June 14, 2011

Ever seen a flag made
out of spaghetti?

Highlights from today: (click here for pictures)
(Click here for a video)

• Day 2 of Vacation Bible School and we all made it without too much of a fuss-well, the first thing I did as I climbed out of bed was get Robby’s belt for Anderson (it wasn’t used but probably should have been).  He was in a bad mood but after breakfast he perked up a bit.
• Everyone brought their cereal boxes for VBS and Campbell was so pleased with herself to carry her cereal in.  After the day, Robby joined us for lunch and we all had our pizza and then headed home.  And then disaster happened-Reagan left her lollipop at church!!  Robby promised her 2 which made Anderson cry.  So he promised Anderson 2 and Reagan 3.  Well, Graham would have none of this so he said he wanted 2, which then bumped Anderson’s total up to 3 and Reagan’s to 4.  Robby to Reagan that he would “hook her up” and after nap she reminded me that Daddy had said that he would “hook her up”
• After dropping Lilly off, we had our naps and then started working on our family night.  The kids all helped top of the spaghetti-Flag Day Spaghetti.  Meatballs and sauce along with cheese for the stripes and more pieces of cheese for stars. 
• When Robby came home we listened too some patriotic music and had our spaghetti.  Then we worked on dipping our strawberries in white chocolate and blue sprinkles.  Next up was making American Flags-it was quite complicated for every to understand 13 stripes and 50 stars.  Next up was finding the 50 stars and 13 stripes hidden in the den.  We then counted to 50 (quite a feat) and we topped the evening off with eating our strawberries and making some red, white and blue popsicles (which really just turned out purple!)
• Robby read everyone a book before bed and then they all crashed-this VBS makes them crazy wild all day long but at least they sleep well.

May 5, 2011

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo!

Highlights from today:  (click here for pictures)

• School morning and Robby has been getting up early so all of us have been getting up a little bit earlier.  Everyone was dressed before I managed to make it out of the shower.  I heard Reagan telling Campbell “let’s see if we can find her” and soon they were holding hands and walking into the bathroom.  So cute!
• Graham did good at drop off today and even kept his pants dry.  Campbell’s teachers went on and on about how his little face lit up when he saw Campbell come out on the playground.  They said he followed her around and helped her get around.  Graham was alos so excited about his card that he made me for Mother’s Day.  He kept showing me the part that was orange-his favorite color
• Anderson also made handprints of Mother’s Day.  But after telling me, he decided that it was supposed to be a secret.  He also told me that Ms. Wendolyn had a short nap during school today.  Then he laughed and said that he was only kidding. 
• Reagan had a bit of a cold today-runny nose, stuffy and felt a bit warm to me this evening (not by the thermometer though).  She was so proud of her Mother’s Day present that she made.  She secretly carted it home from Grannymom’s and now has it hiding in her room so I won’t see it. 
• Everyone played for a bit at Grannymom and Grandpa’s house and then we headed home to start working on our Cinco de Mayo craft.  We painted sombreros and it was a mess.  Campbell really got into it-even painted her ear pretty good.  There is no way I can get all of that blue paint out of her ear. 
• When Robby came home, it was time to start our Cinco de Mayo Family night.  We had supper brought in from a local Mexican restaurant.  There food is authentic, delicious, affordable and surprisingly they serve it up quickly.  Robby brought home real sombreros from work and that added to our festivities.
• After supper, we had a coloring page to do while Robby took some pictures of the kids.  Next up was a family picture wearing our sombreros-this was quite difficult since no one could seem to keep their hats on their heads. 
• Next up were the games!!  This is the highlight for Reagan.  We played throw the sombrero on Robby’s head, a sombrero toss for distance, hide the maraca and then throw the balls into the sombrero. 
• And we saved the best for last: the piñata.  Robby and I spelled out piñata to each other during supper and Reagan said “did you say piñata?”  Wow, our spelling things out days are numbered.  Anyway, everyone had a few turns with the piñata.  I broke his leg off and finally Robby bashed him to pieces.  We also managed to bash our candy to pieces-smarties are not the best to put into a pinata (just a note). 
• While Robby ran, the kids finished out family night with a Diego movie (hey, he speaks Spanish).  Campbell went to bed early and soon Graham wanted to go to bed too.  He made it all they way upstairs but then wouldn’t go to bed without everyone being upstairs to say prayers with him.  Since they were all downstairs, I told him he could just wait until they come upstairs so he moseyed back downstairs to watch more of the movie. 

