July 4, 2019: 2019’s 4th trip to Branson on July 4th

(click here for today's pictures)

There is nothing like hotel sleeping. We all slept well, and Robby and I slept longer than anyone else. The kids were all in the one room with 2 beds and a couch so they were all stirring much before us. 

When I did go to make sure that everyone was dressed or at least getting dressed, I found Keaton, Campbell and Whitman in the bathroom. They were playing beauty shop and doing Whitan’s hair. Later, I was in the other bathroom getting ready, and I could hear Whitman say, “Can I see my hair do?” The very next words he said caused me to burst out laughing. After looking at himself in the mirror, he exclaimed, “Well, I can’t tell a difference.” 

The girls didn’t seem too disappointed that all of their hard work was in vain. They were all tickled that the three of them had on Under Armour shirts that all had a big Under Armour sing on the front. 

Once everyone was ready, we did head to breakfast. They did have some homemade pancakes, but I wasn’t too pleased with the breakfast myself-no granola, flavored cream cheese or even no bagels. I did manage with some toast and yogurt though.

It didn’t take long to load the car today. We have the back seat out like we usually do, so loading just consists of throwing everything in the back instead of having to strategically place each item in a certain spot under the seats. Now, there is a few trade offs to this-a row of kids are sitting right near us (sometimes it is just good to have a conversation by ourselves) and also we are bit more crowded up front. This seating/packing arrangement will definitely need some tweaking if we are to use it for a long trip. 

Our first stop this morning was to Walmart. Then we headed to Springfield where we bought gas at Sams. They had a car wash there that we were able to go through for free. However, Robby never really acts like he knows how tall the car is. So during the car wash, I went through trying to help the car duck so it wouldn’t be too tall. We made it through successfully and no parts of the car were ripped off in the process. 

We then stopped at Sams to pick up a few things that we didn’t really need. We are thinking about our few Disney trips and what is best to pack the car. I might just be easier to fly down there or to have an RV or to just stay at home.

We did make another stop in Springfield at the Bass Pro. It is the largest Bass Pro and man, it is big. They had little museums about their history and about their racing. The kids climbed on more atvs and boats than ever. After looking at and touching pretty much in the store, we headed to the car. 

We grabbed our lunch supplies and headed down the road. As soon as we were finished with our lunches, I passed out the fudge that we had bought at the Bass Pro store. We all agreed that the fudge from today was much better than the fudge that we had bought in Mackinaw Island. We bought almost the same amount today and paid about ⅓ less. It didn’t take long for us to devour it though!

We soon arrived in Mansfield and found the Laura Ingalls Wilder historic home and farm. This is the house that she moved back to in her later years. First we toured the home that she died in. It was pretty neat to hear that her husband, Almonzo, had built much of the house and most of the furniture in it. Old houses are so neat to me seeing how they were built. This house had tiny little rooms, but a room for everything-library, music room, writing room, etc.

We then went through the museum which started with a short film. The museum part was small yet interesting. We have read most of the books so most everyone remembers quite a bit of the story. I do think that it is time that we restart the reading and listening to her books. I could have browsed through all of the books in the gift shop a little bit longer because there sure are a lot of books about Laura and her daughter Rose.

Next up was a quick walk through the Rock House which is a home that Laura and Almonzo briefly lived in during their retirement years. It was sparsely furnished so their wasn’t too much to see, but it was a pretty cottage style house. 

We then drove through downtown Mansfield, which was shut up tight for the 4th. It was actually a sad small town and would have still been pretty sad if things were going strong. That town needed a Pioneer Woman to come through and open a few stores.

Since we had sandwiches for lunch, we needed something for supper. Robby wanted to try Godfather Pizza. We ended up just getting the buffet since it was easier than ordering a pizza. I was super glad about this because I have been wanting to go to Larry’s Pizza at home. This way, I have gotten my fill of pizza buffets and won’t have to go to another for awhile.

Really though, there is nothing more American then going to a buffet so that was probably a great way to celebrate the 4th. The pizza was good and the dessert pizza was even better. I do believe that the mac and cheese was a hit with most of the kids. 

After supper, we drove to the Coleman store. We have already bought an ice chest on the trip so there wasn’t a reason to buy one today. We browsed their outside tent sale and then also went inside the store. 

