pretty early too because she had a babysitting gig in Benton. She was only there for an hour but still did pretty decent.
- She came home and started on her school work. Keaton was almost finishing by the time that Campbell started, and Whitman took a bit longer, but he when he focused he finished pretty quickly.
- The college kids all had pretty slow days-the boys both did some exercising, and Anderson worked on his helmet. I think that Reagan is still recovering from camp because she has done little.
- I made supper tonight for everyone but Campbell. She left right afterwards to go eat with some friends and then to spend the night at a friend's house. She even has a morning full of activities so she will have to push her school back to the afternoon. I'll be ready for everyone to start back to school so things will slow down around here.
- This evening Whitman took a walk with me-I'm trying to get him into hiking shape. Anderson joined us too. Then Anderson started working on his helmet, while I settled on the couch for the rest of the evening.
August 9. 2026
- Keaton had doors this morning; Campbell was in the choir; I had worship care which meant that we all had to be there early. And to clarify, Campbell was just in the choir because the kids who went to Praiseworks camps were in the choir today. She said that she does not want to permanently join the choir.
- I had worship care during church and ended up pulling a wagon full of 3 little ones for about 30 minutes. Those wagons are not light at all. I did feel like I deserved the breakfast that we had in our Sunday school class this morning.
- We brought monkey bread, and thankfully, I put a towel under it because it made a huge mess on the way to church. It was bad enough that I washed the towel by itself. The last time we brought monkey bread to church, it also made a mess which I why I thankfully remembered the towel.
- After church we went to Grannymom's house for Sunday lunch. I didn't get the chance to stick around and visit because Keaton needed to go to a friend's house. She was on the way to the lake for the day. She had a great time and didn't get home until about 10:30.
- When I made it home, I did a few things around the house and then had to have my Sunday afternoon nap. I slept for a beautifully long time. Then I did get up and knock a few things off of my list.
- Campbell headed to church and then to volleyball with friends. She even stopped at Sonic after volleyball....and possibly before as well.
- The boys, Robby, and I went to the Wilson's house for our Sunday night supper. We all enjoyed the food and the visiting. We even stuck around and watched Shannon make her chocolate chip cookies-now I will have to try again this week to see if maybe, just maybe, I can make some decent ones.
August 8, 2026
- Graham had to leave the house early this morning. I set my alarm to make sure that he was awake, but he was well on the road when I stirred. He went to the lake with Brooklyn and her family. They are just now getting back into town so I'm sure he is exhausted and probably burned (though it has been cloudy today.)
- Campbell was the next to leave because she had a birthday party this morning. After her party, I took Keaton to meet Campbell. Then they went to the little girl's birthday party that they babysit for.
- When the party was over, they met Reagan in Bryant where Reagan did a little bit of shopping. Then I met the three of them at Nonna and Pops' house. I had a few shirts to drop off for them to do their magic on.
- Anderson worked on his 3d prints some today and even ran outside. I had walked earlier in the day when it was pleasant and cloudy, but he waited until it was hot and sunny. Whitman was asleep most of the morning, but when he woke up I made him do a little art project for school.
- Once the girls made it home form Pops', Campbell was only home for a little bit before she left again to go out to eat with her friends. I had brought supper home for everyone else, and Keaton now has a friend spending the night.
August 7, 2026
- Laynie left this morning earlier than I thought so I didn't have the scones ready for her, but I had them ready by the time everyone else woke up. I did however cook them a wee bit too long even though I cooked them less than the recipe said. They were still enjoyed though, but I was disappointed.
- My next failed experiment was sourdough English muffins. The dough rose last night so they should have worked, but after trying to cook them for 3 times how long it said, they still never cooked like they should have. I tried at least, and really English muffins probably aren't that expensive.
- My kitchen mess ups were overshadowed by Reagan coming home. She made it home around 10:45 after riding a bus all night from down past San Antonio. I think that she truly enjoyed her summer, and she said that she would even consider doing the final session and Texas session next summer. Also, most of her buddies during camp were internationals so she said it was strange telling them bye knowing that she will probably not see them again.
- The rest of my day was spent washing Reagan's clothes. Everything that she took to camp needed to be washed or rewashed so it was a few loads of clothes to do. I have never seen so many pairs of shorts or sports bras.
- Keaton and I ran a few errands this morning-she had a gift card to a boutique that we spent, then I ran into Dollar Tree, and finally we got free dirty sodas at Crumble. We even brought Reagan home one, but she didn't wake up until supper time so she hasn't had hers yet.
