December 25, 2012-Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

(click here for today's pictures)

• It was well after 2 when Santa and his helper went to bed and thankfully everyone slept until 7:20 when Campbell called us.  Robby told her that he would be up in a minute and seconds later, Anderson called.  Campbell shouted back at him "I already called my Daddy."
• Robby and I scurried around downstairs getting everything ready-the tree, Keaton and ourselves- before going to get them.  They were all still in bed but as soon as we opened the door, Anderson and Graham were out of bed in a flash.  We made everyone go to the bathroom before coming downstairs and then it was a mad dash down the steps. 
• Robby held them off at the bottom of the steps for a few seconds and I was scared that I would be trampled!  They were all so excited with their gifts and dutifully took turns opening their presents (in no order) and watched what everyone else received.  
• Everyone had a stocking full of presents, the 4 big kids had a scooter, legos and an art kit.  Keaton only ended up with a pack n play and her gift from Reagan.  All of the kids drew names and bought presents for each other so that was one additional present to open.  They all really thought about what they wanted to buy and everyone loved their gifts from their brothers and sisters.  Also the big kids had another present from us (cupcake maker, transformers, marble track and little pet shop).  And then there was a lego storage thing, two soccer balls and soccer nets.  (3 gifts from us, 2 Santa gifts and 1 from a sibling-so why did it seem like so many?)
• I know I say it every year but seriously, that was a lot of presents.  I even cut out a few presents and plan to cut out a few more next year-or maybe not.  They are only kids once!  Oh yes, the big Santa present that took so long for Santa was a game table upstairs.  It is a smaller version but has fooz ball, pool (hasn't been played yet-my kids with sticks is not a good idea), air hockey, table tennis and the exciting games of chess and backgammon.  They were thrilled with this as well.  
• It is so interesting to me what the kids really get excited about.  I think Reagan's favorite gift of all is a brush that she has been using on her dolls hair.  Anderson and Graham were really pretty thrilled with gloves from their stocking.  Keaton loves her new baby doll-mainly because that is her only really present from today.  And Campbell, well, my Campbell's favorite was the candy in her stocking.
• Before too long, Nonna, Pops, Jason, Grannymom and Grandpa all showed up for breakfast.  I had cinnamon rolls (that never really rose but were still pretty yummy) and Reagan had used her new cupcake maker to make chocolate chip muffins for everyone to enjoy.  Everyone pitched in and helped us take stuff out of the boxes and before too long, Reagan, Anderson and Graham were speeding through the kitchen.  Reagan was probably the most thrilled with the scooter because she didn't think she could do one.  The boys have so been yearning to ride outside but unfortunately the weather has not permitted us to do that.   
• Keaton wanted to go home with Grannymom so as I was getting her clothes for her to take, Campbell informed everyone that she was going to get her clothes so she could go as well.  After she came back down and I had her potty, Grannymom had already gone outside to load up Keaton.  Poor Campbell started crying "they left me, they left me."  She is such a drama queen-after I explained that they were just in the garage did she calm down.  
• While I was getting ready, Robby worked on a few things from his stocking-mainly his lottery tickets. When he shouted that the had one 12 dollars, the kids came running.  They wanted to know what he was doing and he explained that those were like baseball cards.  Um, kind of!
• It was starting to drizzle when we loaded up for Christmas lunch at Dana's house.  I put in everyone's heavy coats knowing that we wouldn't use them but had them just in case.  The kids were happy to show off a few of their presents and see what Lilly and Cash had.  We had a delicious lunch but mostly did quite a bit of staring out the window at the weather.  Soon Dana's deck was covered and we could see the ice on the trees.  So we gave everyone a 5 minute warning and then soon scurried out the door.  
