(click here for today's pictures)
(Click here for a quick video from news of Sully's golf tourney - Campbell makes an appearance at the 1:01 mark)
- Campbell came into our room around 5 last night saying that she was having a bad dream (probably just missed Reagan) so I pulled the blankets out from under our bed. She fell quickly asleep but did finally climb into our bed around 7.
- We didn't really have too much scheduled this morning other than a list of chores to do when Pops text about a golf tournament at Golf World. Robby hadn't heard about it this year but since we have been in the past, we thought that we might as well load up and go.
- Reagan had spent the night at the neighbors' house and even slept all night long in a tent. She said that they were not hot as we thought they would be but instead they were chilly all night long. She was pretty sure that they stayed up until 2 so I was quite surprised that they were awake and had already eaten a breakfast of French toast when I wrote to send her home in a bit.
- The golf tournament had cokes and doughnuts when we arrived so we had ourselves breakfast there and then everyone grabbed a huge bottle of coke to carry with them on the course. This year Whitman was not in a stroller which added some excitement to our round of golf but for the most part, Keaton and him could be found sitting under a bush in the shade drinking their drinks. It was just hot out there-the hottest day of the year so far and those 2 little kids were burning up.
- Campbell was quite the player and even scored 2 holes in one right in a row. The boys were pretty serious about their golf game-Anderson even wore a glove to help with his swing. Reagan wasn't so into her game of golf but she still had a good time. Our family top scorer (other than Robby) was Anderson, followed by Reagan, then Graham, then Campbell, Keaton and Whitman (Keaton and Whitman didn't really finish the last half of the course since they were under the bushes so they were just given scores of 5 across the board.)
- After our round of golf, we found the shade and had another coke along with some hot dogs (minus the buns since they had run out) and possibly another doughnut or two. Then it was award time. We won 4 door prizes-2 gift cards to one restaurant, 1 gift card for another restaurant and a gift card for a sports store. Then Keaton and Robby won 3rd place in her age range-she won 2 rounds of putt putt. Since Keaton and Campbell were in the same age range, Campbell was also a winner. Campbell won first place which was 6 rounds of golf and a huge trophy.
- We came home after the awards and worked on cleaning up the car, straightening the house and packing everyone up. My Keaton and Campbell had actually packed their bag early this morning-Keaton' had not even been downstairs yet. Seriously, I was pretty shocked-they even packed their Sunday clothes and 2 pairs of underwear. My Graham becomes irate when I tell him to pack two pairs of underwear each time he spends the night somewhere. I try to explain to him that he never knows what is going to happen but nope, he thinks this idea is some crazy mom thing that I have imagined and now make the kids do.
- Near 3, we loaded everyone up and headed to Dana's house. She offered to keep all of my Dennie kids for the night and I certainly had no reason to turn her down! Their first activity was swimming and supper at the pool.
- Robby and I had ourselves a big night out-Home Depot, Michaels, the grocery store and then we ran home for a bit before picking up the Wilsons. We went to eat in Conway at Tacos for Life and since we were going to be in the car for a bit, I packed some hummus for us to eat on the way and Shannon brought some cokes to drink.
- We ate and then walked around a bit at Home Depot (what old married folks do) and then drove back to the big city. We decided that we needed dessert so we stopped at Cantina Laredo for their delicious apple pie dessert.
- Tomorrow Robby and I will have to move pretty quickly in the morning-pick up the kids and then hurry to church so we can buy our verse!
(click here for today's pictures)
- After our late night last night, we had told the kids that they needed to stay in bed until 8 this morning. Some listened, some didn't but everyone was quiet so that was really all that mattered. Campbell did climb in bed with us this morning and stayed for quite a while and the boys were playing their kindles. Whitman now wakes up, climbs out of his bed and then knocks on his door until we come and let him out. Then finally Keaton and Reagan were the last ones to wake up.
- We had our breakfast and the morning stared off a bit rocky for the boys. They had to start on their school work before breakfast and then were even sent back to bed before we had even been awake for an hour!
- Once things were calm, we were able to work on our science (yep, still trying to finish it) and then we had about 10 minutes to work around the house before we hopped in the car to meet the Heltz' as the pool.
- The kids enjoyed swimming and Keaton is getting much better at her swimming-which means that I have to be in the pool constantly. Whitman has been listening to me tell Keaton "put your head under" and now he will swim some with his head under the water.
- We stayed at the pool for 3 hours which made the kids happy and me tired! Once we came home, everyone helped me unload the car and then they quickly saw the neighbors outside and were off on their bikes. Reagan did come in so she could pack her bags and wrap her present-she spent the night at the neighbor's house to celebrate Hannah's birthday.
- They all played outside until it was time for my crew to come in and clean up before we headed out for the evening. Our first stop was to drop Whitman off at Grannymom's house and then the rest of us went to eat pizza.