Dennie Kids: April 4, 2011

Go Huskies! Go Bulldogs!

Highlights from today: (click here for pictures)

• Reagan had school this morning and the boys some how think that they are getting to skip school on Mondays when Reagan goes and they don’t have to. 
• Robby took Reagan to school while the rest of us put on clothes, did laundry, swept the floor, played cars, ate breakfast, read stories, rode bikes in the garage, cut coupons and hid from the thunder.  Actually only a few of us hid from the thunder.  It didn't really bother Mom and Campbell too much. 
• Half way on the way to school to pick up Reagan, Anderson said “I don’t have any shoes on” and then he continued with “oh, yeah, they are wet from when I went into the lake.”  Mom wasn’t planning on anyone getting out so no one had shoes (though she did have them all with her just in case).  We really weren’t planning on getting out since Graham even had on big boy underwear.
• On the way home from school, the boys told Reagan that it stormed while she was gone but we didn’t have to get on the steps (meaning there was no tornado).  Mom then had to discuss tornados, why we get by the steps and lots of other weather related things that she just had to make up!  Then the big discussion led to where Nonna gets if there is a tornado (we knew it was the hallway) and to where Grannymom gets when there is a tornado (we don’t know)
• Next up was lunch-Mom tried to make the kids eat her pimento cheese but everyone except Campbell turned their nose up at it.  She doesn’t seem to turn her nose up at anything!  If she doesn’t start walking off some calories soon she will have to go on a diet!  We worked on walking tonight-she can do 3 steps if you are close by but other than that, she will just sit down and refuse to stand if she doesn’t think she can do it.
• Soon it was naptime and Graham and Campbell were asleep pretty quick.  Mom worked with Reagan on her reading book.  Her story today that she read was: The Rich Pig.  A dog was in the park.  It was dark in the park.  The dog ran into a pig.  The dog said, “pigs can not go in this park.  Pigs live on farms.”  The pig said, “not this pig. I live on a ship.  I am a rich pig.”  The dog said, “take me to the ship.”  So the pig did.  But the waves made the ship rock.  And the dog got sick.  The end.
• Anderson was equally surprising.  His workbook had the alphabet listed and he was able to fill in the blanks by writing the correct the letter.  He needed help on a few of the letters but he did very well.  It seemed like a few months ago he couldn’t write anything and now he is doing pretty good (no where near where Reagan was when she was his age-but that is the boy/girl difference)
• After everyone woke up from nap, it was soon time to make our basketball cookies.  Yes, they were leftover Christmas cookies (I had tried to get the sprinkles out but decided that wasn’t worth it at all).  Everyone enjoyed stirring and especially dropping the drops of food coloring in.  Graham knew there was no way he could hold the food coloring bottle and “gently” squeeze so he just said “Momma, you do it for me.”
• When the cookies were ready, we decorated them to look like basketballs.  The kids each did one and were all excited for Dad to come home to start our family night.  Campbell was awake when we were decorating cookies and she was so anxious to climb in a chair like everyone else (I wouldn’t let her) but once they had all left to play and my back was turned-little C was up in that chair grinning away.  Fortunately, I had already moved the cookies!
• Last night, Robby told Reagan that we would watch the ballgame tonight (not knowing it was at 8) and Reagan begged for it to be a family night.  So we threw one together: hot dogs (standard basketball game food), beans (leftovers) and grapes (were round like balls until Mom cut them into pieces).  Then we colored pictures of the mascots and made our predictions.  It ended up that the girls picked Connecticut and the boys picked Butler. 
• After supper, we had a few basketball games.  And then ate our cookies.  Then we had about an hour until the ball game.  So we changed into pajamas, had some juice, said our prayers, watched a slam dunk competition, put Campbell to bed, colored pictures of basketballs, watched the Star Spangled Banner and finally, finally it was time for the ball game.  And by this time, no one really cared.  When Robby would make a noise, Reagan would ask “did I win?”  Needless to say, the kids didn’t make it to halftime since it was well past bedtime!
  

St. Patrick’s Day: March 17, 2011

An all out GREEN celebration!

