Dennie.org

May 17, 2012

2012-05-17T23:32:00.001-07:00

Highlights from today: (click here for today's pictures)

Since it is after one in the morning I will try to be brief tonight but may not do so well at that since I have a few notes of things I have forgotten over the previous days. The other night, Graham screamed for me in the middle of the night and when I made it upstairs, he said "Anderson is growling." I calmed him down and then went back downstairs thinking nothing of Anderson growling. Then it happened again and I finally figured out that Anderson was snoring and this was scaring Graham to death. Of course Graham wakes up Campbell who is a light sleeper and it took a few minutes to calm everyone down.
Reagan and Anderson had two play 100 dollar bills. Reagan asked Anderson what he would buy if they were real and he said a real fire truck. Reagan wondered if he would want to buy a big house like ours. I finally had to explain to those two that there money is what we spent on groceries. After I told them that they looked so disappointed-I took all of the fun out of there game. Kind of like when we see we didn't win the lottery and have to stop talking about how we will spend the money.
Campbell was playing in the dirt pile last night and started screaming "snake, snake." Not being real sure about what she saw, I went to check and she peered down showing me the "snake." Of course it was just a worm but I am afraid that someone will soon find a snake around here and pick it up!
Today was the boys last day of school. They each took a jar of strawberry jelly to their teachers and Graham was even the snack helper. It was a big day for Graham because they also celebrated his birthday today since his birthday comes in the summer. In Anderson's class it was hat day so they even had a hat parade. (Which Anderson told me he wished I would have been there-dagger through my heart-but in my defense I knew nothing about a parade. I only knew about bringing a hat). Anyway, topping off their big day was popsicles on the playground and then going to get slushies on the way home. (We were continuing to celebrate Graham's birthday a few months early).
Reagan, Campbell and Keaton spent the morning with Grannymom and Grandpa. They had a big day and even went to Rock Creek. Grannymom said that Keaton loved playing there. She bounced, clapped and even wanted to stand up. She so wants to do just what the others are doing. And she is getting so close to crawling-I can leave nothing anywhere near her or she will eventually get to it.
On our way home this afternoon, I told the kids that we would miss 3 Sundays and they all shouted "yeah." Not the response I was looking for!
We had a few minutes at home this afternoon and then we loaded up for the final soccer game of the season. And of course my champs were undefeated today. I don't think that Reagan or Anderson scored a goal today but they sure knew exactly what the score was. Graham is on the sidelines keeping up with it too.
Robby just told me that one of our team members fell down tonight and Anderson thought he was pushed down. Robby said that Anderson rared up to defend his teammate. Times like that it is good that his Dad is on the field since Robby quickly averted that crisis.
After the game, Robby and the kids picked up supper and I headed to Bunko. Robby bathed the kids and put them to bed and then went out to feed the dog. And then he discovered that the neighbor kids had emptied his 30 pound bag of dogfood. He was not happy about that at all-not happy. Maybe I don't need my BB gun for the dogs but for the neighbors (kidding-kind of).

May 16, 2012-Field Day

2012-05-16T19:52:00.001-07:00

GAMES and more GAMES!

Highlights from today: (click here for today's pictures)

We woke up this morning and the kids were still just as excited about Field Day. They were so excited that they were actually happy to help me clean this morning. Kennedy came over early this morning while her mom went to a meeting and she was even recruited into the Dennie cleaning crew-don't fell too sorry for them. The only had to empty the trash, straighten a few rooms, wipe down the cabinets and then take the trash around the house.
Next up we talked about our next to last state-Iowa. Everyone had a few pages to color and Kennedy took over Campbell's pages for her. Campbell will gladly color her pages if she is awake when we do it but her coloring consists of drawing one line down the paper, saying "all done" and then trying for 5 minutes to put the page in her binder.
It was around 10:30 when we went outside for a few minutes to set a few things up and soon everyone started arriving-Kennedy was already here, then Caroline, Alyssa Kate, Noah, Eden, Lilly, Brodie and Ethan-for a total of 13 kids. Lilly and Keaton didn't participate in any games. Keaton would have won at the swimming pool tipping over event today. I have been putting her in the empty kiddie pool to sit and play safely while we are outside. She flipped it over two times today by trying to reach something outside of it. The first time she also got a face full of dirt but laid there happily until we came to rescue her.
The kids enjoyed playing in the dirt, on the swingset and running the trails so we even hated to start the games. But after we started them they wanted to play more and more of them. After lunch they all started shouting-"more games, more games." I will try to run down the games we played and the winners (if I can remember). Game 1: The egg toss was first and Eden and Caroline won. Campbell and Brodie were so cute playing together-they would hand the egg back and forth to each other-no throwing, just handing it back and forth.
Then we had the egg on a spoon relay race which the boys won. Game number 3 was tug of war. We started with boys versus girls but the boys pulled the girls halfway across the yard before we could even snap a picture. So then we did adults versus kids. I must admit those kids were determined and we won once and they won one game. Everyone walked away with a bit of rope burn after that game.
Game 4 was eating a donut off of the string without using their hands. Reagan was determined to eat every last bite of her donut. And by that time Robby arrived with the pizza. Later in the day I asked Campbell what her favorite game was and she said "Daddy come home." We all took a break and had pizza, juice boxes and grapes for lunch.
The fifth game was unroll your roll of toilet paper and throw all of your trash away the fastest. Campbell worked really hard at this game and was probably her favorite since she is accustom to unrolling toilet paper! Robby helped Graham but Reagan was still the winner of this game.
Game 6 was ring toss with some giant rings. If you can't tell from my pictures, I was what the boys were trying to get the ring around. I think that the girls were the first ones to actually win this game. I had been saving pizza boxes for a while to play game 7 which was carry the pizza box over your head game. Kennedy won that game and most of the kid seemed to be naturals at this. We decided that we might put them to work early at a pizza parlor.
The eighth game was the sack race. I think that Ethan won the sack race but quite a few feet poked through the thin bags before they made it back across the finish line. Game 9 was the 3 legged race. I had my crew practice early this morning but that didn't help. Reagan was with Noah and I believe they came in second place. Anderson and Alyssa Kate were the winners-though she drug him for a few feet before they both crawled across the finish line. Graham and Eden were tied together and when we tried to show them to put their arms around each other to help-Graham said "no way." But look at the pictures of him and Eden-he is my ladies man! Campbell went with Jodee and then took a few steps with Brodie.
Next we had our snacks and rested for a few minutes. Our final game, game number 10, was the water balloon toss. The kids toss the balloons and then ran around chasing each other with the remaining balloons. Then it was time for the awards ceremony. Everyone received a little trophy and they were all so proud to come and get their trophies. Seriously, so happy and most of them kept their trophies right by their side throughout the rest of the day. Reagan received the award for winning the donut eating, Anderson for the 3 legged race, Graham for best effort and Campbell for happiest.
The kids had a blast and were already planning next years Field Day when they went to bed last night. After everyone left, Campbell and Keaton took a nap and the other 3 watched a movie. Graham and Reagan both fell asleep while watching. Soon the neighbor kids were knocking on the door so all of my kids headed outside.
We had leftovers for supper out on the picnic table and then cut the boys hair before coming in for baths. It was a big day at the Dennie house and the kids were all exhausted tonight!

May 15, 2012

2012-05-15T19:41:00.001-07:00

Geyser Homework!

