September 30, 2022-Weekdays at Maumelle

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Keaton and Campbell went home with the big 3 last night so that just left us with Whitman last night and this morning which made for an empty camper for sure. I actually think that he might have loved it though.

There were pancakes for breakfast at Whitman's request. Then Robby and I went to work. We worked all morning long on putting things away and loading up the camper. We weren't in a hurry so it took a good while to put everything back neatly where they belong.

We worked and worked and worked. When it was time to leave, Robby had a bit of a time starting the generator. And then, just as we were talking about the generator, it stopped. However, Robby knew immediately why-that safety mechanism that turns the generator off when you are dangerously low on gas.

Yep, the gas level was super low-low enough that Robby decided to skip dumping at the park and decided to dump at home. So that just left me driving behind him praying him all the way to Kroger. He said that he had at least 20 more miles but if you are having to do math to figure out how many miles you have left, then it is really too few. 

We made it fine to Kroger for gas. Then I headed on home wtih Whit and Bentley while Robby ran in to pick up a few deals. Once at home, we unloaded the camper just as slowly as we had packed it up. We were in no hurry, but we did manage to get everything unpacked, put away and cleaned so that was good.

Keaton spent the night at a friend's house. While I dropped her off, Anderson and Graham hauled wood for Pops. It took them about an hour to finish all of the wood.

Back at home, we did some more unloading and straightening, then Anderson joined us to run a few errands. First we stopped at Jess's Chicken for supper. We would probably have to rate it a C+, but it was still decent. We aren't big foodie people so we could really just take it our leave it.

Then on to Costco-Anderson even bought something to resell or at least try to resell. He has been selling Lego men as fast as we can ship them out here. It doesn't yet amount to enough for college or a car, but maybe he can buy a pair of glasses for his brother (that's Monday's project.)

Once we did make it back home, we all had some ice cream before chilling for the evening.

September 29, 2022-Weekdays at Maumelle

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Another day at Maumelle Park, actually the last full day-and we certainly made it a full day. Robby was already working this morning when I started to stir. The girls were soon up, but Whitman continued to sleep. I even checked on him once to make sure that he was sleeping and breathing. He was, but I guess the guy is just pretty tired-he has only slept in his bed once in the last 8 nights.

Today's breakfast was breakfast burritos. Tonight when Graham was here, he asked what we had for breakfast. Then he added that he wished he had been here for some of our breakfasts. The kids may not enjoy being away from home, but they do enjoy the camper eating that we do.

This morning we did a bit of school. Let's see, how the school bit is going this week. I only read aloud to the little 3, one of 3 days this week. That's not good, but I am now on a mission to finish quite a few books with them before the end of the month so I'll catch up on that. Whitman only missed doing one day of math this week. Keaton did everything so she is good. Campbell has some work to do tomorrow. Anderson and Graham both have english to do tomorrow-my plan is to stay gone tomorrow as long as I can so things will be finihsed by the time that I arrive back at the house. And Reagan, bless her, is stressed about her math-she is doing wonderful in it, but the midterm is coming up so she is working on studying for that.

We did drive down to Two Rivers today and walk the trail to the bridge. By the time that we made it back to the car, we had walked around 4 miles. Plus 2 miles of walking around the campsite today. We did fairly well-if only this was October when I want to walk 100 miles. Don't get me wrong, I know that it won't happen, but I would like to try at least.

When we returned from our walk, Nonna and Pops showed up. Keaton made them grilled cheese sandwiches. They stayed and visited for a little while while we ate. It was a bit chilly this afternoon with the wind from the river.

There was a little bit of time for reading this afternoon, but soon the big 3 arrived for supper. Reagan has driven to Maumelle Park today and Tuesday. And Monday and Wednesday she drove to Natural Steps for soccer. She has definitely put the miles on the car this week-and she said that she wanted to leave early so she didn't have to drive "that curvy road" in the dark again. 

We got them on their way before it was too dark out. First we filled everyone with chili-Robby made some and I made pumpkin chili which I had been wanting to make for a good long while. I really liked it; and I'd even make that same recipe again. 

Campbell and Keaton helped Robby make no bake chocolate peanut butter cookies this afternoon, and Shannon made cookies as well. So we had lots of dessert this evening, plus Robby pulled out the brownies and ice cream.

That is probably why we walked those 2 more miles tonight after eating. We tried to stay out tonight watching the football game, but the bugs were a bit bad. It was a pretty pleasant evening-and would be even better if we didn't have to pack up and leave tomorrow.