Highlights from today: (click here for pictures)

• School morning this morning and everyone went to class fine.  Reagan sported her hat for hat day along with a fairly pink/red and shades of bluish eye from her fall yesterday.  It wasn’t too noticeable but still very noticeable once you saw it.  Made Mom think about Reagan in a few years with tons of eye shadow plastered over her eyes.
• Anderson said that Ms. Wendolyn went to sleep again in his class.  Two days in a row-she must not be used to time change yet.  He didn’t seem to mind though that his teacher was sleeping on the job but he was disappointed that he missed Reagan’s classes hat parade since his class was in the library.
• Graham’s first words to Mom were “I fussed” and he said it was a big smile on his face.  He is a little con artist and is playing us so Mom and Dad have decided that we will no longer mention his drop off fussing at all.  If that doesn’t work after a few days, we will have to resort to plan B (any suggestions-remember I broke my spoon the other day)
• Campbell saw Graham on the playground and even went down the slide.  Her teachers said that Graham really loves her and takes care of her.  They also apologized for her clothes since she had a big time crawling around the playground.
• Graham’s note this afternoon said that Graham was pretty wild today and that she had to say his name a lot and repeat herself a lot.  She also asked if everything was ok.  Mom asked him if he obeyed his teacher and he said yes (in a very honest voice).  Hopefully this won’t happen again because Mom and Dad always get very positive feedback about his behavior at school. 
• Reagan and Anderson had a picnic at Lilly’s park and had a great time playing all afternoon long.  They played inside and outside and when Graham and Campbell arrived everyone played with the wagon (including trying to push Mom) and then everyone had a turn at swinging.
• Once we made it home, Campbell had a nap while the others watched a bit of a movie while Mom got things ready for our family night.  Tonight was St. Patrick’s Day Family Night.  Everyone had dressed in green and were pretty proud of their attire.  The first activity of the night was finding the food that the leprechaun had hidden.  The kids followed the clues around the house and finally discovered supper in the microwave. (Click here a picture our celebration 1 year ago.)
• We had red beans and rice and did have a bit of St. Patrick’s Day touch with green butter for our bread.  After supper, Reagan made another scavenger hunt for the boys and then everyone found a few green things.  We then played a simon says like game of “Lucky Leprechaun” says.  Reagan was great at it, Anderson just couldn’t remember what he was listening for and Graham just followed along.  We then made our lime punch and had green cookies that we had made earlier in the day. 
• After the cookies, Mom realized that we had left the green jello in the fridge.  So we pulled it out and made a few jello towers.  We then put on pajamas and read a St. Patrick’s Day book.  Reagan remembered a rainbow Mickey Mouse show and since it was on the DVR, they watched it before bed
• They had a big St. Patrick’s Day and everyone was pretty tired when they went to bed-we only had to go upstairs about 3 times!

Dennie Kids: January 17, 2011

DENNIE DINER now open!

Highlights from today: (click here for pictures)

• It was going to be a lazy morning around the house-Dad even took the van because we weren’t going anywhere.  But Grannymom called and who could pass up a chance to play at Rock Creek. 
• The kids were so excited about going that when Anderson went upstairs to potty, he came back down fully dressed-that never ever happens.  He hates to put on his clothes and would leave the house in his pjs if possible.  Since Dad had the van, Anderson did have to walk there so it is a good thing he did put on his warm clothes.  Grannymom picked him up before he got to far down the road and gave him a ride.
• Once we got there, the parking lot looked eerily empty so we checked the doors and they were locked.  The kids didn’t really seem to mind especially when Grannymom mentioned McDonalds.  Of course, since Mom wasn’t in her car, she didn’t have her money (nor her driver’s license).  Grannymom bought everyone a hamburger which the kids ate up (they only had a half).  Lilly said that it must have cost a lot of money to buy all of that food!
• Back at home, Dad came in for lunch and Mom went out to run to Sams and Walmart.  While Mom was gone, Campbell had a nap and everyone else worked on coloring their menus for the Dennie Diner.
• After Dad went back to work, the kids worked hard-and I really do mean hard preparing for the Dennie Diner.  We set the table and cleaned the “movie room” (otherwise known as the den/toy room/messiest room in the house)  After things were clean, Mom got the sheet for the movie to be played on.  Graham knew what was next and pushed a chair into the den for Mom to stand on to hang the sheet-pretty impressive
• Campbell and Graham had a nap while Reagan and Anderson played upstairs in their room.  Mom eavesdropped and heard them playing with money.  Then she heard them taking turns “spitting up” (vomiting) out the money into the can.  They were having a blast so Mom let them alone…she had things to do.
• Since everyone rested later when everyone was up and stirring, it was almost time for “Dinner and Movie” family night at the Dennie Diner.  The table was set, the candles lit and the food hot so Reagan screamed “places” and we all gathered in the living room.  Mom even had the diaper bag so it would all be legit!
• Reagan was the hostess and welcomed everyone, asked how many we had, showed us to the table and passed out menus.  Graham was next up and he was the order taker for the drinks.  We looked through the menu and ordered the drinks-Graham delivered them and he was so proud.  Everyone chose the lemonade that we had made earlier in the day.
• Reagan took the order for the main course.  It was a little complicated with all of the choices: manicotti, green beans, egg, cheese.  Eggs and green beans were the biggest hits though Mom and Dad enjoyed the manicotti.  Reagan was an excellent waitress and delighted in delivering the plates.
• Anderson was the server for the desserts.  We had made ice pops and Dad and Anderson worked on making them.  It took a while to get them right but finally the popsicles were ready to eat-Anderson didn’t care by then, Reagan said she didn’t like them, Graham had a few bites and was done so that left Mom to eat them (Dad didn’t like them either-they had fruit chunks in it)
• Next up was the Meet the Robinsons movie.  Reagan and Anderson watched it all while Graham and Campbell crawled around.  Mom and Dad even enjoyed it and everyone enjoyed the popcorn and candy!