- Whitman and I played a game this afternoon, and then I planned on walking, but just about the time I was going to leave it started to thunder. Eventually the thunder turned into a summer storm so Marley and I just had a nap.
- Graham went to Hot Springs today with Brooklyn so he was gone all day, and this evening Campbell went to an awards show at her friend's house. Campbell was given an award which was the glue that holds the group together. I think that was a super sweet award to get.
- Keaton had friends over tonight for their end of the summer party. I made supper so that took most fo the afternoon and evening. Keaton made the cutest cupcakes and even had a craft for her friends to make.
August 6, 2026
- This was the last day of school this week. It was a good first week, but today was long. I was still working in the school room at 2 this afternoon-that is just the time that I noticed the clock. It could have even been longer than that.
- Even though it was a long day, it was a good day. Whitman and I even did a science experiment-well, he did it while I helped unload the groceries. Then we worked on breaking a code that came in the mail.
- During this week, I have been getting up early every morning and even walking/jogging for a mile on the treadmill. Then in the afternoon I have been able to walk as well, but other than school and walking, I have done nothing at all this week. I will have to figure some things out over the next few weeks.
- Well, honestly, we have 2 more weeks and then a 2 week break, and when we start again the house will be a lot emptier without all of the big kids not here so we will have a lot of new things to figure out.
- This afternoon Laynie came over so she and Campbell went shopping. Anderson went out to eat with some friends, and Graham went to play volleyball and to Sonic.
- Robby spend the evening working on the upstairs air-it had stopped working this afternoon. He turned it off and cleaned out a bunch of wasps. Then he spent twice as long working on cleaning their hallway light fixture upstairs. He ended up having to break it so that leaves him with another project.
- But now, all is well, and we are sitting on the couch about to watch some tv for the evening. Reagan is a on bus heading back to Arkansas and hopefully will arrive home sometime tomorrow morning for the rest of her summer (10 days).
August 5, 2025
- This was the third day of school, and the first day that I didn't provide a warm breakfast. I had intentions of making scones for tomorrow's breakfast, but I do not have it in me at all. If anyone wants a warm breakfast, they can just use the microwave.
- Whitman and I did our reading this morning, and then he joined the girls and started working on his school work. I still am struggling with when I'm working with everyone and what exactly I should be doing during the mornings, but I guess I will eventually figure it all out.
- Keaton and Campbell finished school first, and Whitman had to work a little bit after lunch time. I also haven't really gotten my afternoons figured out because by the time that I finish working with Whitman, take a walk, and help one of the boys pack for college it is after 6.
- Keaton, Campbell, and Whitman went to the end of the summer pool party for a few hours tonight. Afterwards, Campbell went to volleyball while Graham headed over to see Brooklyn. Those two are still out and about while we are on the couch watching a few tv shows.
August 4, 2026
- On this second day of school, I made muffins to start our morning. Unfortunately, I have no other ideas of things to easily make tomorrow. I could make scones, but I need a few more days of collecting sour dough discard to complete them, so tomorrow it will have to be pop tarts.
- This school morning went very well. I'm realizing that I might have given Whitman too many thing, but surely that will even out once he finishes a few more things. Keaton also finished later than I thought she would, plus she is not having to cram everything into the 3 days yet, so she will have a good bit of work to do each day.
- During lunch time, Anderson and I worked on his school packing list. We were able to mark quite a few things off of his list except all of his bedding I've decided to wash again. I washed it when he came home, but it still smells like stinky boy.
- Whitman had an orthodontist appointment this afternoon, and he does not have to wear his spacer any longer. (I think it was called a space.) Either way, he is already done with that step of his braces.
- After his appointment, he, Robby, Keaton, and Campbell all went to Texas Road House for supper. I was at mah jong where I mahjonged! Now I'm back home, and Campbell is making brownies for our evening snack.
August 3, 2026
- Today was the first day of school for Campbell, Keaton, and Whitman. I would have to say that overall, it went much better than I could have expected. I woke up on time and then went upstairs to walk on the treadmill for a bit. However, Graham was sleeping soundly up there, so I pivoted and did that short walk outside.
- I finished my walk and woke up and Marley. It didn't take long for her to look out the window and see the stray dog that has taken up residence on the neighbors back porch. This caused her to lose her mind, and I was close to losing my mind too because my morning was not turning out like I had thought with not being able to use the treadmill and having a dog hat would not stop barking.
- However, I was able to do quite a bit before waking everyone up. I even made the kids pancakes which was fun for the first day of school. However, there has already been a breakfast request for tomorrow so I'm not sure if I started a tradition.