Highlights from today: (click here for today's pictures)

Yesterday, Graham was sitting in the living room and someone was outside on the front porch (I don't even remember which kid it was). Graham got up and went outside. I thought he was going out to play but he just stood himself on the edge of the porch and peed away. Seriously, the bathroom was just as close to him as where he went!
This was the boys next to last day at school and I had to find out where the "biggest slide in the world" was located. Ms. Stacy had told Anderson's class about it and he cried and cried when I told him we would be gone. I asked and she barely remembered mentioning it (isn't it funny what they pick up on?) If you were wondering the biggest slide in the world is located at Mills Park. Anderson was so relieved when I told him that we would go there sometime soon.
Reagan, Anderson and Keaton spent the morning at Nonna's house and they stayed busy playing and even walked over to Beebee's house to help Pops look for something. When I made it with the boys, we had lunch and then they headed outside to play for a few minutes before going home.
At home, we did a bit of school (actually, we worked on our state stuff-we are on Wisconsin now, everyone did a workbook page, sang one timeline song, read a few books, did a bit of skip counting, Reagan finished her handwriting book, quickly worked on Anderson trying his shoe and worked on his reading book as well) I heard Reagan tell Anderson "we didn't even do school today."-made me laugh since it is technically our summer break but we still did some school. And the shoe tying with Anderson is going no where! Ha! We did just start so all we are working on is getting it started-might just take all summer.
Packing update-I did most of the kids clothes and quite a bit of the car stuff. My original 3 page list is not down to one and a half pages. So that is good. We also test packed the car and roof bag and all is well-not room for Graham though so he will be staying home (kidding).
When Robby made it home, we kicked the kids out and made supper. We all had supper at the picnic table and the kids played happily most of the evening long (it helped that the neighbor kids were over playing too). Eventually, we ran all of the others off and had ourselves a little Dennie family science experiment.
Robby was telling the kids about the geyser and when he mentioned Old Faithful they were so excited because they remembered talking about it. We did the coke/mentos geyser. The kids were so shocked-their eyes were so big when that coke bottle exploded. They so badly want to do it again to show everyone-so lookout a coke/mentos geyser will soon be coming to a house near you.
We finally brought everyone in and showered them-if showering 4 kids was an Olympic sport we might just win a medal. And speaking of winning a medal-field day is tomorrow. And my kids are all so excited about it. I overheard them debating if one of the kids coming tomorrow (Lilly, 1) would be big enough to play. Reagan said she wasn't, Anderson said she could be on another team, Graham said she could walk and Campbell shouted "yeah, she can walk Rearea."

May 14, 2012

2012-05-14T19:35:00.001-07:00

Our blonde hair, blue eyed girl!

Highlights from today: (click here for today's pictures)

Campbell and Graham were the first two up and after they played in the toy room for a bit they came to our room. Robby and I just laid there while those two crawled into bed with us and then out the foot of the bed under the covers. They did this over and over again and we just laid there ignoring what was going on so we could rest for a few more minutes.
Soon it was time for me to get Anderson ready for school. That poor boy was exhausted and it took me forever to wake him up. But I eventually just put his clothes on him while he pretended like he was asleep. He even let me brush his teeth while he just laid there. Then I picked him up and headed to the stairs. When I got to the edge of the stairs, he immediately jumped up. I think he thought I was going to throw him down the stairs but later he said that he didn't want me to carry him down the steps.
After Robby and Anderson left, I started on my laundry from the weekend. It was a crazy, crazy large pile but the kids played around me and I finished after too long. Reagan kept begging for a snack but I kept telling her after I finished the laundry. Then I started putting the laundry up-hanging stuff, taking loads downstairs-and this just made Reagan more anxious. Finally I finished and Graham, Campbell and she watched a movie while I worked some more. I tried to do a bit of packing today and managed to do the food, the diaper bag, my bag, one change of clothes for the kids and one pair of pajamas. Ok, that doesn't sound like a lot when I write it down but trust me it took most all day along with all my other stuff.
Robby brought Anderson home from school and we had lunch. And everyone was pretty wild so I read a few books to them-this does calm them down a bit. Keaton just stared and stared at the books as I read. Then I put Campbell down for a nap and we worked on coloring our Minnesota map and Anderson did his reading book. By this time, my Reagan must have been tired because she started fussing and whining. This eventually woke Campbell up who needed a much longer nap because she later fell apart at the grocery store.
The kids managed to play a bit of basketball before we left to meet Robby for supper. We ate at Arbys and all of the kids love Arbys. Seriously, they ate 3 whole sandwiches is big seeing as how they only eat a total of 1 when we have bbq. We then went to the store to buy our trip food and buy we did!
I forgot to mention this morning I saw the UPS man driving down our road. What? I was about to be upset that he was using my road as a cut through but a few minutes later he rang the doorbell. He said that he left me 5 big boxes in front of the garage. Hmm, what could it be? Well the other day Robby noticed an unexpected charge on his credit card and apparently when he ordered something last time he had inadvertently signed up for the auto shipment (which he has now cancelled). What was it you ask? TOILET PAPER! That is 5 boxes each containing 100 rolls of toilet paper. And now that is in addition to the over 400 rolls that I have stored away from last time the toilet paper arrived. We will still have this toilet paper when we move into a nursing home!!

May 13, 2012-Happy Mother's Day

2012-05-13T19:51:00.001-07:00

Breakfast in Bed for Mother's Day!

Highlights from today: (click here for today's pictures)

We heard Reagan on the monitor this morning calling for Robby at 6 on the dot. She knew that it was Mother's Day and it must be morning since it was daylight and that meant that it was time to get up and start making me my breakfast. Robby told her that she had a few more minutes. They all must have gone back to sleep for a few more minutes but were soon awake again-they were all so excited about Mother's Day.
I graciously stayed in bed for a few more minutes while they worked on my waffles. (I did lay everything out for them late last night). They came into our room and were all so excited-carrying cards, flowers planted at school, presents, juice and waffles. Everyone had cards for me, Anderson had a flower from school (that had spent quite a bit of time in Robby's car and is looking pretty sad) and Reagan bought me a box of chocolates, a Dalmatian figurine and some fake potted flowers. We all then went into the kitchen and everyone had waffles and then we rushed around to get ready for church
Graham found one of his dollars from yesterday in the car and immediately begin asking if we could swing by Burger King on the way to church to buy cinna minis-the answer was no since we just had waffles.
At church, Reagan and Anderson did fine during the sermon without anything to color or do (last week Anderson lost that privilege last week.) And that will be probably what we do from now on-just listen. Though I probably do need to stick their Bibles into my bag. Of course all of the kids have NIV Bibles and the preacher doesn't read from NIV-which is fine but how can they follow along. Not a big deal because my Bible was always different than Bro. Pauls growing up and I survived.
Actually, I don't really know how Reagan and Anderson did during church because I left when the sermon started. Graham's class was having Muffins for Mom. He was so happy to see me come in and was so proud of serve me. That boy had 2 muffins, 2 cups of juice and fruit-he eats all of the time. Of course, when it was time to go he was so upset even though we had talked about me having to go and keep the babies.
I grabbed everyone from their class a few minutes early and we went and had our pictures made in the little photo booths at church this morning. Maybe we can scan them so you can see them. I will put that on the list-my list is longer this week than it has been in months. Last few days before going on our trip and lots, lots to do-so much so I don't really know how and where to start.
We ate lunch with Nonna and Pops and the kids checked on the garden before we headed home. I put Campbell down for a nap, Reagan and Anderson watched a movie, Graham worked on rearranging all of the pillows/cushions in the living room and Keaton was in bed with us. Keaton was quite squirmy so Robby pulled her bed in our room and laid her down-she wasn't happy but we were very still so maybe she would forget that we were there and she eventually did.
It was a wonderful Mother's Day nap and everyone stirred again around 4. After a popsicle, we all went outside for a little bit of hoops. We did divide into teams and play a game tonight-that was pretty comical! Then Robby took the big 4 on a trailer ride while I swept the addition and then he did a little cleaning of his sheds and pulling out a few things for the trip.
Back inside, I made the kids clean up the school room and then we had supper followed by baths and bedtime. They were all pretty tired but one thing that I have forgotten to mention over the past few days is one incident that happened with Campbell. She was sitting on the couch and Anderson was near by her. She tooted and looked right at her brother and said "Anderson!" as if to blame it on him.