Dennie Kids: January 4, 2011

Highlights from today: (click here for pictures)

• This was our first day back in the swing of things after the holiday (well most of us).  Reagan and Anderson were off of school for one more day.  The rest of us made it to work and school at a fairly decent time. 
• Robby said that Graham didn’t fuss until after he left the room-he also said that he was about to walk back in the room and get the boy and take him back home.  Reagan and Anderson didn’t have to think twice about spending the day with Nonna.  They went to the library for story time, played with fuzzoodles and went to see Beebee and Papaw
• Mom picked up Graham and he was so happy to see her.  Campbell’s teachers said that she had thrown one fit but also at one time during the day, the teacher was giving Campbell cheerios one at a time.  Each time she handed her one, she would put one on her pants leg for Campbell to pick up.  Later, when the teacher gave Campbell one in her hand, Campbell placed it on her leg and then picked it up to eat it.
• While Mom was at work today, the nurse called to tell her about Anderson’s allergy test.  She started off by saying that he was allergic to quite a bit-tomatoes, corn, peanuts, walnuts, every tree, every grass, dog, cat…and there were a few that Mom couldn’t write down the nurse was rattling them off so quick.  Goodness gracious.  Needless to say, we will make an appointment with an allergist tomorrow.
• Nonna and Pops brought Reagan and Anderson home and after they left, everyone started getting on their Razorback Red.  Mom didn’t think too much about it when Graham started talking about the razorback in his cage (we saw it last time we went tailgating) but when Anderson said that maybe Jacob would be there, Mom knew she was in trouble….the kids thought we were going to the game.
• Mom had just showed them where the game was and where we were on the map when Dad walked in.  Dad could see the disappointment on the faces and quickly thought about getting the inflatable hog out, which led to the inflatable football man, which led to the inflatable goal post and Razorback flag.  Soon all of this led to a full blown family night.
• Family Night-we had our hot dogs and cheese dip (football food) and even took a few family pictures.  Mom quickly whipped up a brownie in a football shaped pan (and there is a reason there are no pictures of it).  After supper while Mom and Dad cleaned up, the kids had to find 3 red things.  Then everyone had a turn throwing the ball to the inflatable football man and playing catch with Dad.  Next up, was putting on pajamas-they all had to find some with red on them (everyone did all by themselves-even Graham).  Then we devoured Mom’s football brownie.  After Campbell went down for the night, it was time for the football game. 
• Anderson was on the edge of his seat the entire time.  When the touchdown was called back and Robby said the player put his wrist down-Anderson shouted “I don’t know what a wrist is”   He even said that he was going to be a football player when he grows up. 