- Campbell switched things up today and did her school in the school room with Keaton instead of . I read with Whitman for the first hour, and I quickly realized that I have more reading for us to do together than we will possibly finish.
- Campbell and Keaton had to hurry o finish their school because they had lunch out with the church people. They were ready to go when Graham stumbled downstairs to take his shower so they had to wait on him.
- Whitman had some work to do this afternoon, but I don't think that it was too much. Plus he had to wait on my to finish a few last things. I was walking out the door to take Bentley to the vet when Robby remembered seeing a piece of mail that was arriving today. (He sees a screen shot of our mail before it's delivered.) It said that Marley also needed an appointment soon, so I called and we were able to bring both dogs.
- After their shots, we ran to two Kroger for some errands. Then it was home for me to finish school with Keaton and Whitman. After we were all done, I went for a walk while Robby started making breakfast burritos-we triple the recipe so he makes it on the blackstone.
- When those were ready, we made quesadillas for supper. After supper, Campbell went to play volleyball, and Keaton and Anderson went to Walmart to do a little bit of shopping. It is nice sending them with my shopping list!
- Now, Robby and I are on the couch watching a show, and I'm struggling keeping my eyes open.
August 2, 2026
- Church this morning, and the seven of us took not one, not two, but three cars. We like to support the local gas stations. They were all necessary though-after church Graham went to a Sunday school cookout.
- The rest of us went to Nonna's house to celebrate Graham's birthday, but since he wasn't there we just ate his cake with out him. After we finished eating, Campbell left to go to a friend's house to swim, then out to eat supper, and then to play volleyball. If I were a betting woman, and I am, I would also bet that she goes to Sonic before coming home.
- After lunch, we came home, and I quickly made a pot of chili. Then Graham and I went to Old Navy with everyone else in Little Rock. It was crazy, but we still were able to find him some jeans quickly. Then we stopped off at Nonna and Pops' house so he could have some of his birthday cake and pick up his presents.
- From there we came home, and Whitman and I played a game. As soon as we were done, Whitman, Anderson, Graham, Keaton, and I played Mexican Train dominoes. That is a game that I feel is a standard game everyone should know how to play and tonight was their night to learn.
- After eating, we had our chili, and now I'm on the couch trying to mentally prepare for our first day of school tomorrow.
August 1, 2026
- Campbell left first this morning with Robby to go to the lake with some of her friends. He dropped her off, and then he ran errands all morning. While Robby was gone, I walked over 2 miles (I was going to do three, but lost track of time and needed to wake up Anderson and Whitman to leave.)
- When we left, Graham was already started on his morning run. Our first stop was Academy where we found Anderson a pair of tennis shoes. Then we ate at Texas Roadhouse. I think that we all enjoyed our meal and left full.
- Well, Whitman may not have left to full because as we were leaving Costco, our next stop, he didn't hesitate when offered ice cream. There we found Whitman two pairs of shoes along with his ice cream, a chicken bake for Graham, and some of a cookie mainly for Keaton and for the rest of us to share.
- This afternoon I worked with Graham packing his backpack for school. We have done nearly 75 percent of his packing. The main things left are clothes and a few things I need to gather around the house. Now, don't get me wrong, there are still some amazon purchases to be made.
- Whitman and I then played a new game. It was a good game which we both liked because of the strategy, but setting up a new game and learning a new game always takes a while. He ended up winning, but I would have won the very next turn.
- Keaton did a photo shoot for a few friends at Raymar this evening. After dropping her off, we took a car to Campbell so she could get home, and then we just say and played on our phones until she ran out of film-not really, but you get the idea.
- We came home to a nearly empty house-Graham was out with Brooklyn, Anderson was playing basketball, and Campbell was still out with her friends. Whitman had been holding down the fort for us!
July 31, 2026
- When let Marley out of her kennel this morning, she ran into the living room. She usually does this because she is looking for Bentley. I was turning the corner into the living room and could see Robby hurrying over to stop her-I didn't realize that Whitman was sound asleep on the floor, and Marley was happily greeting him.
- He was exhausted last night when he went to bed, so I assumed that he would go to bed soon. He thought he went to sleep around 1 which is near when we all did go to bed. However, Anderson disagreed. So I'm not really sure how long he did stay up, but later in the morning he was watching a movie and fell asleep during it. He said that he had to back the movie up so he could catch up.
- Campbell, Robby, and I ran a few errands this morning-first, Campbell found her a dress, and then we all found something at Costco. We came home, and Campbell was home for a little bit, and then she left to pick up Keaton and head to babysit.