May 12, 2012

2012-05-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Happy 93rd Birthday Papaw!

Highlights from today: (click here for today's pictures)

The kids woke up after 7, the workers were here at 8:15 and Grannymom, Grandpa and Reagan arrived around 8:30. Needless to say we had a busy morning but that was without the soccer game because of the rain. Even though we had warned Anderson that rain may be a possibility he still started to cry. He was quickly over that when we mentioned breakfast.
Robby and Grandpa worked on adding more cement to the basketball goal pole. I did some laundry and Grannymom played with everyone. Other than that I didn't get much done. The kids put on their clothes and Campbell did not like the dress that I had laid out for her. I thought that was a bit funny because I had laid out the exact same dress for her to wear tomorrow to church. I showed Reagan the other dress and Campbell saw us and then she tried to take off the dress she was wearing to put on a copy of it. Silly thing.
We had lunch with Beebee and Papaw along with Nonna, Pops and Jason. We were celebrating Papaw's 93rd birthday. The kids did very well especially after Papaw gave them each a couple of dollars. After that Campbell hugged Papaw and gave Beebee a giant hug. Seriously, maybe I should start paying that child.
After that party we came home for a few minutes of rest...Keaton, Campbell and Reagan were all sleeping. Anderson and Graham had been playing on our phones in our room and had just left. Robby was laying in the bed and I had just moved from the bed to the chair. Just remember all of that while I mention that our old closet door now connects to the addition and one of my biggest fears lately is that someone will walk in while we are sleeping. And today it happened-the worker man walked into our room to look for his tools (they had been working in our room). Needless to say we were all startled. Robby was just so pleased that they put in his office window that he really didn't care who came into our bedroom!
Soon afterwards we loaded back up and went to Will's birthday party at Larry's pizza. The kids played lots of games and even won a bouncy ball, starburst and a pixie stick. Reagan would take Robby's money and exchange it for tokens and was so responsible to pass out everyone's tokens. Of course, this process would take a lot more time than the time it actually took for them to spend those tokens. But that had lots of fun.
And when we left Robby swung by Dollar General to let everyone pick out a prize since they had been good all day. The girls got tiny dolls and they played with them all evening long-I did occasionally have to put Campbell's doll's head back on. Graham bought a sword and grenade and Anderson bought a tiny game of pool. When we came home, Robby and I went outside to clean up the addition while the kids played with their new toys-this lasted about 10 minutes before everyone was fussing.
A popsicle did buy us some more time and a bottle for Keaton made her happy. She now has 4 top teeth for a total of 6. And that girl loves her some food but wasn't too interested in baked beans and potato salad from lunch. Before too long I was about to herd the kids upstairs when they all went running to the school room.
When Reagan came to me and asked how to spell "mother" I knew they were making cards. She later came in and said that the boys didn't have cards for me and she was helping them. She sounded so disgusted with them that they did not have proper cards for me. After all the cards were made and hidden by their pillows everyone went to bed.

May 11, 2012

2012-05-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

Hope they always love each other!

Highlights from today: (click here for today's pictures)

One of the kids first called us at 8. I walked to the kitchen and saw the time and returned to encourage Robby to get up and get going. I went upstairs and opened the kids blinds to see the trim guys knocking downstairs to plug in their tools. I rushed downstairs and opened the door for them and then headed back upstairs.
I told the kids that we were going to Kennedy's house after we cleaned our house and before I knew it, Anderson and Graham were cleaning up the toy room. They continued to work and then we headed downstairs for breakfast. Afterwards, I continued passing out chores and all of the kids must have really wanted to go to Kennedys (especially Anderson) because they worked hard cleaning. They cleaned the bathroom counters, kitchen counters, swept the kitchen, straightened the school room and living room, put stuff away and turned off the lights-amazing for around here.
Before leaving the house, Reagan packed for Grannymom's house. This was her night to spend the night and she was so excited. We packed her soccer stuff and she was so excited about another game (unfortunately, it looks like rain). Reagan did want to pack her new quilt that she made and was so proud to show Grannymom.
At Kennedy's house, Anderson was so excited about playing with Austin's cars. We have tons of cars but just playing with someone elses is so much more fun. I actually dropped the kids off and went to the book sale just down the road and the plan was for Jodee to go when I returned but she changed her mind about going. Anyway, that was actually the first time that the kids had all stayed with some one other than family. I did bring my spoon just in case anyone needed it. I think they were all pretty good though-Reagan even commented on the way home that "we were so good, even Campbell acted like a big girl."
And Campbell did have a big time-she had her hair French braided, tried on a precious Minnie dress, claimed a pair of shoes and a shirt. I really don't know how much of a big girl that Campbell was since during hide and seek she took of her skirt and diaper saying she needed to potty (she didn't potty though).
We finally left Kennedys when Keaton was so tired that she could not keep her eyes open. We dropped Reagan off at Grannymom's house. Everyone wanted to get out so I told them that we could stop at Sonic and they were all happy with that plan. Once we made it home, Robby was home soon after and we all took a tour of the addition to see what all had happened today.
As we were looking around I was pointing out all of the baseboards since it was the trim guys there today. Anderson saw them and said "oh, we will have so many baseboards to clean now." Yes, they will.
Robby, Anderson, Graham and Campbell worked on spreading some grass seed around the yard. Soon all of them but Graham went to the Tractor Store for more seed. Graham was getting tired and stayed at home with me and Keaton. He almost fell asleep as we were sitting outside. Back from the store, Anderson and Campbell got out of the store holding new tiny tractors to play with. Graham was happy when Campbell gave hers to him (the plan all along since she likes the dirt but doesn't play with the tractors and cars in it)
Soon Pops and Nonna came over with hay for our dirt and seed. We all helped spread it out and then the kids played in the sprinkler in their clothes while I heated up supper. They had quick baths and then Pops and Nonna ate with us. They left and then we let them stay up for a big longer before putting them all to bed.

May 10, 2012

2012-05-10T20:16:00.001-07:00

Chillin' at the soccer game!

Highlights from today: (click here for today's pictures)

