- Graham was awake this morning and working on his math right after 7 this morning. It was new math, so I did have to help him which was easier than watching the video. I am always relieved when I know how to do their math. Honestly though I never remember doing any of this math in high school or college. I think that math has some how changed through the years.
- Soon I was upstairs waking everyone up to start their day. Reagan was the last to stumble down the steps, but she did make it in time for breakfast. The breakfast food of choice today was poptarts and granola bars.
- We soon did our reading, and then the kids started to work on their school work. Reagan again had a science experiment. It wasn't a grand or exciting experiment, but she did it by herself. We had also done a little experiment while we were working together. It involved M&Ms. I am not sure if anyone learned anything, but everyone enjoyed their little snack.
- Around noon, Anderson left with Robby to grab something to eat while the rest of us ate here. Soon we loaded up to leave for the afternoon. We stopped at Reagan's orthodontist because they were giving away free snow cones away to patients and their families. (Though the little at the desk didn't really want to give all of the kids tokens for a snow cone.)
- We had to wait a few minutes for our snow cones but I guess that they were worth the wait because the kids pretty much devoured them. Then we headed to the pool the meet our buddies. Soon Robby brought Anderson to meet up with us.
- The kids swam and played for about 2 and a half hours. Then we loaded up to head to Barnes and Noble. Everyone completed their summer reading program so they all received a free book. Whitman wasn't old enough, but he didn't seem to care at all. I love the book store, and unfortunately my kids only seem to love the toys at the bookstore.
- Afterwards, we ran by Dairy Queen for our weekly Blizzards. I think that the kids will miss the people that work there. There is even one lady that knows most of the kids names which means that we have been there way too much. On the way home, we finished one of our books on tape and then even listened to our Latin cd.
- The kids played outside some before coming in. I sat down on the couch and missed Robby cooking supper. As soon as everyone ate, the girls ran back outside to play while the boys started on their showers.
- Ice cream sandwiches were dessert tonight and shortly thereafter, it was bedtime for the crew. Whitman was so interested in his ipad that he refused to leave it for his dessert. That was fine with us! More for another day!
- I didn't wake up for the treadmill this morning, but I did still wake up before everyone else in the house. Graham did come down the stairs first and start right in on his school work. I had to wake everyone else up. I did feel a bit bad about this since they did go to bed late last night, but school was calling their names.
- I had intended for us to start our breakfast and lunch menu when we started on school. However, when I checked the list this morning, we were low on different kinds of cereal. Now we do have at least 10 boxes of Reagan and Graham's cereal, but that is about it. So I did let everyone grab their own breakfasts. Thankfully, no one opted for a time consuming smoothie or eggs.
- I read during breakfast and then we started our work together time. That time seemed to fly by today and soon we were on to their own work. I am still not reading with each child and doing spelling with them so next week (or whenever I start that), my school day will be a lot longer. But today, things went well, very well in fact.
- Graham had a pretty rough day yesterday, but today he was finished with his school probably by 10. After he finished his chores, he moved on to the xbox. At one point during the day, I wrote Robby about a few things and mentioned how well Graham did today. Graham had already text him to tell him. I think that he was pretty proud of himself.
- Whitman was the last one to finish school today. I was still helping him finish up after lunch. I am afraid that he is going to be like Anderson-just in no hurry to finish his work. Phonics is pretty hard for Whitman so that does take forever. It is just a lot of writing. Half of his school work is play so don't worry about me being a slave driver. His highlight today was making the letter E out of Legos.
- We ate our lunch and then worked on chores afterwards. This was the first day that we were able to get back together after lunch and do some more reading. My friend has read a book, which is on my library hold list, that says that if you read and read to your children, then they will learn more during that time than during anything else that they do all day. I kind of believe that so I am going to try to read more with the kids this year. We will see how that goes though!
- We had planned to go to the pool today, but none of our friends were going so we will just go tomorrow. So this afternoon was kind of slow. The boys played on their xbox ALL afternoon and pretty much all evening long. Reagan was on her Ipad the entire time too. We did try to get the neighbors to come outside but never heard from them.
- I headed to the library at some point during the afternoon. I asked if anyone wanted to go with me and Keaton was the only taker. I did assign chores for my kiddos staying here. The boys were happy that I asked them to organize the pants drawer so they could do that while on the Xbox. I haven't checked their work though but do plan on it next time I am upstairs.
- Keaton and I left right after 5. We dropped off something at Grannymom's house and then hurried to Chuck E Cheese. The preschool at church took all of the upcoming first graders to celebrate their promotion. The place now gives out a game card that is unlimited games for an hour. So that meant that Keaton and I worked hard and fast playing as many games as we could for an hour. She did get over 500 tickets.
- Meanwhile, everyone else had some pizza at home. Then Robby took Campbell, Graham and Whitman to the movies. Campbell had earned a movie a long time ago for something or another (it has indeed been that long that I have forgotten why we gave her a movie), Graham had a birthday gift card and Whitman, well, he just got to go even though he was probably terrified the entire time.