- They were still babysitting now. Graham left early this morning too, and he did come home long enough to eat supper before leaving again. He even did a little bit of dorm shopping today and found himself a blanket. Anderson also helped with Graham's dorm prep too-Graham is going to use Anderson's little couch so he helped fix one leg and show me how to put it together. I made a school countdown the other night, and even though we have a few days left, it is still getting close.
July 30, 2026
- When Robby and I started stirring this morning, Anderson was already awake making his breakfast. I know that he was up at least until we went to bed after 2 last night. I guess he was just an early riser this morning.
- I was sitting here trying to figure out what all happened today-it's been a good day, but I was just blank on the day's events. I did finally remember-first this morning Grannymom and I went to Books by the Pound, a bookstore, in North Little Rock. We looked around, but since we both get our books from other places, we didn't even buy anything.
- We did go to lunch afterwards at Panda Express. This was Grannymom's first time, and I think that she enjoyed it. I enjoyed the food and the company. When I dropped Grannymom off, I headed home.
- Graham was went to lunch with some friends, so I did some dorm packing by myself for him. Not much though because I really think that he needs to know where everything is. Then it was time to pick Whitman up from his mission trip.
- Keaton drove me there, and we timed it perfectly. Whitman pulled up just as we had parked-though we were in the back of the church, and he was in the front of the church. Whitman had a really good time on his trip to Starkville. HIs favorite thing was skating, and he told me that we needed to go skating more often.
- Tonight, Robby and I went to the Powell's house with some other friends for supper and pool mahjong playing. It was a fun evening!
July 29, 2026-Happy 18th Birthday Graham!
- Graham was the first one awake this morning-he wanted to run 18 miles but only ended up running 8. I still think that 8 miles is pretty good especially since I didn't manage to walk anything at all (it did rain in my defense.)
- Graham text me early about something, but then we decided that we would run our errand to Walmart early this morning. We left around 8:30 and filled the shopping cart with things for his dorm room. I think that he enjoyed getting to spend a little bit of money.
- On the way home, we met Robby to fill up the cars with gas, and then Robby and Graham ran into the doughnut store to get Graham's birthday breakfast.
- The morning went by pretty quickly. I fried some hamburger meat and made some sourdough bread. It was pretty good because Anderson made the most beautiful grilled cheese on it. I even made some eggs for me to eat later this week.
- Robby and I were watching something on his computer when the storm rolled in. The thunder was pretty loud-Bentley was a little spooked and wanted to go upstairs. Marley was sleeping with her fan on so she missed most of it.
- We could tell that the power was going to go off because the lights started flickering. When it went off, Marley's fan stopped so she started whining. We got her out, and we all just watched the storm. It was dark and cozy in the house so I had me a short little nap.
- The rest of the afternoon was spent doing nothing until Campbell, Keaton, and Graham decided to play mah jong. I guess that their phones were about dead, but we played 2 rounds. Campbell and Keaton also played two rounds with me tonight-I might just have to invest in a mah jong table that stays out if we keep playing like we are now.
- Tonight we all went to Panda Express for Graham's birthday supper. Brooklyn and the Wilsons came with us but we still missed Reagan (work/camp) and Whitman (mission trip). After our supper, we all went to Menchies were we ran into the Smiths. David had everyone in the store sing Happy Birthday to Graham so that was fun.
- On the way home, a battery light came on on the van so Robby tried to figure that out. He thinks maybe he found a problem so he is crossing his fingers that he found the issue.
July 28, 2026
- Anderson and Graham were off first this morning. They stained Nonna and Pops' deck. I thought that it was going to take them longer than it did so they even managed to get lunch at Nonna's before leaving. Since they didn't take as long as I had thought, I hope that they did a good job.
- I have heard from Whitman every day. Today he wrote asking if he should get a mocha. I tried to remind him that the last time he tried coffee, he spit it out. But I also told him that it was good to try new things.
- He did try the coffee, and said that it tasted like foamy bean juice, and he threw it away. He also told me that he was never going to try anything new again.
- Campbell left at some point this afternoon to go to Starbucks and run a few errands. She came back with some grapes, post it notes, and cookie dough-but apparently she isn't sharing the cookie dough.
- Graham and I worked on his school things again today. He put together his shoe rack, and he said that he was excited about his shoe rack. He is also pretty excited about starting college in a few weeks.
- I made rice bowls for supper which everyone seemed to enjoy. Anderson had to eat his after he made it home from basketball. I saved him some chicken, but after Graham had his seconds, Anderson's portion was a little light.