September 28, 2022-Weekdays in Maumelle Park

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Well, we certainly slept well last night. We all slept until almost 10 this morning which was wonderful. After sleeping so well, we came outside to Tony cooking pancakes. He made two different brands of pancakes. 

We had all heard rave reviews about the Kodiak pancake brand. The person we saw on tv even added oatmeal to the pancakes which is something that I might want to try one day. However. these pancakes were like eating healthy bread-think about the wheatiest, grainiest piece of bread possible-and that was the first batch of pancakes.

The other brand was like eating the fluffiest, whitest bread imaginable. There was definitely a winner in the pancake brand taste tast this mroning.

After a bit of sitting around, Keaton couldn't get Campbell or Whitman to go with her to find the last geocache so I volunteered. I rode Campbell's bike (I need a much bigger seat if I am to ever get my own bike.) 

We probably rode about a mile total. I am also going to need a lot of time in the gym before I become a bike rider who rides often-this place is surprisingly hilly when you are on a bike. We quickly found the area that the geocache should be in, but it took us forever to find it. Finally, just as we were about to give up, Keaton spotted it.

This afternoon was full of nothingness, and it was wonderful. Robby did make nachos for our late lunch. Then around 4, we headed home to pick up the boys to take them to church and throw in a load of clothes. Reagan went to soccer practice tonight instead of church. 

On the way we ran to the library before church. As soon as church was finished, we dropped the boys off at the house and then went back to the campsite. Robby is trying to figure out how we can just live out here. 

Tony had supper for us when we did make it back tonight. We ate and then went on a power walk before calling it a night. It was chilly tonight and a bit windy-but oh, it is so cozy in this camper. The girls are in their beds watching Duck Dynasty and Robby and I just finished a bit of brownie. A shower for me and some reading are next on the list. 

September 27, 2022-Weekdays In Maumelle Park and Happy 11th Birthday Keaton!

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It was another fun day camping out at Lake Maumelle. Really, I know that I have said it before, but Robby and I could do this every single day. Robby had a work phone call pretty early this morning. When he started the call, I laid in bed and read some, and by the time that he finished the call, most everyone was awake, and I was headed out with Bentley. 

I took her on a walk this morning so I could throw away our trash from the camper. Our trash can inside is tiny so it doesn't time long to fill it up, and the dumpsters are few and far between here so to get to one, it took us a good while. That was good for her since she was able to do all of her business and get her walk out.

Since it was Keaton's birthday, we had her favorite camping breakfast-pancakes. We spiced it up a little bit by having Reeses pancakes. We cut up Reeses Peanut Butter Cups in a few of the pancakes. I still prefer pancakes with chocolate chips in them though.

After eating our breakfast, we cleaned up and went for a short walk. At least they said it was going to be a short walk. We walked around the campgroun, then left the campgroun and walked a good ways. By the time that we made it back to our campsites, we had walked 4 miles. It was a bit warm in the sun, but overall it was fairly pleasant out still. I did discover one thing-I probably need better shoes. My shoes are pretty decent right now, but Robby said his feet didn't hurt after our walk, but mine did. Maybe I need to invest in some before Disney.

While we were walking, Campbell, Keaton and Whitman were riding their bikes all around this campground looking for Geocaches. They found 2 different ones. They were super proud of this. They actually found a 3rd, but couldn't get to it becuase of ants surrounding it. I think that we need to do more geocching since they enjoyed it so much 

Once we did get back, it was time to knock out some school. Campbell had already finished some, but we all read together. Then I helped Whitman with his math. Once that all was finished, we went to Sonic for birthday slushes. Whitman's bike needed the handle bars raised along with the seat so that was the next project after our drinks.

Then we had about an hour to sit down and do nothing-to really enjoy our camping. I finished my book just as Reagan, Anderson and Graham arrived. They had all gone to school this morning after doing a little bit of school at home. Grandpa them brought Anderson and Graham home from church-they stopped to pick up lunch and a drink on their way home. Reagan had a few more classes so it was later when she did get home.

Around 5, Robby started on supper-tonight's supper was Keaton's special request: street tacos make on the blackstone. They are a Dennie family favorite. Anderson said he "loved" them and continued to say that they were even better than ChickFilA even though they aren't the same at all. Reagan reminded us that she doesn't like Mexican food, but the street tacos are one of her favorites.

Jason even showed up as we were scooping up supper so he enjoyed it with us as well. After eating, we took a short walk (it really was short this time.) Then we had the long awaited, and much planned birthday event: a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Taste Test.