As Campbell and I were leaving the bathroom at the store, we walked passed a girl who was looking down at some merchandise. I briefly thought that she looked like a mannequin. However, Campbell must have really thought that she looked like a mannequin because Campbell tapped the girl on the shoulder. She quickly realized that she was real, and we both had to walk a way quickly because we couldn’t stop laughing. It was one of my favorite parts of the day. 

The last stop of the day was the hotel. We had debated going and watching more fireworks but decided that one firework show was enough! The kids all wanted to go swimming-which actually frustrates me some because my boys never want to go swimming at home, but always do at a hotel. 

They all did have fun swimming which was good. After they finished swimming we went back to the room. The kids went through the showers as Robby tried to start the laundry. His first attempt was in vain since they were all full. There is nothing more frustrating than that.

We watched some tv and vegged out in the room until it was finally time for bed. We heard fireworks all around us and at one point, Campbell was standing in the window watching them! Laundry didn't finish until too late, but we passed the time watching an old National Treasure movie. Tomorrow we head home...maybe.

July 3, 2019: 2019’s 4th trip to Branson on July 4th

(click here for today's pictures)

Robby and I woke right up at 6 to some strange sound happening outside. It was like a banging sound but it happened over and over again. It wasn’t a gun shot or firecrackers, nor was it a ball bouncing. My only guess was the someone was cleaning off their shoes banging them together but they must have been some super dirty shoes. Who knows but it went on and on enough that Robby even looked out the window. 

It did take us a while to go back to sleep but we were finally able to. We then slept for about an hour before waking everyone else up. Some moved a bit quicker than others-Reagan is like a snail in the mornings moving so slow while Whitman is like a turtle trying to always cover up his head. Anderson is my morning person though almost all of the time. 

We at our breakfast at the motel. They had a decent selection but no flavored bagels or granola, other than that everyone left pretty happy. We then headed to Silver Dollar City. On our walk to the gate, we could tell that it was going to be a pretty warm day. It really was except these was just plenty of shade I guess because it wasn’t truly bad. 

For some reason, while the kids were waiting in line for their first two roller coasters-Thunderation and Time Traveler, I ended up in the Time Traveler ride. I wasn’t too pleased to be getting on the ride for my second time, but thought if it is time to go then it is time for me to go! The ride wasn’t that bad-well, I really don’t know since I just smiled and closed my eyes the entire time. I did tell Campbell, my ride buddy, that I would open my eyes the next time that I went on that ride.

From there we moved on to the big roller coasters. There were people riding and every single thing. Whitman did ride on Powder Keg again with Anderson. Now, Whitman is in the height that he is supposed to ride with someone 16 or older. Yesterday and this morning they let him ride with Anderson, until their second try this morning. Then they didn’t let them. Robby took a big one for the team and rode the ride with Whitman. Later, we looked at the pictures and noticed that Whitman is pretty stoic during the rides-his face is just the same as if he was riding a carousel-like he has not a care in the world.

There was lots of refilling our drink cup today. The cup was extra but our refills are free for the year so we utilize that thing to the max. We refilled it at least 30 times today-seriously. I am not sure what Robby paid but it was worth every penny. 

The Heltz stayed until noon, and we walked out with them. We drove around Indian Point looking for a spot to have a picnic lunch. We ended up at Table Rock since one place we tried told us that our van was a commercial vehicle and would be 20 dollars. Ha! The state park was a much better choice-playground, picnic tables and bathroom. 

The kids were able to play while we made lunches. After our little break, we headed to the outlets. Now, we didn’t do a whole lot of shopping, but Anderson needed slides. It did take us about 6 stores to finally find him some. They were a bit more than we wanted to spend, but we found him some and that was really all that mattered by that point.

We even found some Disney shirts for our trip-Well, Robby (1), Graham (1), Campbell (2), Keaton (2) and Whitman (2) all found some. The rest of us will have to wait until anther day. From there, Reagan and I wandered around the Vera Bradley store-everything was 70 percent off but we still didn’t buy anything. 

From there we headed to our hotel for the night. We have stayed in this hotel before but are in a different room than last time. This is a large enough room that everyone will have a bed tonight which makes me happy. And in case you were wondering, Robby’s name wasn’t on the hotel marquee tonight!

After a short break and refilling our ice chests, we headed back to Silver Dollar City. Our main plan was to take the tour of the cave. However, when we arrived here was lightening in the area so there was no cave tour right then. We waited in the area for a little bit until they finally did cancel the tours for the day. That made us a bit bummed-the kids were especially bummed when they figured out that the lightening in the area had caused all of the rides to be shut down. 