• I thought then that the kids would always remember the Christmas when we left Dana's house in a hurry-little did I know what was to come the rest of the day.  On the drive home, we could tell that the trees out here were already starting to bend with the weight of the ice and Robby said "I should have bought a generator."  Now, if I would have had dollar for each time he has said that (or thought that) today I would have had enough money for a generator.  
• After getting home, the kids played for awhile and we tried to pick up some.  But around 3:30 the inevitable happened-the lights went out.  We had already been standing at the window watching the trees sway, chunks of ice fall down and small (so far) branches come falling down.  The lights going out sent Robby and I in to high gear-we picked up what was left of the presents and put them in the bonus room where their other presents are displayed.  
• Of course for us to do this quickly, we had to banish the kids to the toy room.  They put on their feety pajamas and then played by the window with their new legos for awhile and then everything fell apart.  As I tried to calm them down on the stairs, Anderson just started crying that he wanted to put together his new lego rv.  Reagan asked why the lights had to go out.  And Graham started sadly singing "we wish you a Merry Christmas."  It was pretty pitiful as I tried to explain that we would be able to do more things tomorrow and the lights being off was just a minor set back to our wonderful Christmas.  I then promised them that in just a few minutes we would all do something fun.  
• It only took that long for Robby and I to finished cleaning and even managed to get the downstairs Christmas tree up.  Keaton was so interested in what we were doing and was shocked when we would let her touch the tree without admonishing her-there were no ornaments after all.  We finished that job by flashlight  because soon it was dark outside.  I seriously have never been so happy to get flashlights as a gift this Christmas.  
• I made sandwiches for supper and then we worked on Graham's marble track for a bit.  Next up was making s'mores on Christmas night.  The kids really enjoyed this and when Robby told them that they were going to get to sleep in the tent they were beyond excited.  As we were finishing with our s'mores, Campbell came to me and said that she had something on her finger.  It was chocolate so I just licked it off.  And as soon as I did that she said "maybe it was poo poo."  I immediately checked her pants and then she said "maybe it was Keaton's poo poo."  It was neither thank goodness.
• After the s'mores, we worked some more on Graham's marble track and then it was time to teeth brushing and prayers.  Anderson said the sweetest prayer tonight "Happy birthday Jesus and thank you for dying on the cross."
• As Robby put up the tent, he said he had never put up a tent inside before and much less had never put one up in our closet.  We figured since the closet is a small room and the tent would keep them nice and cozy.  That was so true, after climbing in to calm them down from the boys giggling fit he commented on how warm it was in there.  The next time he went to calm them down, I heard him say "put your pajamas back on."  Seriously, two of my kids (Anderson and Campbell) had taken off their pajamas they were so hot and I am just a few feet away wearing a coat sitting under at least 6 blankets-I lost count as we put on every blanket we could find.  (Don't worry I did save some for the kids but I don't think they will need any more.)
• Keaton is wearing her feety pajamas and currently sleeping in the school room.  When we go to bed, we are going to move her to our bedroom.  Hopefully she will stay warm enough to stay awake all night.  Otherwise, all 7 of us may end up in the 4 man tent.  If the power doesn't come back on tomorrow, Robby might have to put up our large family tent for us to spend the day in.  
• I guess this will go down as a white Christmas.  The kids had asked and asked me if it would be a white Christmas and I kept telling them no.  Unfortunately, they haven't been able to enjoy any of it and probably will not tomorrow either-too wet and too cold to play and not be able to come in and warm up.  But either way, they will always remember this Christmas-presents, breakfast, hurrying home from Dana's house, no lights, s'mores and sleeping in a tent-what a wonderful day!