- The main event of our evening was the Little Rock Rangers soccer game. The kids were given tickets at soccer camp and since we had never seen a soccer game, we decided to go. It was at War Memorial-we parked nearby and quickly found a spot to watch the game. The crowd was excited and knew what was going on (we really did not) but there was plenty of room to move around and since we were in the shade, it was really nice.
- We sat fairly close and the players were close enough that the goalie motioned to Anderson when Anderson cheered him on. It was a fun evening and we might just go back to another soccer game sometime.
- The game ended in a tie but the kids were thrilled when Robby bought the kids icees from a gas station as we walked back to our car. Then it was on to pick up Whitman who wasn't too ready to go home with us. Once at home, the kids had quick, quick showers and then it was time for bed for all of the Dennie crew.
(click here for today's pictures)
- We heard those dreaded words last night so up the stairs we both went. Robby took care of Anderson while I cleaned up after him. As the poor boy was being sick, I asked where he first threw up, since I couldn't immediately find it, and he replied that it was on his library book. So forget the kid, I ran to the book since I can't owe the library for 2 books! But as Anderson was continuing to be sick, he said during a break, "I'll miss the tournament."
- I had already decided then that if he wasn't sick again and felt like it, we would send him on to the last day of soccer camp. But he was sick again so I finally went to sleep feeling pretty bummed. When it was wake up time, we quietly woke everyone else up and started getting them ready. Reagan said that Anderson could have her ticket to Friday's game because she knew that she would be at a friend's house for the night. She even tried to convince me to let him come-she didn't have to do much convincing because Robby was in the other room talking to Anderson and I had already decided that we would take him later if he felt better.
- When Robby did ask Anderson if he wanted to ride to take everyone else to camp, he jumped up and hopped up the steps to change. Then when he was putting on his shoes, he put on his cleats "just in case he felt like staying." I was so glad when Robby came home without him-he felt well enough to stay and had himself a blast on the last day of camp.
- On the way to camp, Robby picked up Keaton who had spent the night at Nonna and Pops' house. The kids so enjoyed soccer camp this week and all said that they wished it was longer. Anderson's favorite was the coaches, Graham's favorite was soccer, Reagan's favorite part was the tournament, Keaton liked the Gatorade and Campbell's favorite was all of the snacks.
- Whitman relished this last day of quietness and he was even able to spend it at home alone (except for Robby and I). He spent some of the morning watching tv and then moved on to playing trains upstairs. I think that he could have stayed upstairs playing trains for another hour or two but a bit after noon, it was time for us to leave to pick up our soccer players.
- I arrived just as they were passing out certificates, medals, tickets to two soccer games, t shirts and popsicles. In the back, I saw Keaton sitting with Reagan and all of her friends. Reagan later told me that Keaton had saved her a seat so they could sit together at lunch. I then quickly found Anderson sitting by his friends and I never found where Graham and Campbell were sitting but I did see them.
- Campbell did hurry over to Keaton and say "look, Mom is here." She almost seemed panicked like they better hurry over to the car or I might leave them. I was only about 3 feet away during all of this and assured her that I was there and we weren't leaving yet. Reagan, Graham and Keaton were all on team USA today and their group won the tournament which was cause for much celebration.
- I had drinks for the kids in the car and then we stopped at Nonna's house so the kids could change into their bathing suits. Then it was on to the pool and the Wilson's met us. The kids all had a good time playing
- Keaton is really improving swimming and possibly I was watching her too carefully and not watching Whitman...because at one point, I looked up and he was pouring a water bottle on a ladies head. Yep! I died! I quickly got myself over there while profusely apologizing but the lady said that she had been doing it to him and she was playing with him and her 3 sons. Either way, I still scooped my kid up and hauled him back to the other side of the pool.
- A bit later, I saw that boy again. This time, he was pushing a boat near the side of the pool. One man was sitting on the side so his legs were in the pool but my Whitman just went right under the man's legs. I do believe that he has never met a stranger.
- After pool time, we came home and the kids played outside while Robby and I cleaned out all of the freezers (2 from the fridges and the deep freeze). Unfortunately, we didn't find anything exciting in there but things do look nice now. Then we used an assortment of frozen items to make our supper. The kids were inside just long enough to scarf the meal down and then ran back out to play.
- Soon they all came in and we watched a bit of tv and Robby then told everyone to clean up and brush their teeth since it was 9:00 pm. Just then his phone dinged and he had a text-the Wilsons' asking to go to get shakes. Well, the kids could hardly contain their excitement and off we went.
- We did enjoy our shakes and managed to stay out until almost 11. Robby tried to urge the kids to stay in bed until 8 in the morning but I doubt that will happen.