Robby woke up to the sounds of a bulldozer in the front yard and during breakfast we saw a roller-seriously, a real live roller in our front yard. 6 noses were pressed to the window (that would be the 4 big kids, Robby and me). We were so shocked that we didn't even think to pull out the camera. We had a load or two of gravel poured yesterday on the driveway and we thought that they were finished. But no, they flattened it and seriously, a roller really flattens things.
And I mentioned the camera-our flash hasn't been popping up correctly so I tried to take it to Bedfords today. Of course they send things away so that wasn't an option for the upcoming trip. But I tried something I looked up on the internet tonight (a q-tip dipped in alcohol) and it worked perfectly.
The boys went to school today and then they stayed for lunch box kids at school this afternoon. The boys always want to stay so for the last two Thursdays of their school year, we have signed them up. Graham helped me pack his lunch last night so it was filled up with nothing healthy...except a few green beans. And it was a good thing I didn't pack my good silverware in there because no containers or forks that I sent came home. It was all disposable stuff but maybe I better go over things with them before next week! Anyway, they had a blast-Graham went outside 2 times today and Anderson got another turn on the computer!
Reagan spent the day at Kennedy's house but first they played a bit over here. Reagan said that they played spy but never told me anything else they played. Currently, she is too obsessed on when Mother's Day is to think of anything else. That is all she wants to talk about is how many days til Mother's Day.
Campbell and Keaton spent the day at Grannymom and Grandpa's house. Grandpa said that the girls were perfect today. They spent lots of time outside and Keaton sits happily in the empty baby pool playing with her toys. Campbell and Grannymom worked on pottying today-actually, Grannymom did most of the work and Campbell did nothing. Grannymom even promised Campbell a whole box of cookies to which Campbell never earned. Now when we did get in van, Campbell remembered those cookies and was not pleased that she did not have them in her lap....maybe next time.
We had a pretty low key afternoon and soon it was time to dress for soccer. They have two Thursday night games and this was the first. We played the first little team that we played and they had improved greatly....thankfully, so had we. One of our team members was on fire and scored 6 of our 9 goals to their 2 goals. Reagan and Anderson both scored a goal today as well-so we bought them supper.
Reagan is a little coach on the soccer game-telling Anderson where to go, telling them to watch the ball. And Anderson is quite the encourager-always telling people good job. We had supper out and then brought everyone home to get in bed!

May 9, 2012

2012-05-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

What? It's just a LITTLE DIRT!

Highlights from today: (click here for today's pictures)
(if you missed yesterday's, click here)

Robby left for work pretty early this morning and when Graham reported to me that Daddy woke him up before he left I was not at all pleased with Daddy (though I don't think that is exactly accurate). Before breakfast 3 of 5 of the kids were dressed and all were ready for today's big plans.
I had thought that we would read 100 books today for our last day of school. Well, we weren't quite able to make it. Actually, I think we could have done it but the kids wouldn't have gotten to eat breakfast or lunch or do anything else today. But we are keeping count and will try to finish 100 books this week (or maybe early next week! ha!). 100 books or not, today was our official last day of school and counting Comm Central, we did 166 days of school around here which isn't too shabby at all. We still have a long summer list of things to do plus we have about 4 more states to talk about before the big trip.
The Schwann's man rang the doorbell at about the same time a big bulldozer rolled up. I again bought something today-strawberry popsicles and they are delicious. The bulldozer man worked all day long-he has leveled around the driveway area, poured gravel on our little driveway, gravel all down the long driveway (why not do that now too we decided), moved gravel in front of the addition and soil on that spot. He still has some work to do tomorrow with digging the hole for the pool (kidding!)
As soon as Anderson saw the bulldozer, he ran upstairs and put on his clothes. Before I realized, he was outside playing in the dirt with his bulldozer and other dirt moving trucks. Graham went out too and I was in the kitchen. Within minutes, I heard Anderson screaming-it was more than just a little scream it was the "something is wrong scream." I figured that Graham had put dirt in his face and rushed outside. I saw Graham and just as I was about to scold him, I saw that he had no clue what was going on. Then Anderson came running to me-screaming, flailing around and shaking. The boy was hysterical but I was about to decipher "grand daddy long legs on me" as he screamed. I found it and brushed it off and he just shook as he continued to cry. Pitiful. Then he stopped crying, took his shoes off and went outside. No more grand daddy long legs for that boy!
Graham also needed to do his share of working today, so he moved his tools to their bedroom and started to work. He likes to use his tools on the bunk beds because there is "lots of room and lots of wood." Reagan joined him in playing and they worked and worked. Soon everyone was playing but Graham kept saying "where are all of my tools going?" Finally, he lost interest and started playing with something else.
As I was putting my 15th load of laundry in the dryer this afternoon, I discovered all of his tools-in the dryer. I now remember having to tell Campbell to leave the laundry room. That child is something else-seriously. I got so tickled at her this afternoon when I was changing Keaton's poopy diaper. She leaned down in Keaton's face and screamed "Potty, poo poo in the potty Keaton." (And I haven't really done 15th loads of laundry today-just seems like it)
Before too long, Robby was home from work and we all headed outside for a bit. We played basketball, baseball and then had supper outside. The Dennie's came over to see the new dirt work, cabinets and doors. Robby and James worked on the basketball goal for a bit and then the kids headed back to the dirt pile. At one time they were all singing about taking a bath as they were rubbing the dirt all over them. Anderson shouted that he was getting a massage. They had dirt in every crook and cranny of their little bodies! What a mess!

May 8, 2012

2012-05-08T20:16:00.002-07:00

Graham's class heads to the ZOO!

Highlights from today: (click here for today's pictures)

Last night Campbell had mentioned "go with Daddy" when we were discussing who would go where this morning. And this morning she was just as adamant about it. Except this morning she figured our where Robby was going. "Me go zoo" is what she continued to say until Robby gave her the okay that she could go with him and Graham.
Robby took Anderson to school and then headed to the zoo with Graham's class. The 3 year old class had to hold on to the rope today which kind of seemed silly since all of their parents were there too. Anyway, the kids didn't seem to mind. There were a few drops of rain so somehow their zoo trip got hurried along. But Robby made sure that he stopped to feed the fish on their way out of the zoo. Graham said that this was his favorite thing and Campbell said that the monkeys were her favorite animal.
Reagan and Keaton went to Nonna's house and Reagan went with a mission in mind. She took all of her money and was planning on going shopping with Nonna to buy my Mother's Day present. Pops was working today and since they didn't have a car seat for Keaton, Reagan couldn't go out shopping. So after we all had lunch and I picked up Keaton, Nonna and Reagan were finally able to run Reagan's errand. Nonna said that they went to two stores and then had to return to the first stop. She finally found what she wanted and Nonna brought her back to our house.
Meanwhile, back at home Anderson was telling me that Ms. Stacy had said that they were going to get to go down the biggest slide ever their last day of school. I reminded him that we wouldn't be there on the last day and that poor little guy cried and cried. It was pitiful. I told him that I would ask Ms. Stacy and maybe we could go or do whatever was planned another day. He seemed to be a bit happier after I said this so then we started talking about all of the big slides we had been to in our travels and this really calmed him down.
Pretty soon after all of this the trim man arrived, we had to put on our bathing suits, had to put Belle up and it was time to go. We hurried around and as we were backing out, I remembered Reagan's card that she made Kennedy so she had to go back in for it. Then in the driveway (yard) we saw one of the turtles that the boys had seen earlier in the day so we stopped to see it. And as we started to drive off the turtle stopped to walk so the kids made me stop again since they had never seen a turtle walk (or at least that is what they said).
Kennedy had a swim party and the kids had a blast. Reagan was so proud of Kennedy's gift and card but has now reminded me that I have to pay her back for it since I didn't have any cash and had to borrow some from her. Graham was a hungry little guy and devoured his hot dog-swimming makes him hungry. It was so chilly tonight that Reagan shivered most of the evening and Campbell's lips turned nearly purple but they all said that swimming at Kennedy's was there favorite thing they did all day long.

May 7, 2012

2012-05-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

I Love You!