- Once everyone was home, the kids played some and Robby worked on our never ending ant problem. They are better but are still plaguing us. Hopefully, they will soon go away for good. And once again, we put the kids to bed probably a bit too late for a school night! But it is still summer after all.
- Campbell and Whitman were the first ones to wake up this morning. I was a bit surprised by this since Graham set his alarm for 7 sharp even though Anderson protested greatly last night. Campbell had already started on her school work while Whitman had his ipad and was hidden under a chair watching a movie. I am glad that he at least knows that he isn't supposed to have his ipad in the morning time.
- Soon it was 7:30 and I was waking all of my other sleepyheads up. Everyone came down, and we started on our breakfast. Everyone ate while I read, and then we moved to my room.
- My favorite part of the day is when we work together, and I pretty much read to everyone for an hour. Now tonight, Reagan did act like she didn't enjoy this time, but I really do think that the she does. Who wouldn't?
- We then started on school work which was a bit more difficult this week. The kids all added math to their list of things to work on. Reagan, Anderson and Graham had pretty much forgotten how to do their math, and I am actually a bit fuzzy on some of Reagan's math.
- Campbell and Keaton finished early and went to see Grannymom for a bit with Robby. The rest of us buckled down on school work. Now, Whitman is so happy just taking his sweet time during school. Last year, Keaton was gung ho and ready to quickly finish her work, but Whitman is completely opposite.
- Reagan did complete one of her science experiments today. She gathered the materials and went to work all by herself. I love that! I hope all of that continues. Independence is the goal. Her experiment used cabbage leaves which we bought. Now if anyone needs some leftover cabbage then let me know. I think that she used one leaf of the entire head of cabbage.
- After lunch, Graham and I started to work on organizing his basketball cards. Gracious, it was a bit more of a project that I had planned on. Once that was accomplished, I worked a bit on painting a sign. My machine was giving me a hard time so I took out the cutter piece to see if it was still sharp...yep, after cutting my finger pretty good, I determined that it was still very sharp!
- Robby and I made a pretty dandy supper tonight-pork chops, mashed potatoes, biscuits, corn, lima beans and edamame. The Wilson's even came over to help us eat the pork chops. We had to give them a disclaimer saying that we had never made pork chops before, but surprisingly they were pretty delicious.
- The Wilsons all stayed long enough for us to enjoy some ice cream, and then they headed home. My crew had spent quite a bit of time playing outside this afternoon so I am think that they were a bit tired. Campbell and Keaton didn't even eat until after 9.
- Once the Wilson's left the kids jumped in the showers. It was fairly late when the crew finally made it to bed. My dishes are still washing so I guess I will stay up a bit until they were finished!
- The boys were up early this morning. I think that Graham might have been a bit of excited about his birthday. When you have already had your birthday party, I think that birthdays are a bit anticlimactic. We did try not to make it so for Graham today though.
- After everyone was awake and dressed, we lit the candles and sang Happy Birthday to Graham. We had cinnamon rolls from Silver Dollar City as our breakfast this morning. I think it was a pretty great way to start his birthday.
- Church was next, and even though we arrived a bit late, they still had not started yet. We were able to see the grands and sit down before church started. When we greeted the guests, the lady behind us tried to shake Whitman's hand, but he refused telling her that his hands were sticky. I tried to tell him to just lick his hands clean, but after touching them, he could have never gotten those fingers clean. So we left church to quickly wash his hands. Afterwards, all was well and we were able to listen to the sermon (kind of).
- We had lunch this afternoon at Nonna and Pops' house. The had pork tenderloin along with Graham's much awaited birthday cake. Graham was happy to blow out his candles once again. The kids had a bit of time to play before we headed home. Graham and Campbell played a game of Battleship. Anderson worked on piecing together some of Jason's old Star Wars toys.
- This afternoon the kids spent quite a bit on their ipads while I had a wonderful afternoon nap. I started thinking about my nap this morning, and it could have only been more perfect if it had been raining.
- Reagan had her Bible study at church tonight. They painted a flower pot and planted basil. Meanwhile, we had a Sunday school teacher's meeting. Robby and I will be teaching Campbell's class next year. The meeting was fine, but the highlight was the Tazikis that they brought in for our supper.
- After most of our meeting was over, Robby ran home to pick up the kids. He gave them supper and then returned to pick up Reagan and me. Then we headed to Krispy Kreme. There were not a lot of choices, but everyone found something.
- We lit the candles and much to Graham's embarrassment, we semi-loudly sang Happy Birthday. We ate our doughnuts, and then headed home. The kids put on their pjs and then watched a bit of a Bates tv show before going to bed for the night. Day 5 of school starts tomorrow!
- Robby and I woke up in plenty of time this morning. We didn't hit up the hotel breakfast but instead we opted for doughnuts....except we didn't get any. We stood in a 10+ minute line waiting for our turn at the counter. When we made it, we asked about apple fritters to bring back for Tony. They were out. Then we asked about glazed doughnuts to bring back for the kids. They were out. So we left.
- That was fine, because we were soon at Sullivan's Mill in Silver Dollar City eating some of the very best cinnamon bread. We pretty much devoured it before heading to our cooking class.