July 27, 2026
- This is my last summer Monday so I tried to really enjoy it...though I didn't do anything special. Anderson left early this morning and finished his painting gig around 1:30. I think today he did get a little bit of sun burn, but he is done with the project so that is good.
- Even though Reagan is back at camp, I had a full laundry basket of her laundry plus everyone else's laundry to fold this morning. She only took half of her clothes back which is why so many were in the laundry still.
- Campbell went to lunch with a friend, and then I used her to pick up a few things that were on the walmart list. I just can't seem to wrap my mind around ordering Walmart things to come to the house. I do it occasionally, but yesterday, I knew I needed what Campbell got today so I could have ordered it to come this morning, but I never thought of that. It was fine though because Campbell enjoys spending money-especially someone else's.
- Brooklyn came over this afternoon, and Graham and she went to grab some chicken, but other than that it has been a slow afternoon. I even crocheted my whole square (I usually take 2 days to do one.)
- Campbell left to play pickleball, and then I heated up supper for everyone-meatball subs or manicotti. We have used about 10 jars of marinara in the last 2 weeks. Graham said that he has had enough red sauce. Graham and Brooklyn made ooey gooey for our dessert tonight.
- I took Keaton to volleyball this evening, and then the plan is for Campbell to bring her home when they are all done. I'm on the couch right now watching the dogs wrestle, and I;m thinking about taking a nap before Robby comes in to watch a show.
July 26, 2026
- I usually don't wake up before my alarm, but today I did because Reagan was moving around upstairs. It actually sounded like she was stomping around upstairs, but I think that she was just getting all of her bags ready to go.
- Reagan was already in the kitchen when I got up, so after Robby grabbed her a charger for her bus ride next wee, she was off for her last week of camp in Arkansas. Then she has one week of camp to work in Texas before she comes home for a week.
- When she left, Robby and I started getting ready, and soon everyone was heading to church. We still drove two cars since Campbell and Keaton like to get there early. After church was over, we headed to Grannymom's house, and while we were there we celebrated Graham's birthday a little bit early.
- I am home and started on my bread for tonight. Then I had myself a wonderful Sunday afternoon nap. It was long, and it was excellent. Then I had to get up and start on our supper. Campbell went to Rock Creek and then came home to pick up Keaton for volleyball with their friends.
- After we ate with the Wilsons, Shannon, Brett, Anderson, and Graham all played mah jong. We had to teach the boys, and they were all so close to winning, but Brett was the winner that round. I took Anderson's place for the next round, and Shannon won that hand.
- Campbell and Keaton came home pretty early this evening after their volleyball and Sonic. Now, I'm going to make my plan for the week. Oh, and Whitman has sent a few texts-they went to a water park today plus they have played a game and eaten ice cream.
July 25, 2026
- It was an early Saturday morning-Whitman had to be at church to leave on his mission trip for Starkville, Mississippi. He has his phone so I have text him a few times, and I think that he is enjoying it so far. It is a small group going, only 4 boys, but there are lots of adults with them.
- Anderson left next for his third day of painting at Jason's house. He said that he thinks he can finish in one more day. He has worked hard, but he says that he now knows that he is not going to pursue painting as a career.
- I picked Keaton up on my way home. Well, I barely picked Keaton up. I was busy having a conversation with myself in the car and drove on past the neighborhood that she had spent the night in. She had to text me!
- As we were heading home, we passed Graham who spent the day with Brooklyn. I think that they ran some errands and went on a walk. He even managed to swing having dinner with her family at U.S. Pizza. He is still out and about this evening.
- Reagan wrote saying that she was heading home for her day off and requested lunch and snacks for her last two weeks at work, so Robby and I dutifully headed out to grab a few things for her. We made it home a few minutes after Reagan and a few minutes after Anderson.
- This evening Campbell and Keaton went to pick up Sophia and then ran some errands. When they came home, we ended up playing 2 rounds of Mahjong-Sophia won both times! Now, I'm trying to get everyone to throw down their laundry so I can start laundry for the evening.
July 24, 2026
- Graham was up early this morning because he headed to Silver Dollar City with Brooklyn and her family. I had made him cookies last night plus he had some candy along with his lunch so he had some snacks for the car ride. He said that it wasn't horribly crowded, and he will get back pretty late tonight.
- After Graham left I started on my morning chores plus I even went on a walk today. I have new shoes for our upcoming trip so I tried them out. I think they are fine, but I'm just never good with getting new shoes-they always feel too tight at first.