Highlights from today: (Click here for today's pictures)

Graham was the first one up this morning-shouting his ABCs. Got to love that child! Robby was the first one up there and I joined them soon after. Graham, Robby and Campbell were all laying in the floor. In the mornings, Campbell will just lay so quietly and still with you in the floor. Graham tries, but there is nothing quiet or still about him.
Reagan could not understand that she wasn't going to a grandma's house today since that is usually what happens when Anderson goes to school or she goes to Comm Central. I think she finally understood but next Monday she will be just as confused again.
Robby took Anderson to school this morning and the rest of us did a little bit of school here. Then I worked around the house and might add that balloons are of the devil. Seriously, we were left with 3 balloons from Grandpa's party and I am ready for them to go away, go far far away. If the kids aren't fighting over them then they have floated where someone can't reach them and they are hanging from the bunk beds trying to grab them or I am having to stand on a stool to reach them. We are celebrating my grandpa's birthday on Saturday and they might just still be floating otherwise, I would have already trash bagged them.
The cabinet man came today and let me tell you, my shoe rack, lockers and benches are just going to be awesome. I am so excited and might even go out to buy more shoes right now. Again though I was a bit afraid that this worker would try to call Scan on me. I have had that feeling with quite a few workers but today was particularly bad. Reagan, Graham, Campbell and I were all playing a game. Every time Campbell would roll the dice and then refuse to give it to the next player. Every time I would have to take it from her and she would let out a blood curdling scream or she would willingly pass it but then she would also scream. And I mean every time she would scream-almost comical-except someone was right outside the house working.
Anderson came home and we all had lunch and then worked on Montana. We read about Sitting Bull and colored a grizzly bear which is Montana's state animal. And during this time, I put my hand on Graham and that poor child was feverish. He had been laying on the couch when Robby left and then continued to lay there until I called him to the school room. I never took his temperature but he was quite warm all afternoon long. Though acted fine-watched a movie, played and took a little nap and remained in a good mood. I did manage to give him some medicine before leaving for supper and he felt a little less warm tonight.
Robby came home and we ate out for supper. The food was good but the kids were better. We were pleased at their behavior-probably because there were peppermints at the door and they were told they could get two if they used their manners. And it worked (for the most part). Keaton enjoyed supper-I fed her some pasta from my plate. She gobbled it down even though it was pretty rich and didn't stay down long at all!
Back at home, we showed the kids the cabinets and as always Graham was taking it all in. He showed us where we could put the bath toys. The kids picked up their toys and then it was bedtime for all!

May 6, 2012

2012-05-06T19:41:00.003-07:00

Hoops on a hot Sunday afternoon!

Highlights from today: (Click here for today's pictures)

Church this morning and since I had neglected to lay out the clothes last night we took a bit longer to get ready. So to save a few minutes, we just stopped for breakfast (not on the way but it makes everyone happy).
Anderson had a harder than usual time during church today. So hard in fact that I once pulled him up by his ear to make him stand. We told them that there would be no drawing next week in big church-we are there to listen and not color. We will see how that works out (if we remember this). Though in all honesty, it always bothers me that I have trained my children that they can pull out their colors when the preacher begins-taught them that it is okay to disengage during that important part of the service.
But Anderson was listening well during the choir special today. They sang a song in Spanish because of the guests who were there from Peru. Anyway, one of Anderson's friend's dad was singing and I had just explained that he was singing in Spanish. Anderson looked at me all confused and asked "is he ever going to be able to talk like us again?"-he thought the singer would no longer be able to speak English and now only Spanish.
We had birthday party leftovers at Grannymom's house for lunch-leftover beans, potato salad and desserts since that is what we had plenty of. She did add a few extras though. Lilly invited Reagan to her dance recital and even though Reagan fell asleep during it last year, she wanted to go again this year. Cash came home with us to play with the boys.
Robby and I had decided that this was going to be a nap day for us so the boys had to stay inside to play. That was fine-they watched a movie, made a fort, played with cars, played army men and had a grand old time. Most of the time they played shirtless-and I really don't know why since it was a bit cold in the house today.
They played inside until Robby saw a snake and we all went out to watch it. Robby was out on the patio and saw the snake and then watched it as it climbed a tree and then we came out. Two snakes were in that tree-that might have been pilfering a birds nest. Either way, there were two snakes in that tree. One was at least 4 feet long. We have heard that ground up moth balls will keep the snakes out of the yard. So that is an option or the other option is for me to move!
Soon Reagan was home and Cash left. I fed the kids a bit of supper outside and they swang or a bit and then we all went to play basketball. The kids are so enjoying their basketball and I can tell they will spend many hours out there. Of course, Robby bought 4 balls-two standard size and two junior ones and they are different colors-two orange and two brown. And as you can imagine, that causes problems because everyone wants the orange ones. Seriously?
Nonna and Pops stopped by for a few minutes and then everyone came inside for baths. Anderson spent his bath time trying to baptize himself. Upstairs, I sat Keaton in the bath with the girls and she was not happy about that at all. In her defense she hasn't really had that many bath and usually she just takes a quick shower with Robby.
I then made everyone a snack and they headed to bed. We said our prayers and then said good night. Reagan has become quite the prayer. She usually always remembers/reminds us to prayer before meals. The other day the kids were eating on a blanket in the living room and I heard her tell them "We forgot to pray. Let's pray together. Repeat after me...." And then she led them all in a prayer. Cutest thing ever.

May 5, 2012-Happy Birthday Grandpa

2012-05-05T20:54:00.003-07:00

Celebrating 80 Years!

Highlights from today: (Click here for today's pictures)
Click here for pictures of Jame's 80th Birthday Party

Graham's normal routine is to put on his clothes as soon as he gets up. His normal routine before changing his clothes is to also walk around naked for a few minutes. Today he went to the bathroom to do his business for a bit. He must have been sitting on the potty for awhile. Because Reagan came to me and whispered "do you know that Graham has a big circle on his bottom?"
In the car today on the way to the soccer game, Robby told Reagan that he wanted her to score 2 goals. I added that we just wanted to have fun and Reagan replied that she didn't want to have fun. She wanted to W-I-N. And win she did, Reagan was on fire today and scored 4 goals today for her team. I lost count of the score but it was around 8 to 2. At least twice during the soccer game, I heard Reagan shout (probably at Anderson) "Keep your eye on the ball."
Anderson wasn't as into the soccer game today. He has become quite the buddy with one of the other little boys that play on the team and Robby said that whenever they are on the field together they distract each other. He did still run after the ball and get a few kicks in.
And that bring me to Graham-he didn't really care much about watching the soccer game. But Campbell cared alot about running through the tunnel. This week she stayed with the team at least but she ran through and was so proud of her little self. She sent most of the morning at home looking for her "soccer shoes" but I was able to distract her by talking about running through the tunnel. She looked at me and said "run far."
Anderson wanted to go back home with Jason after the game to properly finish his spending the night. Graham went home with Nonna and got a slushy on the way to her house. Campbell and Reagan went home with Grannymom for a bit before the party. This all happened so fast that Graham wasn't really sure what all was happening but was pretty afraid that he was going to miss the party. Nonna picked up Anderson and had to get him a slushy from Sonic too and was going to take them home for lunch but Graham just wanted to come home so she brought them home.
The boys were fine at home. I told them they could watch a movie in my room, play in the kitchen or play outside but all other rooms were off limits because they were clean. They watched a movie and then I felt sorry for them and did let them go upstairs and play. They even picked up when they left the toy room and I didn't have to ask.
Robby and I were so busy working that the boys never even had lunch. I had fed Keaton earlier but our afternoon consisted of raking leaves (me and Robby), sweeping the addition (me), 2nd trip to Walmart today (Robby), vacuuming (me), weed eating (Robby), picking up the kitchen (me) and putting all of the mowers up (Robby). Before long Grannymom and Grandpa arrived and soon after Les and family showed up as well.
Then I started the next job-giving everyone a bath. They did really well and it went fairly smoothly until it was time for Anderson to put on his clothes. First he didn't want to wear the shirt I had laid out of him, then he only wanted to wear his robe and then he wanted to wear his blue sporty type shorts. Poor thing was just exhausted and was having a melt down. I tried to calm him down but eventually had to go and get in the shower. Finally Robby calmed him down (along with a popsicle). I heard Robby telling him that he didn't want to put on his nice shorts and collared shirt either but he was going to because it was Grandpa's birthday and I guess that message soaked in with Anderson because a few minutes later, he was down stairs watching the Kentucky Derby. Once I told him the party had started, he joined everyone outside.
Grandpa's 80th birthday party was at our house tonight. I counted around 52 people but it was hard to get a good count. All of the cousins did very well and ate a few bites before going over to the swings and dirt to start playing. They played the entire evening and worked very hard on digging a hole-large enough that I worried that they had buried Campbell when I couldn't find her once. She was just inside washing dishes that time. Another time I couldn't find her, she was looking for school scissors to open her candy since Aunt Shelley had taken my scissors away from her. And tonight for supper, Campbell got her own plate and filled it up with chips and then walked to her seat. Funny girl-I guess she though we would just let her eat chips. We did get her a sandwich (but who knows if she ate any of it).
Everyone sang Happy Birthday to Grandpa and then devoured all of our desserts. Robby had bought me a new cupcake stand for the occasion and I filled it full of carrot cake, strawberry and chocolate chip cupcakes and they were all pretty good. So good that I think I have eaten at least 5. Click here for pictures of Grandpa's party
After the party, the Dennie crew cleaned everything up. It didn't take long-even though Robby had us moving the picnic table all across the yard. It was the table Grandpa had build for us and it was heavy. Robby, Shelley, Les, Dana and I all picked it up. First we almost hit a tree and had to turn, then we had to go over the baby who was sitting on a blanket and finally we had to move it some more since we weren't in the right spot. All that work and we still didn't get it in exactly the same spot!
Back inside we gave our kids quick baths. They were all so tired from this busy day. Keaton was the most tired-she has only had 2 short naps today. One of her naps was during the party but I decided that she didn't need to miss the party so I woke her up. She was the sweetest thing when I woke her up and was in the best mood-probably helped that she convinced someone to feed her some ice cream!