Dennie Kids: July 1, 2010

Highlights from today: (click here for pictures)

• Since it was a school morning, we ended up having to wake everyone up.  Dad had to put Reagan’s clothes on her while she was still asleep
• Anderson has now decided that he wants his taggie at school too.  He saw Mom putting Reagan’s in her bag.  But since Mom has been putting it in his bag, he has never gotten it out
• Graham throwing a major fit today at school.  His teacher politely said “he sure missed his family and especially his Daddy today”  Mom understood that to mean “he sure was fussy today”  We are now taking suggestions.  Reagan said that he only fussed for one minute after Dad left but he didn’t want Reagan or Anderson to leave.  They all saw each other in the hallway and he even touched their fingers through the fence on the playground
• Campbell having a big day at Grannymom’s house.  Grannymom said that she was quite spitty today-and she proved that during the afternoon as well.  Currently, she is trying to get Dad to give her a sip of coke-kicking her feet, talking and smiling at him while moving her mouth
• Swinging on Grannymom’s swing-everyone had turns.  Graham hasn’t wanted to swing lately but sure enjoyed it today.  Anderson kept asking if we could play in the sprinkler next time we were there.  Reagan wanted Mom to let them spend the night at Grannymom’s house but Mom said that would happen soon enough
• Playing and reading a few stories and not-so-patiently waiting on Dad to come home so we could start our Super Hero Family Night:
• The first thing we did was pass out our super hero capes and worked on our super hero names: Super Mom, Super Dad, Super Seashell Collector, Super Anderson, Super G and Super Baby were all in attendance this evening
• Eating our Super Hero Sandwiches and then helping Super Dad make our Super Power Punch.
• The punch gave us our Super Powers and we were able to have x-ray vision to see what Super Mom had hidden in her bag
• Working on a net to capture bad guys while Super Dad worked on our Super Man Costumes.  Super Seashell Collector hesitated putting on her costume since she thought it looked “too boyish.”  But once she saw Super Anderson’s muscles, she was ready to put it on
• The Super Children took turns crashing through the “brick wall” and they thought it was hysterical.  Super Baby even woke up in time to have her turn bursting through the wall
• Finding the “kryptonite” (green jello).  Super Anderson was wise enough to know that the kryptonite could be dangerous to him
• More bursting through the walls before one last movie before bed.  Being a Super Hero is tough!

Video: Superhero Family Night (July 1, 2010)

Video: Superhero Family Night (July 1, 2010)

Video: Superhero Family Night (July 1, 2010)

Dennie Kids: June 4, 2010

Highlights from today: (click here for pictures)

• Graham waking up around 5-normally he would

• have just fussed for a bit and then gone back to sleep but since he was calling for Mom she let him come in their bed.  (Remember he usually wants Dad)
• Reading a few stories and eating breakfast after getting on our clothes and cutting fingernails (Mom has to cut 80!-It’s a wonder we made it downstairs even in time for breakfast)
• Everyone picking out quite a few library books at the library-Graham isn’t too selective on what he picks out.  But Reagan finds the pink books or books with girls on the front and Anderson finds all the animal and transportation books
• Signing up for the Summer Reading club and everyone was given backpacks-which Mom thought would be great to help us carry our zillion books out the car (but they said they said it was too heavy)
• Playing with water guns and blowing bubbles until naptime-Campbell would just laugh whenever she saw the bubbles
• Naps and then anxiously awaiting Dad to come home so we could start our family night…Royal Family Night
  • We had decorated our crowns earlier in the day-one for everyone.  (Anderson’s head is almost as large as Dads!)  Reagan and Mom worked the hardest on their crowns.  
  • Also during the day we had hung our royal banner across the living room-very difficult with 3 helpers
  • Reading our scroll from King Dad which invited prince Anderson and prince Graham as well as Princess Reagan and Princess Campbell to the royal feast
  • After donning our royal clothes-ties and crowns for the boys and royal dresses and crowns for the girls, we took our family portrait and then ate our royal feast (pasta-the king and queen are on a royal budget!-actually a royal diet!)
  • Playing pin the Kiss on the Frog-Graham was ready to go first but he did not want to wear the blindfold.  Anderson peeked but Reagan played fair.  I think there was actually a tie!
  • The king had hidden Royal Silver Coins around the den for the Princes and Princess to find.  They quickly found them and were delighted to sit at the table and open them up (amazing what aluminum foil and an Oreo can do!)
  • Watching the King cut open a royal fruit-pineapple.  The king had to twist the “crown” of the pineapple off to cut it so it fit in well with the theme
  • Reagan and Anderson playing Princess Yahtzee with Dad while Mom put pajamas on the Little Prince
  • Everyone else putting on their pajamas and then having surprise Royal visitors-Grannymom, Lilly and Cash-they had rode bikes over and needed a drink
  • Concluding the evening with a Princess movie and some popcorn

Dennie Kids: March 18, 2010

Highlights from today: (click here for pictures)