- Campbell made it home in the early afternoon. She had spent the night at a friend's house and then went to eat lunch. She had a short afternoon since she had to leave early, so she stayed in while the rest of us headed to Nonna and Pops' house for a few minutes.
- We visited for a little bit and had some cookies before heading home. Campbell and Keaton left soon-Keaton had a birthday party while Campbell was babysitting. Anderson left later to go and play basketball which just left Whitman at home because Robby and I were running errands and even ran to Grannymom's for a minute.
- We are home now sitting on the couch watching the news and then probably our show....however, it is early and my eyes are already getting sleepy.
July 23, 2026
- It was a mighty fun day. Anderson was up first because he went to paint at Jason's house a little bit more. I tried to go back to bed after we made sure that Anderson was awake, but that didn't work, so I started my day.
- I had some people come over tonight so I had a house to clean-well, a house to straighten-or maybe just a few rooms to straighten. Plus this was a beautiful day so I even had time to take a walk.
- At one point today, I heard someone yell. I took notice of who was at home-Anderson was gone painting, Keaton was at a friend's house tanning, Campbell was out shopping for a birthday present. That just left Graham who was in the school room and Robby who was in his office.
- Robby came out of his office when we heard the yell again, and we look out and there is a man yelling in our driveway. We figured that he was calling a dog, and sure enough as I was walking out to check his wife came from the backyard with their puppy who had escaped. It was sure an interesting way to meet a neighbor.
- Tonight a few of the homeschool moms came over, and we even ended up teaching one of them mahjong. That was a hoot because really when you play the game, it is so full of rules, and she felt like we were making all of the rules up as we went along.
- When they all left at midnight, I made cookies for Graham to take on his outing to Branson tomorrow, and now it is time to start on the laundry.
July 22, 2026
- This morning we took the mini van to the repair shop to fix the air conditioner-it just was a little fix, but that car has spent quite a bit time at the mechanic's place. It's been a bit of a dud! However, today's fix was just 50 dollars, but it is more of a patch than a true fix.
- Robby and I then came home and pulled the weeds in the flower bed. We had let it get bad, but it took us less than 30 minutes so it wasn't horrible.
- Thankfully, it was a little bit cooler this morning. Anderson left when we did to go and paint some on Jason's house. He was there until lunch time when it started getting super hot. He was pleased with what he had finished, but he is heading back tomorrow for more painting.
- Graham and I went to the dentist for his last filling. On our way home, we stopped at Kroger and then to pick up Graham's free birthday bundt cake. He was anxious to get home because his new phone was on the way....though it didn't arrive until the evening.
- Campbell went to eat with some friends and then she showed up at volleyball about the same time that I dropped off Keaton to meet her friends there. Robby and I ran some errands tonight and had some pizza before coming home.
- Now, we are back on the couch watching a few episodes of our current binge show.
July 21, 2026
- Last night was a late night, so we all slept in a bit again this morning. I had intended to pull the weeds in the front yard yesterday, but I certainly knew that I wasn't going to do this morning when I took the dogs out for the bathroom first thing.
- I didn't even walk since it is so hot outside, and really that isn't even an excuse since I have a treadmill. Graham did run outside for a minute yesterday, and then finished on the treadmill, but today he just did all of his run on the treadmill.
- Keaton left first today to go to a friend's house to sun tan. She drove me there, and then Robby and I picked her up later in the day after running a few errands. We picked up food for Thursday's meal and even planned ahead some for next week.
- Tonight everyone left the house-I went to Mahjong (where I won one game), Keaton and Campbell went to Bible study and then to eat and Walmart. Graham went to Bible study and then to a friend's baseball game. Whitman went to Bible study, and then Robby picked him up to go eat pizza. Anderson went to swim at a friend's house.
- If you are keeping count-that is 5 different places but there are only 4 cars here. Anderson had let Robby have his car so he ended up having to get a ride tonight. It all worked out though-Campbell is actually on the way home now with her gas light on. She was a bit stressed about it, so I'm watching to make sure that she does indeed have plenty of gas!
July 20, 2026
- Marley was the first one awake this morning. She didn't know that we all stayed up until 2 last night or she didn't care. Actually, Marley is sleeping on the couch right now so I really should jus wake her up since we sure aren't going to bed anytime soon.
- I had a pretty long list of things to finish today, and at least I tried! I did manage to make some cheese foccacia bread that must have been a hit-we ate all of it within 15 minutes.