May 4, 2012

2012-05-04T21:41:00.003-07:00

Miss Conductor!

Highlights from today: (Click here for today's pictures)

This morning Anderson was the first one up and came and got in bed with me (mattress still in the living room floor due to dust). He first asked "bring me my Keaton." I declined since Keaton was still sleeping. He said he didn't care and wanted to lay by her. A few minutes later he said that all night he had dreamed about daddy coming home and bringing home basketballs.
And not too long after that, Graham told me that he had been dreaming about jumping on my mattress. And since I do want all my children's dreams to come true, I let them have at it. So much so that the boys were sweating. But Reagan, Anderson, Graham and Campbell jumped and jumped and Keaton sat and watched while I ran around the house working as fast as I could. Now that our room is cleaned and back to normal, I might still just pull that mattress off of the bed and let them jump when I need some time.
Speaking of that mattress, all day yesterday and until tonight, our box spring was just leaning up against the wall in the hall way. And somehow Robby had laid a shirt on it and at least 50 times I saw that shirt and thought that a rather large man was standing in our hallway. I thought about moving it but finally decided that my heart jumping out of my chest occasionally during the day was kind of like exercise and maybe good for me!
We did school today-our last real day of school. I plan on doing 3 more tomorrow just to tie up our loose ends and do some more states from our upcoming road trip. Made me kind of sad that today was the last day to do math and phonics for a few months...oh, maybe not. I might just sneak a bit of that in on our summer to do list.
Pops came over to mow a bit this morning and he asked if Anderson could spend the night and right after that Anderson was ready to pack his clothes. He didn't want to waste any time. They went to Chuck E Cheese tonight and had a big time. They also went to Jason's house so they could play some video games-Anderson must have had the bast time.
Keaton has really started moving around on the floor. She doesn't crawl but she can twist and scoot back. This morning, she rolled around until she almost rolled completely under a chair in the living room. I was standing up to get my camera when she must have realized that she was stuck and started to whimper. Graham also realized that he was stuck tonight when he went to the bathroom when we were out to eat. The stall door didn't open all the way because of the toilet paper container. I was busy with Campbell and Reagan tried to help him at first but couldn't. He was almost in a panic and Reagan was about to crawl under to get him when I gave the door a good push and it opened right up.
Robby worked in the yard all afternoon and we also worked on removing the dust from our bedroom and sweeping the addition. Now we just have to figure out how to make the floor look clean again-the sheetrock mudder people were quite messy. Before too long, it was almost 6 and Robby had to run to the bank and Sams. We rode along and ended up stopping for supper, buying a few lawn chairs and then grabbing ice cream on the way home.
Once we made it home, Robby and I got to work and the kids helped out a bit. I kept them up and helping until almost 10 and then they went to bed. It is almost 12 now and I have to wake Robby up so we can finish getting ready for tomorrow!

May 3, 2012

2012-05-03T20:16:00.002-07:00

Highlights from today: (Click here for today's pictures)


Spending some time in the dentist chair!

So at 1 this morning, Graham wet the bed and when I climbed back into bed Robby stirred. I told him "Graham wet the bed" but he just had a confused look on his face and raised up a bit. He continued to stare at me and then said "huh? you?" Apparently, he didn't hear me say "Graham" and was afraid I was the one who had wet the bed. As Robby went back to sleep, I laid in the bed and giggled about all of that....I laughed about that until I decided that I might better go to the bathroom just in case!
Robby woke up this morning at 7:30 and since we really needed to leave around 8, we had to move pretty quickly. Of course, that meant that I had to wake up all of the kids who were sleeping ever so soundly. We did leave almost on time and after I had driven for a few minutes, I remembered that I had my diaper bags but I didn't have Keaton's milk so I had to turn around to fetch it.
I usually don't share my work stories though I have quite a few (3rd graders who don't know how to roll a dice for a board game, 1st graders who can't identify letters, and it just goes on and on). I work at the old Geyer Springs road location of church. And today I was walking across the preschool porch to walk up the steps to get my next speech kid. I opened the door to the stairwell and the lights were off. I tried to turn them on but they didn't turn on and I vividly remember when I was a little girl at church. There was a clown in that same stairwell and my Dad and I were walking up. That clown turned off the lights on us and I got very, very upset. Still bothered me a little bit today when I the lights were out. I turned around and found another way upstairs.
As I was at work, Ms. Wendelyn called me. Of course my immediate concern was that Graham had gotten in trouble or was sick. He was fine but had bumped his head pretty good on the playground. She said that he never cries but was pretty upset. Anderson said that he saw him do it and even said that he gave him a hug afterwards.
After picking up the boys, we drove to Grannymom's house and Reagan hopped in the van as we were heading to the dentist. Poor Campbell really wanted to go with us. As we drove off, she was flailing and flopping on the ground. Though by the time we made the circle and drove past, I saw that she was at least standing up and letting Grannymom wave her arm to tell us bye. I was afraid that she would want to leave with me when I dropped off Reagan, Anderson and Graham after the dentist. But when I told her she could stay at Grannymom's house or come home to take a nap she opted for Grannymom's house. (And I was really not afraid she would go home with me but I was planning on getting a few things done around the house quickly this afternoon-I don't have many hours without the kids. And when I think that because we plan to homeschool for awhile, I will never have many hours without the kids, it makes me a little panicky! Ha! Nah, not really-I like my kids....most of the time)
On the way to the dentist, Graham wanted to count. So I started counting with him and we counted to 100. Graham shouted to Reagan that that was the first time he had counted to 100. He was so proud. And a few minutes later, Graham said to me "Thank you for counting with me."-just melts my heart.
At the dentist, my kids were perfect. They sat, they spoke, they cooperated-no cavities. Reagan got sealants on her molars and everyone got a flouride treatments (my insurance doesn't cover this twice a year but since my and Robby's teeth aren't the best we feel it is worth while). Anderson saw his xrays and I showed him his permanent teeth coming in behind his baby teeth. He smiled and said "Daddy is going to be soooo proud of me."
Back at home, I was heading in to make cupcakes and saw Robby standing in the back of a truck, on a ladder, swinging a sledge hammer and I just walked on past like I didn't see a thing. I never would have let that go on at Gamble! Ha! I walked on in to work on my cupcakes. One batch was carrot cake and it called for 2 cups of shredded carrots and since I had never shredded carrots nor bought fresh carrots (don't judge) I had not a clue of how many to buy. I figured that if I did double the recipe and need 4 cups of carrots I should buy the biggest bag they had....not true. I used a tiny portion of my bag so I guess I will be making Keaton some baby food in the next few days. Oh I guess that I could feed the other kids some carrots too! Or just make lots and lots of carrot cake!
Grannymom brought the kids back over and the first thing they saw was the basketball goal that Robby and Grandpa had spent most of the morning working on. (The reason Robby was sledge hammering on that ladder in the back of the truck). They were so excited and could have stayed out side playing forever. But it was time for soccer practice.
We loaded back up and headed to practice. They had fun and Reagan said that she liked soccer practice best because they could play games during practice. It looks like her whole team really has fun and but they can not play in the dirt because coach does not like that at all. After practice we picked up supper and let the kids play outside while we tried to clean up the addition. I swept and Robby mopped but it is still so dusty-what are we going to do? If you are coming to my house on Saturday, come early and bring your broom and mop!