• School mornings seem to come around too soon but everyone did very well and were ready early-even Campbell sat in Dad's chair and watched the movie
• Dad dropping off the 3 amigos at school-Reagan was the only one in her class until 9:50.  Her teacher suggested them going to Target or Starbucks and Reagan said "I don't think you can do that"
• Mom dropping Campbell off at Nonna and Pops-Pop was feeding Campbell before Mom walked out the door
• Campbell spending the morning drooling-she might be getting her first tooth fairly soon
• Mom picking everyone up and they were ready to go-we headed first to Nonna's to pick Campbell up
• Playing with Pops and Nonna and seeing Beebee and Papaw and eating a few snacks
• Welcoming Grannymom and Grandpa home, they had been gone for a long, long time and had even brought us presents from Australia & New Zealand.  She brought us all animals and even a book that tells about her trip
• Not getting home until after 5 and having to do lots before our big family night
• A few nights ago, Mom and Dad helped Reagan and Anderson pick their brackets.  It was quite difficult-here is how it would go (and it did seem to take forever):
• Mom: Villanova or Robert Morris
• Reagan: Villa Morris
• Anderson: Nova Bert
• Dad: Who?
• Anderson: Yes
• Reagan: Either one
• March Madness Basketball Family Night: We all dressed in our favorite team colors (yes, we know they didn't make the dance but are still our favorites).  After a hot dog supper, we made a basketball man and Dad read us a book.  Next, was pin the tail on the mascot and the grand prize game (remember the bozo show?).  Finally, we needed a snack and had a basketball rice krispie treat along with popcorn
• Everyone was exhausted after family night (especially since we didn't start until 7) and went quickly to bed without a fuss

Dennie Kids: March 16, 2010

Highlights from today: (click here for pictures)

• A school morning where everyone was up, dressed, happy and calm before 7:30 (all wearing their St. Patrick's Day shirts)
• Dad asking Graham if he was going to fuss when he dropped him off and he replied "uh huh"-and he did
• Anderson having green kool-aid and making a shamrock picture.  When he saw Mom this afternoon he ran out of the class to give her a hug-he later said that was his favorite part of the day
• Reagan being proud of herself that she went to the office today-but no she wasn't in trouble, just running an errand for her teacher
• Campbell hanging with Nonna all day long and even getting a bath
• Everyone playing outside at "Nonna's swingset" (actually her neighbors) until Mom said it was time to go home
• Reading stories and a few movies before Dad came home
• Opening a big package from houseparty.com – Mom is throwing a Ziplock party. Ever head of one?  Lots of goodies were in the big box.
• Mom propping up Campbell's bottle while she was getting supper ready-bad move on Mom's part since this caused Campbell to need a bath, the floor to need mopping and the swing needing to be washed and then Mom had to calm Anderson down since he was afraid she was sick.  Mom learned that she must always burp the baby!
• St. Patrick's Day Family Night-We started the night by taking our family picture, playing a green matching game and making green milk.  Mom had made green spaghetti with meatballs and Reagan was so excited about it but the boys didn't really seem to care.  Next Dad read The Night Before St. Patrick's Day book while Mom hid some shamrocks for the scavenger hunt.  After putting on pajamas, the kids took off on the scavenger hung following clues to fine the leprechaun who was holding some "green gold" (money) for every one.  Reagan and Anderson loved the scavenger hunt and Graham followed close behind them even though he had not a clue about what was happening.  After the hunt, we ate the green cookies that we had made
• Everyone going to bed while Mom was washing today's green clothes to wear tomorrow.  On school nights, everyone sleeps well and hardly ever calls Mom and Dad upstairs.

Dennie Kids: January 29, 2010

Highlights from today: (click here for pictures)

