- Today was the last day of VBS-I am pretty glad that they aren't doing it on Friday also. That would have just pushed a lot of people over the edge. Today's snack was a cookie which wasn't as good as yesterday's scones, but you take what you can get.
- Whitman was pretty tired this morning-so tired that he didn't put on any underwear. Poor Robby tore up his hotel room looking for Whitman's undies. He never found them so I would have to assume that he did neglect to put them on.
- After VBS this morning, Robby swung by the church to help me take down my tent and haul it to the car. That was a huge help because that thing is heavy. Our room was decorated so cute, but all day today we were gradually taking things down. By the time that last class came, it looked pretty sad!
- Once at home, I unloaded by VBS stuff while Robby loaded up his ice chest and then the car. After a dentist appointment for Robby and his work finished, the boys pulled out for their trip to Omaha. They were all pretty excited, but I also think that my big boys weren't too sure about leaving the rest of us. They know it means extra work for them!
- Robby said that Whitman was sound asleep by Mayflower. He snoozed for a long time and woke up and asked "So, what's everyone doing?" They did stop once on the way for a bathroom/ice cream stop. Then it was on to Silver Dollar City.
- Robby said that this was the perfect time to go to SDC because the crowds were pouring out as they were going in. They were able to ride a few rides but focused mainly on the wet rides that we rarely let the kids do. They were all soaked!
- Meanwhile, when they left I loaded up and took my girls to the pool. The water is still chilly and the breeze was so cool that I almost needed a blanket out there. The girls swam very little since it was so chilly. I thought about coming home early since they really weren't swimming, but my chair was nice and there was no laundry to fold at the pool.
- Once back at home though, I kicked it up in high gear-folded my laundry, made a face mask, made breakfast burritos, cleaned the kitchen and emptied the dishwasher. Then it was time to run out the door for VBS family night.
- They had hot dogs and hamburgers at Raymar, but even more fun was the water inflatables that they had for the kids to play on. Campbell and Keaton had a great time and were soaked! Now, Reagan didn't get wet, but she disappeared with her friends playing ball. She was even disappointed that the soccer goals were not out so I am not really sure that type of ball they were playing.
- We stayed until it was over-actually, we stayed longer than that! The girls were playing and I was chatting, so there was no hurry. Once at home, the girls had their showers and then we worked a long time on straightening upstairs. I cleaned up the boys room while they worked on their room. I am not sure who's room was the messiest, but both look a bit better now.
- VBS day 184-or maybe just 3. Gracious me. VBS stresses me out or possibly makes me need a nap! This morning we divided and conquered with Graham, Campbell and Keaton heading to swim team practice at 7:40 while the rest of left for church at 8.
- The water was so chilly at practice that they finished a bit earlier than usual. That was fine since the kids were rushing to VBS. They did have time to run into Grannymom's house to change their clothes and then to church they went. Robby even bought them a Sonic drink which made them all happy.
- Reagan was a bit stressed because we didn't get to church at 8:15. Her paper told her to get there at 8:15 and it was 8:18 when we pulled up into the parking lot. Ha! Now, the parking lot was practically empty since folks are arriving later and later each day.
- After VBS we headed home for a quick lunch. The kids had time to veg out while I ran around the house like a crazy woman. I usually have about the same number of steps each day but on days before trips (apparently, even trips that I am not going on) my number of steps doubles.
- At 2, we did load up to go to Gulpha Gorge in Hot Springs. We met Wallace, one of Whitman's little friends. It is a camp ground that has a shallow (mostly) stream that the kids were able to play in.
- It was lots of fun-everyone enjoyed wading around in the water. There was one deep area so we did put on the kids floaties. So then they could just have at it. Keaton on up though were able to go where ever they wanted to.
- I did realize that we do need to invest in some water shoes. Everyone made due with what they had-but Graham did take the shoes that I had planned to wear so I had to gingerly walk all over the rock with my bare feet.
- There was one rock that was even a slide so Campbell had lots of fun helping the littles down it. It was a really fun time and I am so glad that we went. There was a lot of traffic on the way home, so it took a bit longer than normal.
- When we made it home, Robby cut the boys hair and then I ran to Dana's to help with a Cricut project. Back at home, we heated up the last manicotti. I guess I need to make some more for the freezer. We did clean up a whole 9x13 pan-yikes! I remember when an 8x8 would feed us. I am sure the kids were hungry from their pretty busy day.