- Cambpell, Keaton, and Graham went to eat with some church folks for lunch. Then they went to play pickleball for a little bit. Apparently, my kids are immune to the heat because Anderson worked on in the middle of the day, and later I believe that Graham ran some. This evening Campbell and Graham went to play volleyball.
- Robby and I ran a few errands tonight, and when we came home Whitman was waiting at the door for our pizza leftovers. He and Anderson had the leftovers split and eaten before I was able to unload the groceries.
- We are now sitting on the couch watching a new tv series for us. I just finished a book and after another one to start if this tv show gets boring.
July 19, 2026-Dennie Family Trip 2026
We woke up this morning and started working to get things ready to go. I text the girls and Whitman to make sure that they were awake. Whitman later said that he had set his alarm and woke with it so he was pleased with himself.
After getting myself ready, I walked to the little cabin, and the girls and Whitman had everything loaded up and sitting by the door. Soon Anderson picked up Grannymom and took her to check us all out. Then he picked up Graham and then Keaton. They were a little bit ahead of us until they stopped in Clinton for ice cream at McDonalds. Then they passed us when we stopped at a gas station on the way home.
Our trip home was smooth sailing. We had Campbell and Whitman with us and arrived just a few minutes after the kids. Everyone helped unload the camper and soon we were done outside. Usually, I try to do a few things inside and then a few things in the camper, but it was just so hot today that we finished the camper quickly so we could be inside.
Once Marley was taking her nap and clothes were in the washers and dryers, I had myself a short nap. Then I folded laundry and changed clothes from the washer to the dryer for the rest of the afternoon and early evening.
Graham left first to play volleyball while Campbell left next. I'm not really sure where all she went. The rest of us headed to the Wilson's for a good home cooked meal. We ate and visited while the kids played a few games. We came home around 10, and there is still laundry to work on.
July 18, 2026-Dennie Family Trip 2026
This morning started out with breakfast at Les' cabin. They had breakfast casserole and cinnamon rolls. It was all very good. Then we immediately started on lunch-at least making our sack lunches for our float.
We walked a little bit with the dogs, and then it was time to kick getting ready for our float trip into high gear. We had our two ice chests backpacks-one with drinks and the other one with our lunches. Most of us too had our phones in a case around neck (though I never used mine)
All of our group went on the float trip except for Grannymom and Dana They stayed back to hang out at the pool and then to greet us when we floated in. We met at the office where they gave us a brief orientation, and then it was on to vans to our drop off point.
There were 14 of us plus four other people in the two busses. We drove to Rim Shoals which was about 15 minutes away, and then we put our kayaks in. (Les and Cash both had canoes.) When we first started the float, I was thinking that we might could have done the longer one.
By the end, I was glad that we were only doing the short float. It took us 3 and a half hours to make it back. Pretty soon after starting, we stopped at a lunch spot. It was shaded and perfectly nice. The water was ice cold, and there was often a breeze so it was pretty pleasant....except for knowing that the sun was absolutely frying us.
My arms and face feel a little burned, and I think that Robby and Graham did fairly well too. Everyone else are varying shades of pink-Whitman's arms, Anderson's legs, Campbell's entire self, and I can't really remember about Keaton, but I think that her face a was a bit pink.
The kayak trip was really pretty-especially the last little bit where the bluff was beside us. Towards the very end, I was beginning to think about waving (or even winking-whatever it took) at a fisherman to get a ride back. Once we realized where we were, we were so close to being back.
Most of the kids rated the kayak trip as a 7 out of 10, so that is a definite win for sure. After taking the dogs out, Campbell, Robby, and I took Bentley and Marley to swim in the river. They just aren't swimmers! Bentley does not like to get her feet off the ground-she is fine in the water as long as she can touch...like me. Marley did swim some, but she was just trying to get to Campbell and even scratched Robby trying to get back to safety.
After this, we got ready and met everyone at Salsa's Grill in Mountain Home. It was fine Mexican food-I always want to try something new when I eat out, but really I should just get something that I know that I will like-enchiladas for example.
After eating, we met back at Les' cabin to take a family picture. Then we loaded up a few things and headed back towards our camper. Whitman did run over to our camper to eat ice cream, but then Robby and I walked the dogs back to their cabin for a bit. Now, we are all in our beds, and I think that the big boys are sound asleep!
July 17, 2026-Dennie Family Trip 2026
We slept in a good bit this morning or at least I did. We did get up and quietly walk the dogs. The scenery is beautiful so Robby and I even sat on our bed for a while this morning just looking out the back window-we were playing on our phones of course too but still enjoying the scenery.