We sat around for a little bit and even went through the magic shop. We finally decided that maybe we should head on out. When we almost made it to the exit, we could hear the rides running again. So we walked to Wildfire for the kids to do twice. Then we all went down the log ride. 

The log ride was fun, but it did cause us all to be soaked. So when we left the park, we decided that maybe we might should run by the hotel and get some people in dry clothes. The boys and Campbell all were able to take their showers and find some non-wet clothes.

Then we headed towards Branson Landing for an evening of fun. Robby called ahead and ordered some bbq from Famous Daves. We, of course, had our buns in the car along with plates and forks and were ready to go. We circled and circled looking for a parking place. The whole city of Branson had descended on the Landing to see the evening’s fireworks.

Robby eventually had to drop me off to go and pick up our food. After getting the food, we eventually lucked into a parking spot a few blocks from where we wanted to go. We then loaded up the wagon, chairs, blanket and supper and went to find a spot to see the fireworks.

We sat near the Branson Scenic RR on a grassy patch. Robby and I made bbq sandwiches and cornbread muffins for everyone to eat while we waited for the fireworks to begin. There was plenty to eat and plenty of people to watch. 

Soon the fireworks began, and they were pretty good. We actually stayed until the end. The joke is that usually when we are at fireworks, we leave early so we can beat the crowd-especially at Disney World. The crowd was manageable tonight so we didn’t have to leave! 

Robby and some of the kids walked up a bit to get a better view. Anderson, Graham and I stayed with our stuff and in the chairs. We were actually sitting behind some trees-it reminded me of growing up sitting behind trees watching Memorial Day fireworks in Little Rock. The boys and I spent our time naming the fireworks as the popped up-Wedding, Flaming Arrow, Merica, Blooming Flower, Fiesta, etc. 

When the fireworks were over, we did hightail it to the car. We loaded up and headed back to the hotel. The GPS took us through quite a few neighborhoods before we joined the rest of Branson back on the strip. On our drive to the hotel, there were fireworks on all 4 sides of the car. It was certainly something to see.

We did joke that we probably could have set at tables in our hotel room and seen plenty of fireworks. Once we were back in the room, the last few folks took their shower while Robby dropped some clothes in the washer. Laundry is a hassle on a trip, but with wet clothes from the park, we really almost had to do it today or the car would have been a stinky mess. 

The kids were in bed and asleep in by 11:20ish just as it was time to pull the laundry out of the dryer. Tomorrow will be another great day...I hope!

July 2, 2019: 2019’s 4th trip to Branson on July 4th

(click here for today's pictures)

We started our mornings like most others-alarms ringing, lots of hitting snooze and then laundry and dishes. Anderson and Graham were already awake with their beds made, but no one else was stirring in the house.

I tried to wake everyone else up gently, but that didn’t work. I had to roll Whitman out of his bed to make it while having to make quite a bit of noise before any of the girls moved around at all. Once they did though, some had good attitudes (oldest and youngest) and some had lousy attitudes (middle). After a while though, everyone had eaten and were ready and all attitudes improved.

Robby and I had done most of our work last night so after adding a few more things to the car, we were ready to go. We didn’t make it too far before we had to stop-Conway. But that was mainly to drop Robby off at work.

The rest of us ran to the Dollar Store and picked up a box of candy for the trip. Then we had time to kill at Sams. This was easy to do because I think that the kids enjoy Sams as much as I do. We walked up and down the candy aisles, the toy aisles, the housewares and cakes. I just need to remember that I should go to Sams to make out my Christmas lists-there are plenty of things that I think I need from there.

While we were going into Sams, it started pouring outside. We had to run for cover. We made it before getting soaked, but if we had arrived just a minute later, we would have had to sit in the car for a long while. It was kind of nice walking through Sams with the rain beating on the roof. 

When Robby was done at work, we headed on up north. Robby was on a phone call so everyone quietly played their ipads. It was a very quiet ride-almost strange. We stopped at McDonalds for a potty, snack and computer stop. 

We had to drive through a few little summer showers. They were never hard, but would just come and go. We were actually pretty sure that Silver Dollar City would be empty tonight because of the rain showers. Our hope was that the showers caused everyone to leave. Unfortunately, it didn’t rain there so the park was still fairly full. 

Before we went to the park, we did stop by the hotel. It is not too often that your hotel has your name up on the marquee welcoming you. Robby is a platinum member from this hotel chain. I will not tell you how many nights this year that he has stayed in this hotel chain. You might wonder if owning a home is worth it for us!