- We probably should have gone to bed when the kids did but the towels in the dryer still weren't drying so that led Robby outside to clean out the dryer vent. Our vent is very long and without the proper tools it proved to be quite a challenge. I held the flashlight while he worked for a long time outside. Then he came inside and worked from that side-he did briefly get his arm stuck in the pipe and said that he was seconds from having a panic attack. His arm was still a bit red when I heard the story! But within minutes our towels were dry and all seems well with the dryer.
(click here for today's pictures)
- My soccer crew moved a bit slower this morning but they were still excited about going. Once everyone was awake, they all get ready and then put their clothes on. We did have a few chores but once they were finished, it was time to head to camp.
- Today Robby dropped everyone off while Whitman and I ran a few errands. We went to 2 Goodwill stores (bought black shoes for me and a sweatshirt), Michaels (to spend my birthday money-just ended up buying Christmas presents), Home Depot (buying wood for a craft project), the library (to return books) and then to see Beebee (who was happy to see us but did say that Whitman's hair looked terrible-we left soon after :)
- That was a lot of shopping for me and ti was especially a lot of shopping for Whitman. At one point, when we pulled into a parking lot, he told me, "just go in by yourself." Another time, he started chanting "go to the house, go to the house." I don't think that he will be joining me for another shopping trip soon.
- We did arrive a bit early to pick up the kids today. They all hurried to the car and were so excited about their day. Really there is nothing I like better than hearing all of them trying to tell me story after story about the day...all at the same time. They all had a blast and can not wait to go back tomorrow.
- On the way home, we picked up Sonic lemonades since they were on sale today (disappointed with those) and then Keaton headed to Nonna's house. We all watched all of the excitement at their house-people cutting logs, city workers picking up stuff. Keaton was thrilled to see us leave and I think that she even had supper at David's Burgers tonight.
- Once we came home, I unloaded the car and then...well, that is pretty much all we did this afternoon. The kids vegged out for a while because they were certainly exhausted. I did a bit of work to get school ready for the fall. Then Campbell helped me make supper for everyone-she is quite the spaghetti maker.
- When Robby arrived home, we ate supper and then we all headed outside. The boys played basketball and broom ball while Reagan drew a chalk masterpiece on the driveway. Campbell rode her bike in front of the neighbors house until they came outside. Then all of the kids played together while Robby mowed and I worked on my craft project.
- Then it was shower time along with dessert and bedtime for all of my soccer players and my littlest shopping.
(click here for today's pictures)
- Today was soccer camp for my kiddos and they were up early and ready to start their day. Keaton did sneak into our bed and tried her best to get both of us to stay a bit longer. We had breakfast and then it was off to Raymar.
- Whitman left with Robby to go to Grannymom's house for the day. Whitman would go anywhere with Robby as long as they get to go in the red van. Tonight Robby asked if Whitman wanted to go to work with him tomorrow and he said he sure did-he just wants to ride in that van!
- I arrived at Raymar and the kids were so excited to join the others. Before dropping them off, I sprayed them down with sunscreen hoping that it would last all day long. Robby is the one who picked them up and he said that they all had a great time. They told him all about the day-snacks, prizes, games (even a spelling bee), soccer drills and chick fil a sandwiches. Everyone wasn't tired at all when Robby arrived to pick them up but they were ready for a huge slushy!
- Nonna and I had spent the morning on a shopping trip. I was able to find quite a few items for my belated birthday shopping trip and we were even able to have lunch out before Robby met me back at Nonna's house with the kids.
- From there, we went to Grannymom's house to pick up Whitman. He had spent the morning with Grannymom and even did some grocery shopping and ice cream eating. He was already wearing his bathing suit and was ready to go when we arrived.
- We then swam for about 2 hours-Keaton has picked back up how to swim with out her floatees so that is a good thing (except now, she only wants for me to be in the pool with her so she can swim back and forth to me and the steps-only problem is that the pool is still very cool for me.) We kept all of our teeth today while swimming so that was a good thing and when we were finished, we hurried home.
- Robby was ready to take Anderson to his soccer party at Larry's pizza-there were only 2 other kids there but Anderson didn't care. He still had lots of fun and Robby and him enjoyed a good meal. The other kiddos were just handed a hot dog as they ran around the house. The neighbors were outside so that means that all of my kiddos were too.
- Neighbor man was washing his truck and spraying the kids as they rode near by. All of the other kids would ride through the mist but Campbell would just stop in the water until she was soaking wet. At some point, Keaton was sprayed at about the same time that Reagan plowed into her and knocked her down.
- Graham was at the door, hollering for me saying "we have an accident, not like last time though." So to the garage I went to find Keaton sobbing and soaking wet. I was telling her that she was ok and could get dry clothes when the poor neighbor man walked up holding Keaton's bike. He felt horrible and was so apologetic even though I tried my best to reassure him that she was fine and just tired. After Keaton's shower, she went back outside but trust me, she is staying far away from neighbor man.