May 2, 2012

2012-05-02T20:21:00.001-07:00

A visit to see Beebee & Papaw!

Highlights from today: (Click here for today's pictures)

Robby and I camped in the living room last night because of our dusty bedroom and I was a bit worried that Graham wouldn't be able to find us if he came to our room in the middle of the night. Thankfully everyone slept well (including us though we are not as young as we used to be and the floor is not as comfortable as it used to be either).
Before 7 the concrete man was at the house and Robby brought his shoes inside to put them on. I was still laying in the floor and heard him squeal-there was a green slimy frog in his shoe. Grandpa arrived soon after and the kids had their clothes on and were outside within minutes of waking up.
They had breakfast sitting on a blanket watching cement trucks pour some a parking area outside of the garage and a sidewalk. The boys watched the trucks for a little bit and then they were off to the dirt pile-I was surprised at how quickly they lost interest in those trucks. After playing for a while it was time to write our initials in the concrete-Campbell did her C and then came back with a stick to add some designs. Keaton opted just to do her footprint and then I thought that I should have done footprints for everyone-that would have been cute.
Notice the picture of Keaton-she had fallen asleep in the school room after playing with toys. Poor thing, fell asleep under a desk.
We came in and did school pretty quickly and then lunch. During school, Reagan finished making her quilt that she received for Christmas. That girls was so proud of it (and since I did much of it-I am also proud) At lunch Robby popped in for a minute and was surprised to see the gas people-concrete truck #3 knocked down our meter thingy. Good thing our heat is the only thing on gas now since they still have to come inside the house to do something or another.
Around 1:30 we left for Keaton's doctor's appointment. She weighs 17 pounds and 13 ounces (65th%), is 25 1/2 inches (18th%) and her head is in the 90th percentile-which is not as high as the other kids but still makes her a big headed Dennie. Martin asked if I was brushing her teeth and I nodded and said "sure" and Reagan said "really?" That little girl was going to correct me in front of the doctor-of course the way I had said "sure" and nodded my head Martin knew that I had not been. We will start that tonight.
Keaton had 3 shots and stopped fussing as soon as we picked her up. Oh, throughout the clinic the 4 big kids have their picture. Early this summer they asked us to come so they could take the pictures for the clinic and now they are hanging there. They are absolutely beautiful-maybe I need a few big pictures on my walls here. I might just steal one from the doctors office. Think they would notice if I left with 5 kids and a huge canvas?
Next we headed to see Beebee and Papaw for a few minutes. My boys acted pitiful-like if I had my spoon with me...anyway, they couldn't sit, the couldn't keep their hands to themselves, they couldn't do anything right-acted just like 3 and 5 year olds!! They didn't get a juice box when we got back in the car and tonight as soon as we walked in the door they were sent to bed.
Next we picked up supper and ate it in the car at church. Then walked around church for a bit-went to the library, played foosball and saved our seats for the Awana celebration. It was in the sanctuary and the kids all played games-the boys were so excited they could hardly stand it. Reagan was too-she is one child I can never take to the horse races, she would die of excitement!
I snuck out a few minutes early to go and get the girls so we could eat our ice cream and then leave. The kids played on the playground for a few minutes after they finished and then we headed home. Kennedy came by a few minutes to pick up her brother, Austin, and then we went in to tuck in the kids. Poor Campbell fell asleep in the car and after we woke her up to get her in, all she wanted to do was to go back to bed!

May 1, 2012

2012-05-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not tired!

Highlights from today: (Click here for today's pictures)

Robby took the boys to school this morning and I dropped off the girls. My Keaton was just a happy girl this morning despite having a new top tooth. We have been fortunate that our kids have really never had any problems getting their teeth. I guess we are just fortunate that we have generally happy kids.
Anderson said the highlight of his school day was playing outside and Grahams was when he trimmed his grass that he grew in class. Reagan said they had a very busy day at Nonna's house though I don't now remember a single thing she said they did except read a new book from Jason.
We all had lunch with Pops and Nonna and then the kids went outside to play. They rode bikes for awhile until they discovered Robby's rope in the back of Pops' truck. That was all they needed-the pulled, tied, tugged and just had a grand time. Seriously, for Christmas they are getting ropes. Graham tried to tie up my car, a bike and then worked on tying up a few trees. Reagan and Anderson also played with the rope-Reagan tired it around her waist and then followed behind Anderson who was on the bike. I had assumed that she was the dog being led by him but she told me that he was the dog on a bike. Um, okay.
Back at home, Grannymom and Grandpa were there. They hung around for a bit after working most of the morning at the house. Then the kids played outside for a bit and then watched a movie while I put Campbell down for a nap. Then I tried to put Keaton down too but we were going to do school in the school room, my room was full of dust, the office area was too near the banging, the boys were going to the toy room, so she finally ended up in the upstairs bedroom closet.
My bedroom you ask? The sheet rock folks did some sanding on the new sheet rock in my bedroom. We should have planned ahead and covered everything but instead a thin or actually heavy layer of dust covers everything in there. The plan was to vacuum and wash everything this evening but we have run out of time so we are just going to crash somewhere else.
After we did school, the kids played and I handed out snacks as Robby and I tried to sneak outside. We had a few things to move (understatement) before the concrete man comes in the morning. Within five minutes, the kids were all putting on their shoes coming out to find us. They helped us briefly and then I had them go and play. Eventually, Reagan came back to help and she was quite the trooper and helped for a good hour moving stuff with us.
Finally, we had nearly finished and I ushered everyone in and showered the big 3 upstairs, clothed Campbell after her downstairs shower, changed Keaton, had a shower and then we were off. It was like a vacation us leaving in the middle of the night (8). Anderson even started talking about last year when we drove to Disney and everyone was sleeping in the middle of the night and we stopped to get ice cream but he woke up and we had to share with him. Anyway, Sonic shakes were half off and we deserved a treat (and supper).
We had our snack and then headed home. We tucked the kids in bed and never heard a peep from them!