December 24, 2012-Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve!

(click here for today's pictures)

• The first thing that we did this morning was threaten to take away the kids presents.  Ha!  It was just that kind of morning.  Soon though everyone was calm (us included) and we had breakfast.  The kids worked on messing up the house while Robby and I worked on straightening the house.  
• I had neglected to finish my grandparents gift and Robby needed to get a new bin for our Christmas tree so we went to Walmart.  We figured that there wouldn't be too many people there on Christmas eve.  Actually, we were surprised that the crowds were manageable.  The kids stayed pretty close to us and even managed to earn a movie for the afternoon.
• Robby picked up lunch on the way home.  After eating we pulled Santa and got caught up on all of our countdowns-verses, Snoopy, What God wants for Christmas, Santa and the one above Graham's bed-a total of 5-no wonder we could not keep up this year.  Oh yes, my favorite part of this event was when Robby was reading a verse in the Bible about the wise men bring Jesus gold...and then suddenly he was interrupted by Anderson who added "and Frankensteins."  Yes, the poor child thinks the wise men brought Frankensteins to baby Jesus.    
• After lunch, Keaton had a nap and the others watched their movie while Robby and I worked on our Branson picture book.  After finishing the book, Robby and I headed outside to cut his hair-doesn't everyone do that on Christmas eve?  Campbell did manage to fall asleep right at the end of the movie.  
• Everyone changed into their evening clothes and we headed off to church for the Christmas eve service.  We started off with Keaton in church and she did last about 20 minutes which was more than we expected.  But once she became too restless I hauled her little self off to class-but the way that she ran (yes, ran) into her class I think she was happier in there anyway.  
• My favorite part of the service was the end when everyone sang Silent Night and we all lighted candles.  Anderson and Graham had sat patiently through the entire service with their candles in their lap waiting for this to happen.  Reagan was thrilled to not only know Silent Night but hold her own candle.  I was with Campbell and we held her candle together until she decided that she could do it on her own.  This was during the part that everyone raised their candles above their heads-she managed fine and I managed fine as well without have a nervous convulsion as my 3 year old waved a burning candle above my head and her head.
• We then loaded up and went to Nonna and Pops' house.  Jason was working the second service and Pops had gone to fetch Beebee and Papaw for the evening.  The kids did really well.  Reagan diligently worked on moving every toy out of the way when Beebee and Papaw arrived.  And Anderson, who was seated in his rocking chair, said "glad you could make it tonight" to both Beebee and Papaw.  
• Nonna had a massive supper prepared.  The kids did fairly well eating-Campbell was our ornery-est child tonight (not really unusual) but Beebee and Papaw enjoyed watching her so we let it slide.  After supper it was dessert time and then presents-lots and lots and lots of presents.  The kids all passed out presents-Reagan and Anderson reading many of the names.  Keaton really wanted in on the action so she just picked up one of her presents and walked around the room handing it to people.
• We opened and opened and opened.  The boys got alot of the same gifts-binoculars, pirate ships to build, tractors, bow and arrows and marshmallow guns (Reagan was given one as well).  Those marshmallow guns were the hit-thank God no one aimed one at Papaw who was by then snoozing on the couch.  Reagan was the most thrilled with the glasses for her American girl doll, Campbell was really happy to get a new blanket and shopping cart.  My Keaton was just happy watching all of the commotion and playing baby with Campbell.  She really loved pushing around her new stroller.  
• Soon after presents we loaded up and it was a good thing we had the big van.  We had to get home because Santa will come early in the morning (currently Santa is still working in his workshop).   The kids all put on their pajamas and then we made reindeer food.  I was scrambling for this and actually hoping no one would mention it.  But alas it was brought up so our reindeer will be eating chocolate chips, sunflower seeds and sprinkles-next year I am going to buy a carrot.  The kids put on milk and cookies for Santa and then headed to bed.  
• As we were putting on the cookies, Robby told Campbell that they were for Santa.  She said "he's coming here?"  She really doesn't have a clue about Santa yet but she has kept asking about when she is going to get her baby doll.  I think the kids went to bed fairly well.  I didn't really hear them much on the monitor.  Though when I was in the living room working I heard a kerplunk-Graham falling out of bed.  I rushed up there so he wouldn't come downstairs to join our bed.  He was still sound asleep and probably could have slept their all night long.  
• As soon as they went to bed, Robby and I started working.  We unloaded the van and I placed everything upstairs.  I like to display all the presents before we find their permanent homes.  My Reagan does the same thing.   I had already wrapped most presents and laid everything under the tree.  And Robby worked on a big gift-note to self, always charge the drill before Christmas eve.  
• I know the kids will be up early in the morning (hopefully not too early).  The grandparents are all coming over for breakfast (crossing my fingers that  my cinnamon rolls are good-or at least edible) and then lunch at Aunt Dana's house.  So far is has been a wonderful Christmas eve and now I am crossing my fingers for snow and for our lights to not go out.  