After unloading the car and putting all of our stuff in the room which we completely filled. The room is a bit on the tiny side tonight. We then arrived at Silver Dollar City. After walking up to the front, the first thing that we did was stop so we could all play the checkers, tic tac toe and connect four. 

Then we walked to see one of the roller coasters, but the lines were still long. Soon after, we met the Heltz, and the roller coaster riding began. We mostly rode the big roller coasters today and ride them, we did. Well, the kids did!

As our kids and the Heltz crew were getting on Powder Keg, Whitman noticed that he was big enough to ride it if he had an adult. Candice was riding it, so we sent Whitman running on after her. He rode the ride and came off saying that it was the best thing ever. Then after riding it again, he felt the same way. I have another roller coaster rider-while Robby and I are riding even less and less these days. 

The kids had the most fun on the water ride where you soak total strangers. Robby, Anderson and I decided that we wanted to stay dry, so we opted to just watch. Anderson spent his time waiting strategically shooting with water. He was very careful to not get too wet himself. When the kids came around the bend, we could hear them screaming and laughing and knew that it was them. They had so much fun and were all completely drenched when we left there and walked to the log ride.

We ended the evening with Thunderation. Everyone could have stayed longer but the park closed at 7. We strolled to our car and drove back to the hotel. There we made our traditional hotel meal-chicken and cheese roll ups. Reagan said that it this was her favorite hotel meal. She added that she liked it better sometimes than going out to eat. And she wondered aloud why we don’t eat that meal at home. 

After we ate, we let the kids swim for a little bit before folks headed back to start on their showers. Of course there was another drink and a load of laundry that happened before it was finally bedtime for the Dennie crew.

July 1, 2019

(click here for today's pictures)

• This morning was really the only morning that we could sleep in for a little bit so we did. Then it was time to get moving and that we did. Trip packing day was fairly busy. Sunday morning that plan was to leave on Wednesday, but by Sunday afternoon the plan was to leave Tuesday. I know 24 hours doesn't make that big of a difference and yes, I am used to our plans moving up a day or even two at the last minute, but it still does add to the work I have to do.
• It does help that I am keeping many of our trip things already packed and ready to go. For example, the boys have lately asked me about a football-I knew exactly where it was-packed in a box in the attic. They have more, don't feel sorry for them.
• The kids did their school work (reading and one other something or another), I read to Whitman, Keaton and Campbell and then I decided that we needed a morning activity so we headed to Third Realm. The kids were all fussy getting into the car, but while we were there they were happy and content playing together. Maybe we should go with just us more often.
• Once back at home, kids started on a few chores and lunch. I ran to my lady doctor for a check up and then to Walmart to buy a few last minute things as well as about 6,000 BBs for the kids bb guns. Seriously, if you had a metal detector it would be one solid beep in our yard.
• Robby and the kids met me at the pool for almost 2 hours. We accidentally left the pool bag at home-that means no goggles and no floatee for Whitman. It was hot enough that Robby and then I had to get in so he was able to play in the deeper water some. But right now, he is content to just play in the little circle pool. 
• After swimming, we headed to Dairy Queen on the other side of town-they were having a special night and things were 99 cents. We all had burgers and blizzards. This made everyone pretty happy. We sat outside in the shade, and it was a pleasant evening.
• Once we got home, things went into high gear-there were lots of showers, lots of packing, lots of cooking (chicken and rice krispy treats) and lots of cleaning. Right now, everyone is in bed-dishes are running, laundry is drying and Robby and I just need to load our bags. 

June 30, 2019

(click here for today's pictures)