We had 10 different types of Reeses that we ate and rated using a 5 point scale. The ratings were in the category of appearance, taste, flavor, texture, after taste and overall. Here were the samples and some of the results:

1. Reese's Minis-3 way tie for 3rd place
2. White Reese's Peanut Butter Cups-3 way tie for 3rd place
3. Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins-2nd place
4. Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Thins
5. Reese's Potato Chip Cups
6. Reese's Sticks-1st place
7. Reese's Pretzel Cups
8. Reese's Crunchy Snack Cake-Loser (people were spitting this one out)
9. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups-3 way tie for 3rd place 
10. Reese's Peanut Butter Lovers Cups

And yes, this was just 10, but the kids read that Reese's has over 60 different products. However, when we had finished having a bite of each of these, we had pretty much had enough Reese's for a good long while. Maybe Robby and I need to have an ice cream taste test, and we will get tired of it and will not have to have some every single evening. 

Once the taste test was over, the big 3 headed back to the house. We had intended on them staying here, but then decided that it was fine for them to go home so we let them choose. (We knew what they would choose). However, the big 3 is working well for Campbell and Keaton who are in their sleeping spots watching Duck Dynasty on the tv-they are living it up for sure-I think that she has had a pretty great birthday for sure.

September 26, 2022-Weekdays In Maumelle Park

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Robby and I worked last night until the moment that we went to bed, and when I woke up this morning he was already gone. Actually, before I woke up this morning he was already gone. By the time that I left for me walk this morning, Robby was coming back from getting a new battery in the suburban. We all gave a hallelujah when it was just the battery. Though Robby was still a bit shocked about how much his battery (with a partial warranty left) costs. Either way, there were still happy dances happening (at least in our mind) that the battery was the culprit.

We were able to do a pretty full day of school today. Whitman just has 3 things left to do each day-Bible study, reading and math. And really, when you boil it all down-those are really the three most important things that we do. Campbell has a bit more, but Keaton doesn't have much to do at all. I am looking forward to doing our school work outside tomorrow (I have probably made that sound better in my head than it will really work out.)

Keaton washed Bentley this morning. Campbell made chocolate chip cookies for us to take camping while I took a hundred trips to the camper. Reagan was the first to leave today to go to work. Then Robby, Campbell and Keaton left to head to Maumelle Park for the week. Finally, Whitman and I left with Anderson and Graham to take them to Raymar.

Reagan was busy at work today, but she did leave a little bit early which was nice becuase she had a few minutes at home before going to soccer practice. After her practice (which was right near us), she headed back home. 

I helped Graham set up the concession stand-well, Whitman helped Graham while I picked up trash. Anderson started immediately setting up things and was working hard when I left. Nonna and Pops took them home after the games were over.

Robby and I the girls made it to Maumelle Park and quickly found our spots. We aren't in the spot that we had last time, so we were worried that we wouldn't have hammock trees-and we almost don't. Campbell and Keaton did use the trees right behind the Wilson's camper to hang up a hammock, but there isn't room for a full hammock city like we usually have.

Other than that, the spot is perfect. By the time that I arrived, Robby and the girls had everything set up perfectly. Tent, lights, chairs, rugs-everything. We even have a new toy this trip-a bicycle tent to store outside things in. We have plan for it so hopefully it will work out. 

Tony made supper this evening-ravioli and sausage. We thought that it was wonderful. Then we took ourselves a 50 minute walk all around this park. I think that we hit every loop but one-it was dark so I wasn't able to look at each and every camper like I really would like to-I plan on doing that more tomorrow.

After our walk, Tony continued cooking and made apple turnovers for our dessert. It was delicious. The girls ate some, but then they finished their snack with some popcorn that they shared with Whitman. Despite the flying insects, we stayed outside until a bit after 10. I was shocked to see that it was 10.

Once we came into the camper, Whitman was on his ipad, and Campbell and Keaton were in our bed watching Duck Dynasty. We soon kicked them out of our bed and into their own.