December 22, 2012-Happy Birthday Campbell and Dennie Family Circle Christmas

Cambell's Party!

(click here for pictures from Campbell's birthday)
(click here for pictures from Dennie Family Christmas Circle)

• Graham was up around 7 this morning and usually I would not be too pleased about that.  But since this was birthday party morning, I was up fairly soon after he joined us.  Well, fairly soon may not be too accurate.
• Everyone had leftover doughnuts as I put hundreds of M&Ms on Campbell's cake.  The kids stayed nearby because whenever one of candies fell they were fair game.  Nothing better than doughnuts and M&Ms for breakfast.
• We did a bit of cleaning and before too long it was time for everyone to get ready.  Of course I had to hunt them down-they were outside supervising the hanging of the pinata and the squeegee-ing of the windows.  
• I finally found everyone for them to get dressed and they watched a movie while waiting on Campbell's party to start.  She kept asking "when is my party going to start?"  Soon Pops and Nonna were here.  I put Pops to work in the kitchen and Nonna was put to work fixing Campbell's hair for the second and third times of the mornings.
• At noon, everyone started arriving: Grannymom, Grandpa, Dana, Jason, Nonna, Pops, Les, Shelley, Josh, Zach, Mason and his family, Laynie and her family, Kennedy and her dad, and Aiden and his mom.  Counting our family that is a grand total of 31-pretty big party for the weekend before Christmas.  
• The first activity was eating-pbj and turkey and cheese sandwiches for the kids, pimento cheese, chicken salad or turkey and cheese croissants for the grown ups, grapes, cheese dip, bbq weenies, hummus and a cheese ball.  Then the kids went outside for a bit of bowling followed by the traditional Dennie pinata.  The little kids even got to grab some candy first and then the big kids all stormed in to get the rest.  
• Then we went back inside for the kids to decorate Minnie Mouse shaped cookies.  Next up was cake and then presents.  Campbell was very good-thanked everyone as she opened her presents and was pleased with all of her gifts.  The party was a success and by 3 the house was picked up and the kids were all resting (another success).
• After a short nap for the little two (Campbell and Keaton) and big two (Robby and me), it was time to change clothes and load up for Dennie Family Circle Christmas at Grannymom and Grandpa's house. We had already taken our presents over there but still had a load-including Robby's heater for their garage.  The garage was emptied and the heater was plugged up.  Before too long it was warm out there and we kicked the kids out into the garage.  The enjoyed plenty of room to run around and we enjoyed the door that we could close on them and no longer hear them.
• We ate supper and then the kids convinced Grannymom that it was then time to open presents.  It took well over an hour for everyone to open their presents and the kids all did really well waiting on their turn.  Even Campbell and Graham sat quietly with their presents in their laps.  I can already tell what the favorite presents are for everyone-Reagan-a note pad and clip board, Anderson-his stomp rocket, Graham-dress up clothes, Campbell-doll house stuff, Keaton-picnic basket, Robby-his hammock and mine was my painting from Dana.  We all racked up though.  Anderson and Reagan noticed that they didn't get many toys this year-growing up!
• After opening presents, the kids migrated to the garage where we opened up stuff for them to play with and the grown ups had dessert and watched some of the basketball game.  Before too long, it was time to change my crew into their pajamas and us to head home.  
• They went to bed at 11 last night and it was nearly 9 tonight.  So I think that they were pretty tired-I didn't even hear a peep on the monitor (well, it was in the bedroom).  It was a pretty perfect birthday and Christmas celebration.

December 8. 2012-Happy Birthday Anderson!