• Sunday morning and it wasn't a great Sunday morning for Whitman. First we told him that it was church day and then we told him that we were going to a baseball game tonight. He did recover fairly well and seemed to have a good day.
• Grannymom and Grandpa were in the nursery this morning, so Keaton had to sit with us. I don't think that she minded though my girls were sitting so far from me that they thought that they could get by without opening their Bibles-ha! It didn't work.
• After church, Campbell and I stayed for her camp meeting while the others headed to Nonna's house for lunch. They did wait on us, and we all enjoyed our early 4th of July lunch. Afterwards, the kids played a game while I worked on Christmas gifts for my kids Sunday school teachers. (Don't judge.)
• We then ran home for a few minutes. We had time to take a brief nap before it was time to get up and herd everyone to the car. This is when things got confusing for the kids: 4:00 meeting for Graham and Anderson's mission trip, 4:00 meeting for Reagan and parents for her mission trip, 5:00 meeting for parents for Anderson and Graham's mission trip. The kids could not understand this schedule and I almost had to draw a chart to make it clear. 
• Campbell, Keaton and Whitman enjoyed having the run of the empty church house while we were in the meetings. After they were all over, we headed to the Traveler's Game. First, Robby stopped at McDonalds to pick up our supper. It took him a while and when he climbed in the car with our food, Whitman said, "well, that took longer than the preacher's prayer."
• The Travelers game was hot and sunny for the first little bit, but then the sun went down and things were pretty nice out there. The kids all found plenty of friends and some of my kids found Pops and his wallet. Whitman and Campbell jumped on the bouncies for a little bit while Graham rode the train and Keaton bought a drink-all thanks to Pops.
• It was pretty late when we made it home. The kids showered and then finally bedtime. Tomorrow will be a busy day-which I secretly love.

June 29, 2019

(click here for today's pictures)

• I heard Robby's alarm clock go off for about 5 minutes this morning. It went off until he leaned over me to turn off my alarm. Ha! I guess I was sleeping so soundly that I was sure it was his alarm. My alarm was set for swim team early this morning.
• Campbell and Whitman were the only Dennies awake. I went to wake up Graham and then to Keaton's room to wake her up, then back to Graham, then back to Keaton, then back to Graham before I had any success. I was about to give up and just let them sleep in when they finally did stir.
• Robby ended up taking everyone. The one good thing about swim team is that it does get us up early on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Robby dropped the kids off and ran some errands while I read to Whitman, folded 2 loads of laundry and emptied the dishes.
• When they made it home, Robby soon headed outside to work in the yard. Since everything in the house was decent (except for the kitchen floor which is in desperate need of a good cleaning) I headed outside too.
• We picked up sticks, trimmed some bushes and I tried to spray some weeds. We still have a few things that we need to do in the yard, but it won't happen this week! The tree that fell is gone and that side of the yard is clean. 
• Robby mowed a little bit while I went back in to fold one or possibly two more loads of laundry. Seriously, we should go back to wearing less clothes. In the winter, my kids wake up in their pjs, do school in their pjs, stay inside all afternoon in their pjs and then go to bed again in the same pjs. Not so in the summer-we start off in pjs, put on clothes, go to the pool in a bathing suit, bring home lots of wet towels and then change into more clothes before finding new pjs. I may have to start using both washing machines again.
• We soon all loaded up to head to the pool for a little bit. We stayed for almost 2 hours. Robby and I both got in the water which made the kids super happy. Whitman, though, didn't have any interest in practicing swimming today. He did jump off of the diving board and swim to the shallow end tonight.
• We came home and vegged out a bit. Robby did make hot dogs for supper while I worked on getting another load of laundry started (I promise I won't mention the word laundry tomorrow). After eating, I finished my book as we watched some tv.
• The Wilsons came over tonight for a little bit. We chatted and ate some ice cream. The kids played outside and played a few games upstairs before they went home. By this time, it was shower time for the remaining Dennies that needed showers and then bedtime for all.

June 28, 2019

(click here for today's pictures)

• I could have slept in a bit more today, but someone was asking me questions way too early in the morning. I don't know what they were asking or even who it was, but it was questions and it was early.
• I first stop this morning was the laundry and the dishes-those two never ending chores. I read to Whitman fairly early this morning and even found time to read to the girls in between their many bb gun shooting outings.
• Whitman spent a long time this morning on making a fort. He played in it for a long while as well as Campbell and Keaton. Before 11, we left for Third Realm. The Powells were there so the boys had some friends to jump with.
• From there, we headed right to the pool to swim. The kids all enjoyed swimming. Whitman even went off of the diving board without his floatee. I guess he did fine-he made it to the side. We only stayed for 2 hours. The big kids are always ready to leave so 2 hours was a good compromise since Campbell could stay forever.
• Robby was working outside so I joined him for a little bit. I stayed out there until it was almost time to take the big boys to basketball. They were excited to go tonight since they had missed the last few basketball practices.
• There weren't many boys there, but they still had fun. And I had fun wandering around Walmart by myself. I found a few things I needed and even a few things I didn't need.
• Once we all made it back home, we had some supper. We all ended our evening huddled around the tv watching a show or two. We stayed up way too late, but I guess that it is a Friday night after all!