- After supper, there was lots more packing and loading of the van. Then it was soon bedtime for everyone around here. Tomorrow is crazy hair day so my girls are planning on waking up way too early!
- VBS day 2-my people moved a bit slower this morning, and it didn't help that we had to leave 15 minutes earlier today than yesterday. (Tomorrow some are going to swim team practice so they are going to leave even earlier!)
- Whitman was the slowest to wake up this morning. I brought him downstairs to lay in my bed and when Robby discovered him later, he was sound asleep again. Today was color day at VBS so everyone was wearing a specific color-we did find out that we don't have many yellow shirts around here.
- VBS flew by for me since I told the same story 5 times. I was only able to get one bite of my cinnamon roll each time before it was time for the next group to come in. Now, the adult snacks are the envy of the kids-Reagan was very excited this year to because since she is a worker, she is able to eat the adult snacks.
- After every thing was over, we headed to Nonna and Pops' house for lunch. Unfortunately, Nonna was getting her hair cut so she missed us. Pops had lunch ready for us all. He had everything ready, and it was a delicious lunch. The kids gobbled up a whole package of tortillas as they ate quesadilla after quesadilla.
- From there, we went to the pool for just 2 hours. Campbell was not pleased with me since we left after 2 hours. I have figured out that 2 hours is about all the big kids enjoy and after that they they get a bit bored.
- I didn't get in the pool because it was chilly, chilly today. Whitman always wants me to work with him swimming, but today I didn't feel too bad since he had a swim lesson tonight.
- Once at home, I unloaded and put things away and then sat down for a minute-which turned into 45. I was exhausted! Soon it was time for Whitman's lesson. He is doing fine but doesn't use his arms. I know he just needs more practice.
- Robby had supper, well breakfast, ready for us when we got home. It was delicious and we all gobbled it us. Afterwards, it was shower time for everyone.
- We had plenty of time to finish our Holes movie tonight. Whitman would run out of the room whenever the movie became intense. When the movie was over, it was soon bed time!
- This was the first morning of VBS, and everyone was super excited so we were up and leaving in plenty of time. Now tomorrow, we will have to be there around the time that we left this morning so maybe I should be going to bed right now.
- Anderson and Graham are in VBS and had a blast. I think that they enjoyed the nerf gun war they had during recreation. Campbell and Keaton are in the regular VBS and both had lots of fun. Whitman is in the preschool area and loved making his snack today. I'm working with the 4 year olds-today I didn't have to tell the story, so I had an easy day.
- Reagan wasn't there today because she was at her orthodontist appointment. Her braces came off! She had been worried that her teeth would be stained, and thankfully they are not. Her retainers are unlike anything I have ever seen and hopefully we don't loose them. She looks so grown up, even more so, with her braces off.
- After VBS, we ran to McDonalds before meeting all of our friends at Third Realm. Then we ran home for just a little bit, while I had time to work on a few things. Before long though, it was time to head to the pool.
- We met everyone back at the pool. The kids all had fun-so much fun that I am sure that they are exhausted tonight. The kids all swam quite a bit before the pool closed at 5. Graham stayed at home so he could watch the Hogs win their way to Omaha.
- On the way home, I made a quick trip to the Dollar Store. Once at home, we all headed outside to do a little yard work. The kids stayed outside most of the time, but they only worked for a little bit of the time. That was fine though since when it was time to work, they did.
- It was nearly 8 when we came inside. The kids had already started drifting in for their showers. We all ate supper on our own tonight-it is a bit nice that everyone can find their own suppers for the most part. Campbell even made Whitman supper.
- When we all made it in, we settled in the living room to watch the first half of the movie Holes. Whitman was the most excited to watch it after listening to the book on our trip. Afterwards, it was soon bedtime for the crew-and they must be pretty tired-VBS, Third Realm, the pool and yard work.
- Anderson and Graham were up at a decent time this morning. I had to work hard to wake up Whitman though. He was pretty tired, but thankfully he didn't complain too much about going to big church this morning.
- Everyone had their breakfast and soon we loaded up to leave for church. Towards the end of worship, we started singing a song that we had opened the service with-Whitman quickly caught it and asked why we were singing the same song again.