- Today's class was about making focaccia bread. Now, I have eaten it (probably) but don't know anything about it. The bread was really good and seemed to be doable. They also made a veggie spread to go on top of the bread. It was chocked full of vegetables. Robby, nor I, ate much of that!
- I seriously had the best time at all of the cooking classes. Now, will ever make anything? Maybe the mango salsa, but that is probably all. It was just fun getting to do something that we normally wouldn't get to do.
- After the class, we hightailed it out of the park only stopping long enough to buy cinnamon rolls for the kids. Then it was on the road home. We did stop at Courseys and split a turkey sandwich. Robby did buy a piece of beef jerky, and it took him until almost the time we made it home to finish the chewy thing off.
- We did have to stop at Dollar General so as not to let a 5 dollar coupon go to waste. Then we left Sams with new Sams cards, free bananas, free cookies, free pizza and would have had free rotisserie chicken but they were out of that.
- After our speed shopping, we picked up the boys. They had a low key day with Anderson smoking everyone in Monopoly and then lunch at McDonalds. On the way home with them, we ran to Kroger to buy some of the Saturday specials.
- As we were unloading the car at home, Pops and Nonna brought home the girls. So everyone spent some time unpacking the bags and helping for a bit. Campbell, Keaton and Whitman were quick to go outside and play with the neighbors.
- Soon I called them in so we could head to the Wilson's house to eat supper. We all ate, and while the kids were playing upstairs, Robby fried some oreos for dessert. They were pretty good and much better than real oreos.
- We stayed out a bit too late since most folks needed showers. I think my Keaton and Campbell are the most glad that we are back home. It has been 4 years since Robby and I have been gone so I guess they aren't too used to us being the ones who are not at home!
- Robby and I were pretty lazy this morning and stayed in the bed for as long as we could. This no responsibility thing is kind of nice! (just for a bit though) We had our cooking class at Silver Dollar City at 11 so we left the motel around 10.
- It took us awhile to make it down the strip, but soon we were in the parking lot and huffing up the hill to the entrance. We made it in plenty of time and were soon in the line waiting for the class.
- This morning's class was about fruit salsa which the lady also canned. It was really interesting. We even had plenty of samples of the canned and fresh salsa to try. We actually enjoyed it so much that we signed up for the 2:00 class as well.
- After the class, Robby and I split some nachos and walked around some of the Silver Dollar City shops that we never get to go inside of. The next class was about canning pork posole. We had no idea that you could can meat so all of that class was interesting to us.
- I think that I would like to can something or another. I am just not so sure if I could do meat though. The instructor was really nice and must have felt pity on us with all of our questions because she gave me her phone number!
- Next up, we went back to the motel for a little bit. Robby napped and I read my book. Then it was to the Landing for supper at Joe's Crab Shack. We had to wait on our table but I bought a new water bottle lid for me while we waited. Then we split crab dip and a crab burger.
- Afterwards, we drove down the strip, to the other side actually, to eat a Beaver Tail. We split it also. They were pretty good though I had the apple and it was a bit heavy and messy. We took a shortcut back to the motel and were in our room in just minutes as compared to the hour it took us to get there.
- We have only heard from Keaton and Campbell today. And Anderson did write to tell us good night. We did hear that the girls went to the mall and did some baking while the boys went to ride go carts and went to basketball. I am sure that they have all had a good time on their mini vacation as well.
- Tomorrow we have one more cooking class and then we will head home to the real world!
- Day 4 of school and after staying up past 10 last night, I had to wake everyone up this morning. I went upstairs first to turn off the fans. I didn't even open the blinds since they had a few more minutes. I did put toothpaste on the toothbrushes and must have made so much noise that soon Anderson and Whitman were downstairs.
- Everyone else trickled down the steps though I did have to call Reagan a few times before she woke up. I read to everyone while we ate our breakfast. Then we moved to my bedroom, and we read and worked on our meeting work for about an hour.
- School work then started, and everyone zoomed through their school work. Soon they were doing some last minute packing and chores. I worked speedy fast trying to pull out work for next week for everyone-I guess that we will do school at least one more week!
- Everyone had paninis for lunch today. Graham has a panini every single day that he eats a sandwich. Today Robby was making one too so I guess that is why everyone else followed suit. I was around for a bit after lunch, and then I ran to the dentist. I had a check up and do need two crowns in the not so distant future.
- Once I returned home, everyone loaded up Robby's car, and we headed to Nonna's house to drop off the girls. They spent their evening playing in the sprinkler (Campbell), playing on their ipads, eating spaghetti and popcorn.
- Then we ran back home to pick up Robby's phone. Next was dropping the boys off at Grannymom's house. The boys had a big evening and enjoyed some ice cream before bed. Robby and I high tailed it to Branson once our car was void of kids.
- Robby and I ate at Billy Bob’s Dairyland, and it was as good as we remembered. Though they did forget about our chocolate fried pie and ice cream for a good while. Afterwards we went to the hotel.
- After unloading, we walked around the hotel grounds for a bit before coming back to the room. It is a redone little motel which is pretty nice on the inside. We are watching HGTV, and I am about to start reading a book!