• A winter weathery morning-not much going on.  Everyone laying in Mom's bed and then most of the crew moving to Anderson's bed while the rest played in his room
• Breakfast-toaster strudels, cereal, a banana and breakfast burrito-seems like just about everyone had something different
• Baths for everyone-Dad decided that the tub has become too small for three so two tubs were used today-until Graham used the restroom in the bath that him and Reagan were in.  Mom has never seen Reagan get out of the bath so quick.  So three Dennies still ended up in one tub while Campbell bathed in the sink
• Taking Graham's 18 month pictures-can't believe he is 18 months old.  He is so smart and will do almost anything we ask.  If he can only stop that screaming!
• Helping Mom make cupcakes before lunch-we did all settle on sandwiches for lunch
• Lots of playing this afternoon while Dad escaped the house for a little bit-he had to go and buy the necessities (lots of diet coke, chips, salsa and a toy that Mom saw on sale yesterday-it will be for next Christmas)
• Naps for everyone-even Mom and Dad took one!  Mom and Campbell had to start waking everyone up at 5
• Graham, Reagan, Anderson and Dad playing outside in the sleet for a bit-Dad and Graham called it quits early since they were cold.  Campbell was eating so her and Mom watched from the window
• Dad's spaghetti for supper and then starting our "Snow Family Night"-earlier in the day we had hung our snowflakes around the house go get us in the mood
• Playing a few snow games-pin the nose on the snowman and a snowball race.  Then we decorated snowman cupcakes
• The most memorable family night that we have had was movie night so once Mom said tonight was family night-they started talking about the movie we would watch.  Since a snuggling up watching a movie seems like a "snowy" thing to do, Dad set up the projector and we all watched a movie to end the evening (we even had more "snow" activities to do but may just finish them tomorrow)
• Anderson's cough is almost gone but now Graham is feeling a little under the weather tonight-a little bit of fever with an upset stomach but he is sleeping fine now

Dennie Kids: December 31, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for pictures) & (click here for Campbell's New Year pictures)

• 2005 New Years Eve - click here
• 2006 New Years Eve – click here
• 2008 New Years Eve – click here

• Campbell eating last night around 2 with M
  
  
  
  om, 6 with Dad and 7 with Mom.  Mom heard her fussing but thought Dad had fed her earlier and not just a few minutes before.  Not surprisingly, she wasn't that hungry and since she was wide awake and it was really morning time Mom let her lay in the floor
  
• Everyone sleeping until after 8:30-what a wonderful morning.  Graham woke up next and laid in bed with Mom and Dad until he heard Reagan and Anderson stirring
• Meeting Nonna and Pops at Krispy Kreme-Reagan and Anderson had basketball donuts (or really just the icing off of the top) while Campbell snoozed away and Graham ate at least 3 donuts
• Reagan and Anderson going shopping with Nonna and Pops-they went to the mall, had a pretzel, sprite and cookie and even bought gifts for Campbell there (gifts which they have claimed as their own), then they made a quick run to Target to look at toys and then brought lunch home from McDonalds
• While Reagan and Anderson were shopping, Mom, Dad, Graham and Campbell ran quite a few errands and made it home just in time for the others to get there
• Everyone playing for a few minutes before naptime-Anderson woke up first and watched football with Dad
• Supper at Chili's to celebrate New Year's Eve-there isn't a much of a wait at 5 and everyone did great during our first official dinner out to eat as a family of 6
• Coming home to color our 2010 glasses to wear, take a few pictures, eat a popsicle and make our resolutions (keep reading for the list)
• Graham begging to go to bed and Mom holding Campbell until she fell asleep (and yes, she is wearing the same clothes as yesterday-she is happy in them!).  Reagan and Anderson watching a few movies before bedtime
• The Dennie family resolutions for 2010:
  


• Robby: lose 30 pounds, read 6 books and fix the front flower beds
• Tara: exercise 3x a week, read to the kids everyday and cook a meal every other week
• Reagan: learn how to read so I can read to Graham, Anderson and Campbell, play games and draw more pictures
• Anderson: go bowling, go to a fire station and make a snowman
• Graham: stop screaming, talk more and fly on an airplane (again)
• Campbell: learn to eat cereal, see lots of states and have a 1st birthday party

Dennie Kids: November 17, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for pictures)

• School day around here-Graham woke up first, then Reagan and Anderson and then Mom!
• Dad getting everyone ready and breakfast this morning since Mom was moving slow 
• Seeing 4 buses, a crane and 2 dump trucks on the way to school.  Graham helps us find buses too now by pointing and grunting at them.  Mom and Dad leave at the same time and Anderson gets very upset if Dad gets too far ahead of us-so Mom has to speed to catch up with him
• Graham reaching for Ms. Clarice this morning but still wasn't happy with it, Anderson telling his teacher that he was thankful for "trucks" and then he did add his family.  Also, Anderson wore his big boy underwear all day today at school
  