Keaton went to the pool pretty much as soon as she woke up. Whitman stirred after Keaton, but he said that he wasn't going to the pool. He then had lunch, and I guess Keaton convinced him because he put on his bathing suit and headed out.
Robby and I walked the dogs and then sat on the porch by the pool and office. We were in the shade and under the fans so it was pleasant. We thought we heard thunder, and sure enough on our walk back we could tell that a storm was rolling in.
And roll in it did. I had picked up my phone to text Keaton to say that a storm was coming when I saw that they were walking back. No sooner did they get back than the bottom fell out-it was a storm, and maybe the thunder was louder because we were near the bluff/mountain/hill/whatever.
Soon though the rain cleared and not only did the sun show up, but so did Anderson, Graham, Campbell, and Grannymom. Robby and I met them at the office and got everyone checked in. First, we stopped at Whitman and the girls' cabin. It is a narrow one room cabin with a little kitchenette area, couch, bathroom, and bed. It is actually pretty nice.
Then it was on to scope out Les' cabin. It is the nicest by far, and then we sat in Grannymom's cabin for a bit. Soon everyone started showing up. Dana had pizza for our supper, and we all hung out at Les' cabin. He has a wonderful screened in porch so our dogs and Les' dogs all hung out there.
After supper we visited quite a bit and then all took a walk around the campground. It was a pleasant evening after the rain, and now for bed!
July 16, 2026-Dennie Family Trip 2026 (an early start)
- I woke up and took a super short shower and then headed to pick up Keaton since she had spent the night at a friend's house. Once we were home, I did the laundry and woke up Whitman. Then a little bit after 9, it was time to head out.
- Keaton and Whitman joined us on this leg of the trip. We had no problems at all and drove right to Blanchard Springs State Park-Blanchard Springs is actually not yet officially a state park because (if I understand correctly) the law says that Arkansas can only have 52 state parks so they have to vote to change that.
- However, if I would have known that is the case, I could have suggested a few state parks that should be downgraded and lose their state park status-Lower White River Museum is the first one that comes to my mind.
- Anyway, I sure didn't write any of my thoughts down because no telling who would read them. We still counted this visit as a State Park visit, and Robby and I have been to 13 in the last 2 months and since 2020 we have visited 43 of the 53.
- Robby and I think that the last time we were at Blanchard Springs was when we were in 4th or 5th grades for a school field trip. We have been a lot of caves and even a lot of National Park caves, but this one is pretty impressive.
- We had even thought about not taking the tour, but I'm glad that we did. It was an hour tour and was pretty interesting. I did tell Robby that the older I get, the more educational things, like caves, interest me.
- From the cave, we just had a little over an hour of curvy roads to get to the White Buffalo Resort. We are right next to the river and have a very nice view. Everyone else will be pretty far away, but we will have a car so it will work out.
- Keaton and Whitman didn't waste any time and headed to the pool as soon as they could. Robby and I settled and then took the dogs on a walk. Before too long it was supper time-chicken pasta. Then Keaton, Robby, and I went exploring a little bit.
- Now we are all back in the camper-Whitman had some ice cream, Keaton had some muddy buddies, and Robby and I will have ice cream soon.
July 15, 2026-Happy 26th Anniversary
- I had big plans this morning to pull all of the weeds in the flower beds. There are currently more weeds than plants, so I had my work cut out for me. However, the rain saved me today. I was not expecting rain at all, so I was pleasantly surprised.
- Anderson and Graham left early this morning to go and earn a little bit of money. They moved some metal from one house boat to another place. They were paid and even got lunch out of the deal. They even drove through Mount Ida and were fairly close to Reagan though they didn't go by her camp.
- Robby left pretty early to do some shopping for this weekend. While he was gone, I did a few things around the house, and then I started working on redoing my plan for Keaton's history. I was able to do half of the lessons for her history, so I was pleased with my progress.
- This afternoon Keaton drove me to meet Robby to get gas. Then we went to Hobby Lobby where she bought a shirt, and then we went to Platos where neither one of us found anything at all. She enjoyed our trip especially since I let her drive most of the time.
- I made the boys' favorite supper tonight-meatball subs. I actually think that everyone likes them-I probably could make them weekly with no complaints. After Anderson ate, he left for basketball. He was gone for a little while and came back soaking because they played in the rain part of the time.
- I then took Keaton to a party tonight. She is even going to spend the night so she was excited about that, plus she was excited that I let her drive there too. Now, Robby and I are trying to watch our show that we didn't finish last night, but our ice cream is in the camper so I'm not sure what our anniversary dessert will be.
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