(click here for pictures from Anderson's 6th Birthday party)

(click here for pictures from our trip to see Santa)

• Things from yesterday that I forgot to write about: We went to the Apple store while waiting on the Christmas tree to start.  All 4 big kids lined up and pushed, punched and shook those ipads as fast as they could-playing and playing games until it was time for the tree.  Reagan did decide that she was going to ask Santa for an ipad.  Robby told her that we couldn't let Santa bring her a gift like that so she was still left wondering what to ask for.
• Also Robby has hooked up our Christmas trees to our phones so we can turn them on and off with our phones.  The kids think that magic is making this happen.  So last night when I walked into the house, I could hear Reagan upstairs yelling at their Christmas tree to turn on.  I was still downstairs but could hear her perfectly.  So I did what any good mother would do and just sat on the stairs with phone and messed with their minds for a few minutes turning the tree on and off.  
• The first thing on our agenda this morning was going to see Santa Claus at the Clinton Library.  The kids had breakfast and then showers before getting all ready.  When I told them where we were going, Anderson told me "I hope you have us something Christmasy to wear."
• We picked up another breakfast and Grannymom on our way and were walking towards the building when we saw Santa going in.  We were still far away and could barely see his hat walking in but this made the kids so excited.  
• When it was our turn for Santa, everyone did very well (except Keaton but that was to be expected). Graham was very brave and went first asking for a two wheel scooter.  Anderson followed also asking for a two wheeled scooter.  Then it was the girls turn-first Reagan went and asked for a slushie maker.  Campbell was a bit skittish but did fine and even sat in Santa's lap.  She asked for pink legos and Santa asked if she wanted a baby doll as well.  Next up was Keaton's turn.  She didn't stick around in Santa's lap long enough to tell him what she wanted.  That child screamed so loud that other children started crying in fear!
• We then had a cookie and waited for our Santa pictures.  Then we sat the kids down to take a group picture.  It only took us upwards for 100 pictures to get one or two decent ones.  Five kids are just alot to get looking at the camera at one time-imagine how much harder it will be next year.  
• On our way home we stopped at Krispy Kreme to pick up some doughnuts for Anderson's party.  Then the kids pottied at Grannymom's house while Robby and I ran to Sams to pick up a few things.  Keaton stayed with Grannymom and Grandpa this afternoon so we were able to work a bit faster getting ready for tonight's shin dig.
• Our first project at home was packing up our new gate to send back-torn off the wall two too many times.  Then Robby worked on the garage and then on to lots of leaf blowing.  I worked on the inside straightening and cleaning.  Thankfully, the food stuff had already been finished yesterday.  But like all of our parties, we were rushing around to the very last minute.  This is just an aside but there is nothing worse than getting ready for a birthday party-I am totally exhausted!
• The kids spend their afternoon coloring, watching a movie and playing lots and lots of legos.  Soon it was time for our guests to start arriving and the kids put on their jerseys and red clothes.  Nonna and Pops were first, followed by Jason then Grannymom, Grandpa and Cash.  
• The kids all stayed outside and soon the Penningtons, Nelsons, and Stotts arrived so there was quite a crew.  We had footballs out but Robby's huge leaf pile was the immediate draw.  They played so hard in there that one shoe was lost and never found (despite the 1 dollar reward offered!)  Next up was supper inside-hot dogs and all of the trimmings.  
• Next up was a few games-a football egg toss.  Seriously, I am always surprised that the kids get so excited about a dozen eggs.  The first round was done of the driveway and after two tosses we had no winners so we moved to the grass.  That round Cash and Robby won-earning Cash the second spot in the pinata swing.  By now it was dark-Robby held the pinata, I took pictures and Jodee corralled the kids safely away.  After everyone had a turn, Robby cracked it open and poured candy out for everyone to find.
• Then it was cake time, doughnut time and brownie time followed by presents.  I tell you, my Anderson seemed so excited about every single present.  He did rack up-car track, blanket, legos, games and the list goes on.  Everyone did have a few minutes to play before it was time to pass out party favors.  Anderson's had a wonderful 6th birthday-can't believe my boy is that big! 
• Cash got to spend the night with us so he helped us open a few gifts before everyone headed upstairs to play some more before bedtime.  At bedtime, the kids were all wound up (of course) and we had to go upstairs a few times.  Anderson was crawling back into his bed quickly as I walked in.  He looked at me and said "you scared me, I thought you were Daddy."  

December 1, 2012

Thursday Night Crew Christmas Party!