- Anderson and Robby came home and everyone that had not showered, had their shower and then we watched a short movie while I cut out stuff for VBS. Then it was bedtime-my kiddos were tired, tired from this busy day and tomorrow is just as busy!
(click here for today's pictures)
- Anderson and I again woke up early this morning for today's dentist appointment. Anderson was a bit nervous before this one and was pretty worried about getting a shot before any dental work. I assured him that it would be fine and thankfully he did not have to have a shot at all. When his work was finished, Jolley said that Anderson was a perfect patient.
- The dentist did warn me that the filling wouldn't last forever and that boys would be boys. But it sure did look good and was great to have Anderson's old smile back. Too bad that old smile only lasted for about 8 hours! This afternoon Anderson was diving into the pool and when he came up, he was shouting "my tooth, my tooth." Yep, the large chunk of his new filling came right out! I guess it is a good thing that Anderson is such a good dental patient-because he will get to do it all again. (All of his sensitive nerves are covered so it doesn't bother him at all but now it is just the hassle.)
- While Anderson and I were at the dentist, Nonna and Pops came over and cooked up some wonderful pancakes. The kids enjoyed them and ate just about every single one of them-they only left me one for my breakfast. After breakfast, Whitman and Pops cuddled up on the couch and watched some Thomas the Train. Nonna played a few games with the kids and even made a craft with the girls.
- Once they left, we started on our school work for the day. We worked on our science for a little bit (I am beginning to think that we will never finish it!) Once that was finished, we all started on lunch and chores. After eating, Reagan helped everyone make pudding and top it with oreos and gummy worms.
- We then had few minutes to work on our chores before we loaded up for the swimming pool. On the way, we stopped by a car wash-the kids all love a car wash and they especially loved the lollipops that we were handed before we went through. Anderson didn't let Whitman have his because he urged Whitman to be a big boy which he was.
- Then it was on to the pool-the Kamps and Crafts were there and so will Lilli. A whole lot of other people were there too so all the kids had someone to play with. Things went swimmingly well until the end when Anderson's tooth did come out, Reagan's goggles were left at the bottom of the pool after we all had to get out and she would not ask to jump in and get them (her brother had to ask for her) and then we couldn't find Lilli's goggles anywhere.
- All of this faded when we arrived home and Robby had supper prepared for us. We all ate and then the kids headed outside to play. We had almost decided that the neighbors weren't going to come outside at all but eventually they did so all of my kiddos went right outside (except Anderson, who has not yet gotten back on his bike)
- At dark, we called everyone in and soon all of my kiddos were in bed-tomorrow is soccer day camp!
(click here for today's pictures)
- Whitman was the first one up and knocked continuously on his door until I went to let him out. When I was about to open the door, I asked "who is it?" He quickly replied, "Momma, let me out of here." Then he told me to get out of that (my bed) and that it is was wake up time.
- Robby helped put his clothes on him and soon Graham was asking me which set of clothes were his. By this time, I was in the shower and when he asked, I said "Graham is green" meaning that he had the green shirt. This must have confused him greatly because he would repeat it back to me, asking "I am green?" I was already finished with my shower when the boy finally understood that yes, he was supposed to put on the green shirt.
- Robby fed everyone and soon we were all rushing to the car. Robby had to be at church a few minutes early to practice for the Lord's Supper. Because of this, he was also wearing a coat and this caused all kinds of confusion with the kids since they have not seen him wear a coat in years.
- Since Robby was sitting elsewhere serving the Lord's Supper, I was alone with the kids during church. Things were going splendidly until the end-I had to separate Graham and Campbell and briefly thought of sending them out for their father to deal with. I wonder if the sweet old ladies behind me could hear me reprimanding my kids during the last few songs.
- Lunch was at Nonna's house-sandwiches which we all loved. Then the kids played Wheel of Fortune (their new game from Savers) until it was time to head home. Once at home, Robby ran off to help move a fridge for a friend. I had just laid down on the floor to rest when the kids turned on an interesting tv show so I moved to the couch to watch some of it.
- Once Robby returned, I just had a bit of time before I had to leave for a meeting at church. While I was meeting, Robby and the kids went down the road to swim at a friend's house. We had been wanting to go and see their house since they are handy and have redone practically all of the inside of their home.
- After the kids swam for an hour or so and we were given the tour of their entire home, we headed home. The Wilsons came over for hamburgers and the fixings. The kids all enjoyed playing but I do think that they enjoyed the popcorn and then ice cream much more than anything else this evening-I do know that the grownups enjoyed the ice cream.
- Once the Wilson's left, we picked up and the kids went to bed and it was so late that we didn't even have ourselves another bowl of ice cream before we went to bed.