September 25, 2022-September Branson

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• Our goal was to pull out this morning at 9:30, and we were close to 9:45 so that was good. There was no rush so a bit later didn't hurt anything. We had to stop for gas, but that didn't take any time at all.
• Then we zoomed on home without any more stops. Robby and I did some more Disney planning along the drive home. Actually, we did a lot of Disney planning becaue when I did look up from my notes, I realized that we were in Conway. 
• We did stop long enough in our planning to have lunch. I made everyone sandwiches, and I am always amazed that one round of sandwiches can pretty much deplete a loaf of the bread that we buy.
• Once at home, there wasn't a whole lot to be done in the camper. With just 3 or less than 3 trips each, the kids had it emptied, the car emptied and bikes loaded for tomorrow. We probaly shouldn't do things like this to ourselves, but we have a tight turn around and pull out again tomorrow.
• We threw laundry in the wash, I worked inside, Robby worked outside until we got to stopping points then we made a Costco and Kroger run.
• We came home and unloaded while Reagan and Anderson left for lifegroup (Graham didn't feel too great tonight so he skipped). We then loaded back up and took Campbell to her lifegroup and tried to run to Sams but it was closed but did make a quick run through Walmart.
• Once back home I had time to unload before leaving again to go and get Campbell. On the way home, Reagan called to say that her car would not start. I asked if she could get her leader to jump it. Thankfully, he was able to jump it, and they made it safely back home.
• When the came home, Robby tried to start it again, and it was dead again-hopefully it is just the battery. I know I hace mentioned before that the car has 380+ thousand miles on it, and I was praying that it would make it to 400 thousand. That number keeps getting closer, so I have moved my prayers to 420 thousand. I know we are on borrowed time, but there is definitly power in prayer!
• Robby ran to Grannymom's house tonight while I loaded the carmper again wtih food and browned some meat. Then he came home, and we discussed food-we always sit in the camper and review all of the meals before leaving so hopefully we don't forget anything. (Though there is a Walmart near everywhere-especially near Maumelle park.)
• It was nearly 11 when we were able to slow down enough to get the kids in bed. My watch says I have walked 16 thousand steps today, but I am not too sure about that since I didn't really do much until we made it home, but my feet sure do hurt so maybe I have.

September 24, 2022-September Branson

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• We didn't leave for the park until 10 this morning. We had a leisurely morning-walking Bentley and eating breakfast. We didn't have a "fancy breakfast" but did enjoy sausage biscuits, cinnamon rolls, pop tarts and cereal.
• We were expecting the park to be super crowded today. However, we were pleasantly surprised. When we were walking in, Robby noticed that the cave line was short so we jumped in that line.
• We have been wanting to do the cave for a very long time, but never really had the right time to do it, but today was perfect.
• The cave was super interesting for sure. And it was really impressive. I never understand why some caves are National Parks or National Monuments or even state parks while some are just under a theme park. This one could rival some of the other caves that we have seen.
• Our guide was excellent today so that always makes things better. There were lots of steps going down and quite a few places were we had to duck to get through. Now my people really are not cave people-well some of them are not. Campbell was stressed through the whole thing, though when the guide turned off the lights I thougth she just might lose it. Anderson was the most composed of the three non-cavers. He just doesn't like tight spaces or heights. Whitman was the most un-nerved. He doesn't like heights (I didn't know that until our Rattlesnake Ridge hike). He wanted to make sure that he was beside me or holding my hand at all times.
• We all survived the cave though, and I think that they all enjoyed it. We certainly did. The family that bought the cave had two teenage sons. Those boys helped pour concrete to make steps in the cave and now the two men today are in their 90s and own Solver Dollar City. That is all just pretty wild to me.
• We did more eating today as well with our Tastes Across the City Passport. We didn't have to use all of our meals today, but why not? Today we enjoyed:
• Maple, Bacon, and Pecan Funnel Cake (very good)
• Salted Caramel Vanilla Bean Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich (also good)
• Pumpkin Chili (loved it)
• Pupkin Spiced Rubbed Smoked Ribs (quarter slab) (very good as well)
• Pumpkin Pizza (Robby and I liked it-different, but boys did not.)
• Sweet Potato Kettle Chips (Soggy)
• Not only did we eat quite a few things, we were able to get a few rides in as well. We found the Fergusons and the kids rode Thunderation, Time Traveler, Powder Keg, Fire in the Hole and American Plunge.  The lines were never long today, but we were busy eating and spelunking.
• We stayed longer than we had intended to, but that was fine. When we came back, we walked Bentley and started getting things ready to watch the Hogs game. During the game, we grilled burgers which was perfect. Unfortunatly, the game wasn't so perfect, but it was still a pleasant evening.
• After the game, we put things away so we can head home tomorrow.
• Meanwhile, back at home. Reagan has been living it up. She went to her ballgame in Russellville with Nonna and Pops. Her team lost, but Reagan felt like she really played well. 
• On the way home, they all stopped to eat at Marketplace Grill in Conway. Actually getting Reagan home was an adventure in the pouring rain plus a tree across the road. Pops did safely deliver her to the house-even though the electricty was out. Thankfully, the electricty was only out for a short while.