(click here for today's pictures)

• We all slept in for a bit this morning-7:30ish.  The kids were asking for breakfast like they didn't even know that it was a Saturday.  Seriously, all we ever do is feed them...and do their laundry.  Anyway, after they ate everyone had baths or showers.  We are always amazed when we are down just one child and things run so smoothly.  It doesn't even matter who is gone (this morning it was Reagan-sometimes our easiest and sometimes not).  
• Graham would have done anything we asked him to do this morning because he was ready to go to his party.  His friend Gage was having a gingerbread house decorating party.  I obviously did not check the directions before I replied that we could come-it was 35 miles from our house.  Eeek!  So we did start out fairly early to make it on time.
• The party was at the grandma's house on a farm.  As we were getting out of the car, some started walking to see the cows, donkeys, chickens, ducks, pigs and rabbits.  Then after everyone arrived, we headed inside to start decorating.  This was the cutest party ever-I had as much (if not more) fun as Graham.  
• The kids all had placemats with their names on them, the houses were premade and ready to be decorated, Christmas decorations were hanging from the ceiling.  And the dining table, we completely filled up with candy in different bowls for the kids to use.  They all went to the table to fill their cups with candy and then started decorating.  
• Graham had a blast-eating just as much candy as he put on his house.  The candy was unlimited-after we finished Graham's house, I told him that he could go and get a few pieces of candy.  He came back with his cup full of candy.  Finally I convinced him to go upstairs and check out Gage's room with the other kids.  Meanwhile, I enjoyed the best cup of apple cider I have ever had (made from syrup from Starbucks). 
• Next up was a few snacks and then a hay ride around the farm.  One child helped drive so then every-single-one of them had to drive.  This turned the hay ride into an hour long event but the kids loved every minute of it.  Graham was near the end to drive the tractor and he just grinned from ear to ear.  
• When we made it back to the house, I loaded up the house while Graham jumped on the trampoline.  Then it was time to leave and as you can imagine, Graham was not pleased with having to leave.  But we had to head home-original plan was to go see Santa today but since I had a 45 minute drive home we put that off until next week.  
• On our way home, Graham and I stopped by Nonna and Pops' house to pick up Reagan.  She stayed busy at Nonna's house and Nonna has even requested Reagan to help decorate her tree next year.  Graham was quick to add that he would work as well for Nonna-so she will have more than enough help.
• Back at home, Robby had been manning the fort.  The kids had been busy-playing, having a snack, watching a movie and then having lunch.  When we came home, we started working on our Christmas tree brownies for the party tonight.  
• The kids loved squeezing the icing and sprinkling (or dumping) the sprinkled on the trees.  Everyone did good-even Campbell.  Her last few, I would have to take the icing away because she kept squeezing and kept squeezing icing.  
• Robby and I worked on changing the kids sheets-what a horrible job that is.  Afterwards, I needed a nap!  So we made it rest time for everyone for about 30 minutes and then it was time to start scurrying around for our evenings Christmas party (our only scheduled Christmas party currently-we are open to all invitations!)  
• We were at the McGuires house and our little Christmas parties have grown and grown over the last few years-really just the amount of kids.  There were 11 kids there this year!  (and almost half of them were mine-eek!)  
• There was lots of yummy party food (our favorite food).  My kids could hardly eat any real food because all they could see were the yummy desserts and we let them graze on the desserts pretty much all night long.  After a bit of playing, it was time for the kids to open presents. 
• The boys received similar spiderman cars, Reagan opened some Legos, Campbell had a big cardboard house to set up and color and Keaton had Legos.  They were so happy with their presents but didn't really need them because they were so content playing with each other.  
• Before we knew it, it was after 9 and we started putting on pajamas and loading up the car.  Keaton fell asleep on the way home and everyone was a bit tired when we finally got upstairs to get into bed.  Today was a great way to start off our December!

November 17, 2012-Branson

Santa - One not so happy!