• Reagan's teacher asked where she was on Thursday and Reagan replied that we had gone to "California".  Ms. Amy asked if we flew and Reagan said no.  So Reagan's teacher guessed that we had drove for 3 days, spent a day there and drove home for 3 more days.  Mom was just glad that Reagan talked to her teacher today!
• A quick trip to Bed Bath and Beyond on the way home and then unloading a van full of stuff-bags, coats, lunch boxes, mail, Christmas presents-it takes Mom almost an hour to unpack from the day!
• A nap for Graham while Reagan and Anderson worked on preparing our movie night!
• Dennie Family Movie Night was tonight.  We had a sign listing the prices of the tickets, nachos, popcorn, drinks and candy.  They kids wore concession stand hats and Rob pulled out the projector to show a huge Mickey Mouse movie on the wall.  We had practiced selling and buying tickets and food all afternoon and they were wired when Dad finally came home.  Reagan was all into it and worried about using the right money and doing everything right.  Anderson could have cared less but did get excited about buying his own food.  
• When it was time to open the concession stand, the rush all hit at once but Reagan managed fine!  Reagan and Anderson shared a blanket and didn't move throughout the movie except to get more food-nachos, popcorn, coke and lots and lots of candy (Mom made sure everyone had plenty of money for candy).  Graham sat in his seat for an hour eating watching the movie-some parts may have been scary for him since he covered his eyes (actually playing peek a boo with Mom).  
• After the movie it was late and the crowd headed home to bed!
  

Dennie Kids: October 17, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for pictures)

•  A lazy Saturday morning since everyone stayed in bed (Mom and Dad's bed) until after 8
• Pancakes at McDonalds and then an errand to Best Buy-where the kids had a blast playing
• More playtime for Reagan and Anderson at home while Graham napped and Mom and Dad finally worked on our trip pictures
• Pizza for a late lunch and then watching the ballgame until naptime
• Reagan helping Mom cut out some stars and then everyone found out that tonight was Family Night and we were going to camp (inside)
• Everyone put on their warm and cozy pajamas and then had hot dogs by the light of the lanterns while camping music/noises played in the background.  After supper, we headed outside to look at the stars.  Homemade s'mores were next on the agenda-Anderson would eat one bite of each marshmallows, Reagan likes her s'mores but not with crackers or chocolate and Graham wanted a whole marshmallow but Mom would only give him bites.  We then sang a few rounds of Twinkle, Twinkle under the stars we hung in the den.  Finally, we laid out our sleeping bags and maybe everyone will soon go to sleep (now, Graham is dancing, Anderson has a sleeping bag in his head and Reagan is hoping over pillows)
  

Dennie Kids: September 28, 2009

Highlights from today: (click here for pictures)

• After waking up early during the weekend, everyone sleeping until well after 7
• Graham being very fussy this morning-very fussy!
• Reagan and Anderson playing downstairs while Mom worked upstairs
• A long morning nap for Graham-it was an early nap too!
• Reagan starting work on our rainbow family night-she picked out our clothes to wear: Mom-red, Anderson-orange, Dad-yellow, Graham-green and Reagan-purple
  
• Dad coming home from lunch and Anderson noticing that he didn't stop at the stop sign when he left-so we spent the next 30 minutes watching to make sure that the cars stopped at the stop sign
• Everyone working on making the rainbow cake-complete with red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple cake inside. This was quite a mess but they loved sampling it-yes, it had raw eggs in it (we live on the edge at the Dennie house)
• Afternoon naps for everyone-including Mom!
• Back to work on rainbow night after we woke up-we had to make our sign and decorate the driveway with rainbows
• Dad coming home and starting rainbow night
• Our first official "family night" was rainbow night. The kids were so excited and sang "rainbow night, rainbow night" over and over all afternoon long. Reagan had planned our clothes so we would all look like rainbows. We had worked on the cake and Mom had even added a rainbow on top to complete the rainbow theme. Anderson enjoyed supervising making the sign and Reagan took it so seriously-placing each square just where it belonged. The driveway was even decorated with rainbows made of chalk. Reagan and Anderson sat the table with our rainbow cups, plates, napkins and spoons. Supper was even shaped like a rainbow. After eating our supper and dessert, we started playing our game: a rainbow scavenger hunt. Reagan and Anderson were so into finding toys with each of the rainbow colors. Reagan could have played forever but Anderson was easily distracted after the first game. And Graham just sat in the living room and played with all of the toys they brought him. It was a good "rainbow night" and the kids had a blast
• Next we viewed our pictures on the tv and then changed into our pajamas
• Afterwards, Graham headed to bed and Reagan and Anderson watched a movie...or two!