- After Sunday school, we headed to Grannymom's house for lunch. After eating, Dana had a craft project for us to work on. Campbell helped, and we painted a wreath and then stenciled a work on a board. Our didn't look as good as Danas's but it was still decent.
- I met my VBS buddy at church at 2:30 to work on our room. Reagan, Graham, Campbell and Keaton came with me to help decorate. They were pretty good help-some more than others. By the time that we had finished our room looked pretty swell.
- As we were walking out, we did stop to help decorate someone else's room for them. It would have taken them a while to tape and hang everything, but with us all working it was done in no time flat.
- Back at home, I snoozed while the Hogs lost and while the kids played the loudest game ever of Apples to Apples. I think that they just tried to yell during the entire game. It was fine though since they were having fun and it was soon time for us to head out to the next event.
- We picked up Grannymom and Grandpa and went to the Arkansas Wind Symphony Flag Day concert. It was outside at MacArthur park area. The kids played football and soccer before. Once the concert started, they enjoyed lots and lots of Blue Bell ice cream.
- During the concert, they were encouraging people to bid to conduct the orchestra later in the the year. This caught Whitman's attention and he said that he wanted to do this and be like Leo on his show. I even looked to see what the current bid was but unfortunately, at 225 it had passed our bid. Now, if he mentions this again-I might see if he can conduct the church orchestra. I am sure they would let that happen for a certain contribution.
- Back at home, the kids played with their remote control cars tonight-well, the boys did and the girls worked on their outfits for tomorrow. They can not wait for VBS to begin.
- Around 8, I was headed to swim practice with Keaton, Campbell and Graham. They are learning so much at swim and I super wish that Whitman was able to do it and that my 2 bigs would do it.
- Graham's group was further-est away from me so I wasn't able to see much of him practicing. I was able to see Campbell swimming. At one point, she passed 2 other people in her group. She is not super fast but is sure improving. I did see Keaton diving and she did super.
- As soon as swim was over, Robby met us with everyone else in the car. My crew changed while his crew jumped into my car. Then we headed off to Steve Sullivan's Father's Day golf event. We have been there 3 or 4 times and always win a few things. Today was no different.
- The kids all did pretty good playing putt putt today. Campbell did get in a bit of a hurry so she could be first at every hole. Graham and Anderson were in a heated competition over who could win. I was keeping score and was even surprised that Anderson barely squeaked out a win over his brother.
- By the time that we had finished playing our rounds of putt putt, we had won something with 5 of our 6 raffle tickets. One hundred and fifty dollars to Sports Stop and fifty dollars for Coltons. (I had 3 Coltons gift cards left over from last year that we hadn't spent yet.)
- The kids munched on leftover doughnuts as we waited for the trophys to be awarded. We were pretty sure that we didn't win any trophies. Robby didn't think that his score was low enough since his score and each child's score was added together.
- Whitman though sure wanted a trophy. I had already talked to him explaining that there were lots of boys and girls playing golf, and we probably wouldn't get a trophy today. He seemed fine with that. They announced the 4-6 year old boy winners starting with third and then second place. Those kids looked like they had it all together-much more together than Whitman who was quickly bored with putt putt and was made to finish a few holes. Low and behold though, the next thing I heard was "the winner of the boys 4-6 year olds is Whitman and Robby Dennie." If you could have seen the smile across Whitman's face. The boy was beaming!
- They called out all of the other ages and then finally finished with the 10-15 girls. Reagan had already eyed all of her competition and was laughingly saying that she was going to get a trophy. After the third and second place girls were called, Reagan said, "oh, I am going to be sad." She was still kidding, but they weren't kidding when they called out the winner of the 10-15 year old girls-Reagan and Robby. Later in the day, Reagan reminded us at supper that she had indeed won a golf tournament.
- We then took our winners and even our losers to the pool. We did pick up pizzas and ate at the pool. We just stayed there for 2 hours. Even though the water was cold, I did get in the water for a bit-I so want for Whitman to get the swimming thing down. Today after I finished working with him, he said, "I can't wait to go to swim practice with my real teacher."
- After the pool, we headed home for some more trampoline work. Everything was finished last night except for tying the net to the springs and attaching the pad around the trampoline. Net work took me probably an hour-basically you had a shoestring and had to weave it through two nets and the springs.