(click here for today's pictures)

• We just completely wore the kids out yesterday.  They slept until 7:30 before anyone stirred.  I always love hotel sleeping.  We only really had one incident last night (not counting when Campbell fell off the bunk beds earlier in the evening-she was fine-just stunned).  
• Around 5, I heard a commotion in the floor and looked down to see Anderson snatch Graham's pillow away from him saying something about "my pillow."  I quickly jumped down, gave Graham back his pillow, moved Anderson back to his spot and grabbed Anderson's pillow and put it back under his head.  Where was Anderson's pillow?  Well, it happened to have been under my head.  We were one pillow short last night so I just snatched his when he fell asleep.  And when I gave him back his in the middle of the night, I took Robby's pillow out from under his head.  I do believe that we are not pillow short tonight so all will sleep better.
• The pool didn't open until 10, so we headed out for Krispy Kreme donuts.  The kids devoured their donuts-we did we because the cinnamon bun one was excellent.  Then it was off to the Coleman outlet.  Robby did find a new ice chest for the van-it is actually two that are stackable-a big one and a little one.  It is going to work out really well-especially since the one we brought on this trip leaked all over.  
• Soon we were headed back to the hotel and the kids were again excited to put on their bathing suits and head downstairs.  Keaton was the most excited about it all-she splashed, walked to the slides, kicked and had a blast until she was completely worn out.  Reagan and Anderson slid down the slide a few times.  Graham had a blast with Robby playing with him in the "deep" pool.  And Campbell enjoyed every bit of swimming-her biggest smile though was when she successfully put our wet towels in the basket.
• Grannymom went upstairs to get ready first, then Keaton, Campbell and I came.  I showered Campbell and then took a shower with Keaton. By the time I was out, the others were all back. Soon everyone was ready and we were headed to Arbys.
• Keaton was so exhausted and fell sound asleep on the way there.  At the restaurant, we could hardly wake her.  Grannymom tried, I tried and still no luck.  I was trying to jostle her awake and Robby leaned down to talk to her.  No movement-sleeping sound.  Until Robby said these words-"do you want a sip of coke?"  Immediately, that baby jumped straight up almost jumping out of my arms.  She heard what he had said and was looking around for her sip of coke.  
• Next stop was the Landing.  We had a few things to pick up there and the kids enjoyed walking through any of the shops that they asked to-Build a Bear, the build a car shop, hobby store.  And the highlight was the playground in the middle.  By the time we made it there, it was time to turn around and head back to the van.  
• Robby walked across the street to pick up our train tickets and Grannymom and the rest of us walked back to the van to change the kids into their pajamas.  We had quite a haul to get there but made it to the car and changed successfully.  On the way back to the train station, Campbell was riding in the stroller with Keaton and as we were crossing a street, Campbell just stuck out her arm like a traffic cop to stop the traffic.       
• We had tickets for the 4:30 Polar Express train and it was lots of fun.  On the walk to the train, there was snow to walk through and a hobo was on the top of the train (like on the movie).  This caused Campbell to ask me a zillion questions about how the man got down.  She eventually decided that the man with a speaker (conductor) gave the other man a ladder.  
• The train car was all decorated, they read the story to us with people in the aisles showing us the pictures, there were carolers, hot chocolate and cookies.  The hobos came through talking to everyone, the conductor punched the kids tickets with their first initial on it and then Santa came and gave everyone a bell.  Then he walked back through and we were able to snap a picture of the kids with Santa-Campbell didn't want to stand next to him and poor Keaton was terrified!  The train ride did take us this way and then back that way for a bit until we did go by lots of beautiful Christmas lights (on the other side!)  
• Reagan is getting older but still does enjoy things that her brothers and sisters enjoy.  She is at the point where playing in the baby pool or on the playground will not soon be fun.  (kind of sad)  But when she saw Santa her eyes still sparkled. 
• When we got off of the train, it was cold outside and we hauled it to the car.  The kids knew that our next stop was Andy's for custard.  And Graham knew that it was cold outside-he said he wanted to eat ice cream but he didn't want to eat there.  Smart boy!  And we didn't have to eat there-we just got it to go and ate it back at the hotel.  
• Back in the room, the kids watched tv for a long while-Campbell and Graham fell asleep while watching tv.  And then we turned off the lights and everyone else went to sleep as well.