- While I was doing all of this, I would have to pause occasionally to let the kids jump. But I also needed to work quickly because before I started on the net, I was walking out to the trampoline and heard Whitman and then saw Anderson grab him so he didn't fall off. There is now no way for anyone to fall off-all secured.
- We then moved the trampoline just a little bit so we can see it better from the kitchen window. Afterwards, I had to work on the padding around the trampoline. That meant crawling around on the ground-thankfully I was able to stay away from the ants.
- When I had finished the kids jumped for a good while. Next was showers and then we went out to use our Colton's gift cards. The kids were super pumped when Robby said that they could order what they wanted-until he said that we still weren't getting cokes unless they came with the kid's meals.
- We splurged with steaks, chicken, potatoes and lots and lots of rolls. Robby even let the kids order a "premium" side which cost a dollar extra. Needless to say, the 125 dollars that we had of Colton's gift cards won't be enough for the fam to go back. Maybe Robby and I can squeeze out a meal on what is left.
- Once at home, the kids had a few minutes on their devices before bed. I currently have two loads of folded laundry in the floor of my room (one folded by me this afternoon and one folded by Robby tonight) along with a load in the dryer and one in the washer. I guess I will have time to fold some more tomorrow...or there is always Monday or Tuesday.
- Graham is always the first one up, but soon after he went down the stairs, I had to walk up them to get a sleeping Whitman. It was his turn to go and eat breakfast with Nonna and Pops. Keaton had spent the night over there, and she had helped decide that instead of going out, they would just eat breakfast at Nonna's house. This was fine with him since he really just wanted cheese and crackers and his ipad this morning.
- Pops came to get him and since I let him have his ipad, he was perfectly content to leave. Apparently, Nonna made them some incredibly yummy chocolate chip pancakes. After breakfast, they decided to play with playdoh. Since Nonna didn't have any of that, they made some homemade playdoh to play with.
- Meanwhile, back at the house not too much was happening. Reagan slept until noon so she missed all of the morning. Graham and Anderson did spend a lot of time playing some video game together in their bedroom. And lonely Campbell, she was missing Keaton and Whitman, spent her morning near me.
- I worked on laundry along with cutting out probably 40 vines made out of plastic tablecloths. The vines are for VBS next week and hopefully will make our room look like it is part of the jungle.
- Campbell and I also made a 12 inch cookie. I am still a bit bummed that we didn't buy the large ice cream cookie on our trip. Now, since that cookie was 100 bucks, I know that I can make one cheaper. So today, Campbell and I did a trial run.
- As you remember, my oven is acting fussy-a few days ago we used the oven thermometer and the best we could tell is that my oven was hot by 50 degrees. That is odd since my cookie today should have taken 13 minutes and cooked perfectly after 18 minutes. Who knows about the oven and my cooking skills (those are both to be determined). However, I do know that my cookie turned out perfectly. I will soon be making 6 more so I can have some ice cream sandwiches!
- Right around lunch time, the boys mentioned that they wanted to go to Third Realm-someone asking to leave the house and do something is rare, so I jumped on it. I loaded up everyone here except Reagan who was still sleeping and went to pick up Keaton and Whitman.
- They jumped for an hour before Anderson and Graham headed home with Robby since they didn't want to swim. So Whitman, Campbell and Keaton went to the pool with me-except it was closed for an hour.
- So we went to the store to pick up a few things. It all really did work out perfectly. When we came back to the pool, the kids were able to swim for an hour before we headed home. As we drove into the driveway, we quickly saw Robby and the boys working on the trampoline.
- We had always said that no way would we have a trampoline. Well, you start passing out allowances and soon the kids have enough money to buy what they want. Campbell, Keaton and Whitman bought themselves a trampoline.
- They ended up skipping basketball to work on the trampoline and still have some net work to do tomorrow. The girls and I soon headed to Laynie's birthday party-it was a skating party so they were super tired when the party was over.
- But they could not wait to get home to try out their new trampoline. I even jumped for a little bit before we all headed to the Wilsons for a little bit. The kids had some ice cream while the adults enjoyed a bit of pecan pie.
- Once we made it home, some folks still needed their showers so it was a pretty late night at the Dennie house and will be a pretty early morning too! My chalkboard in the kitchen right now say "Summertime and the living is easy." That is a lie-it should say "Summertime and the living is busy, busy and you won't get to sleep in at all!"