April 30, 2012

2012-04-30T19:16:00.001-07:00

Graduation Day!

Highlights from today: (Click here for today's pictures)
(click here for a quick video)

This was the second night that Campbell has woken up in the middle of the night. Sounds like she is telling me that someone is fussing but then I go upstairs and she and everyone else is sound asleep. We had been on a pretty good streak of everyone sleeping through the night and Campbell's little awakenings are starting to catch up with me.
Today was Reagan's last day of kindergarten at Comm Central. (We still have 6 more days of school here at home) I had everyone with me and we all walked in to drop Anderson off and then we drove around to the back of the church for Reagan's assembly. We dropped her off in her class and went upstairs and soon Robby, Grannymom, Grandpa and Nonna all arrived. Campbell, Graham and Keaton were all anxiously awaiting seeing Reagan.
Reagan's class said two poems (Oooey Gooey and Jonathan Bing). Then they all said their name and told what they liked this year. Reagan said that she like Jonathan Bing-it was a very cute poem after all. Reagan did say that she really wanted to sing the 5 ocean song with the Pre K but they couldn't. All of the grades (Pre K through 4th) performed something from the kids memory work-the timeline, Intro to the Declaration of Independence, Preamble to the Constitution, Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, Patrick Henry's Give me liberty speech-all of these things Reagan has learned (or at least heard during the year) which is pretty cool. The only thing that we didn't touch this year that was in the memory work was the Greek and Latin-maybe next year (or maybe not!).
After the assembly, Reagan's class had graduation cupcakes and their room was all decked out for graduation. The teachers had little gifts for the kids and Reagan took her strawberry jelly to her teachers. When picking strawberries last week, she wanted to take some to her teachers so Nonna thought of making jelly from those strawberries to take and Reagan was so proud of her jelly. After she had her cupcake, we loaded up to pick up Anderson.
Nonna drove to the other side of the church with us and sat with the kids while I went in to pick up Anderson. When he saw me he just scowled and said "you are always early." Well, I am usually early but not this early since I did pick him up almost an hour early. I wasn't going to be able to stall and hang out around church for another hour.
At home lots was happening-drywall people, meeting with the brick man and the septic system was going in. And let me tell you, my yard is now a mess-lots of digging, rain and a few pieces of heavy machinery will do that. Though I certainly don't mind the mess at all! We are really only minorly inconvenienced from all of this construction but I can not imagine what people do that are renovating there whole house or even re doing a kitchen do. It would drive my absolutely insane!
Anyway, the kids played for a bit and then we had lunch. It was nice for everyone to be home on a Monday morning even if it was for a bit. After lunch I loaded everyone up and I dropped them off at Grannymom's house. I had a doctor's appointment and the kids read a few books and played outside until I came back.
By the time I made it home, it was past nap time for Campbell and Graham never had a quiet moment to fall asleep so they were two very tired little kids tonight. Campbell just laid in her bed when I put her down and didn't even bother trying to stall us leaving the room. Usually she calls me back and says "I have a secret" and then whispers incoherently in my ear.
Everyone mostly played legos until supper and then supper. I then bribed the kids that if they had dessert then they had to be my "super cleaners." They worked fairly well though Anderson would occasionally disappear and I would have to find him and remind him that he was working. We picked up the house and even had time to read quite a few library books before Robby made it home from his errands (and my supper).
Hopefully Campbell will sleep through the night tonight...or hopefully I will sleep through the night!

April 29, 2012

2012-04-29T19:05:00.001-07:00

Getting crowded in the pool!

Highlights from today: (Click here for today's pictures)

Since it was cinna mini day the kids were ready to get ready and after getting them all ready I left myself with 10 minutes to get ready. By the time I got out of the shower, Robby had loaded everyone up in the car. Graham asked us repeatedly if we knew the way to Burger King and then he asked if we would have to wait long for them. Poor thing has forgotten our old Sunday morning routine.
We were at church pretty early and we spied on people coming in through the window while we waited on Campbell's teachers to arrive. Of course after hanging out for awhile made Campbell not too happy to go to her class. Graham still went to his class without a problem though he so badly wants to go to big church with the rest of us.
After church we went to Nonna and Pops house to supper. The kids pretty much devoured their pizza and then went outside to ride bikes and blow bubbles. When we made it home they still wanted to go outside. We did coax Campbell back inside for a nap and soon Graham was curled up with Robby on the couch snoozing.
Grannymom and Grandpa came over for a bit and after they left Pops came over to drop off our Sunday shoes that we had left at his house. Pops even dropped back by to pick up a house key (Nonna had locked him out...by accident).
This evening the kids were begging us to play in the water so we let them and Keaton even sat in a puddle a splashed in the water. They will just have a blast this summer when it is alot warmer and we can play in the water more. Robby hosed everyone off before letting them come inside. I dried them off and put pajamas on and then we had supper.
The kids watched a movie and played for a few minutes before bed and then Graham and Campbell's naps became a curse-they continued to call us upstairs again and again. Eventually things calmed down some (enough for me to have some ice cream!)

April 28, 2012

2012-04-28T19:40:00.001-07:00

KICK THAT BALL!

Highlights from today: (Click here for today's pictures)

This morning Campbell was the first one up again and she laid in the floor with Robby for a long while. Then she decided that she would go and check on everyone else. She woke them all up by getting on Graham's bed. I walked into their room as they were trying to figure out how she had gotten out of her bed by herself. It was funny because they could not figure it out and no one ever thought that one of us could have gotten her out of bed.
It didn't take too long for Anderson to find his soccer jersey laid out in the hallway and was putting it on for the big game. The highlight of the soccer game was running through the tunnel. Robby told Campbell that she could run through with him and run through that girl did. She bust through that tunnel with the biggest grin on her face. Of course, she did run through about 2 teams ahead of ours but she didn't care. After coming through the tunnel she ran and ran and ran. I had to leave Keaton to go and catch her and when I did, she was so pleased with herself. None of us got a picture of her running through since we sure weren't expecting her to run through when she did.
The game was good and was another W. I think the score was 8 to 3. Reagan scored one and Anderson scored 2 (I think, though when I asked him how many he score he said 8 which I know isn't true). Robby said that during their first practice he thought that if they ever get the ball in the goal during the game it would be a miracle. But this little team isn't that bad-when they aren't kicking the dirt or looking at the snow cone stand. The ball did roll and bump into Coach Graham today and he just grinned after we told him good kick.
After the game, we headed to Sams to pick up our medicine (and seriously I am always shocked by how much Anderson's asthma meds cost-outrageous). We walked around a bit and our purchases were little cups for the kids snacks, two outdoor pillows and a big rolling water hose thing. They were giving out a few samples so the kids gladly partook of that. And since we had and icee while shopping, we finished our Sam's trip with hot dogs for lunch.
Back at home the kids played outside while we watched the brick people finish the front and back of the house. Then we gave the girls a bath and put Campbell to bed. Robby and I worked on making our bedroom back into a bedroom-it had gotten pretty bad but looks much better now (even though we still have hole and a tarp!). After a long while the boys had their bath and then they all watched a movie while I finished straightening inside and Robby straightened outside.
We had all gone back outside when the McGuires and Penningtons came over. The kids played outside until supper. Everyone toured the garage and the fellows even walked around the property. Actually when it was supper time, I went out to tell them but couldn't find them. I finally saw them at the very bottom looking at my trees. After supper the kids went upstairs and they just went bonkers-we eventually kicked them outside (all but the little ones-Laynie, Hayley and Keaton).
After that it was so very quiet in the house and the grown ups had dessert and then we eventually took the kids their dessert. The evening was so pleasant outside and I think everyone had a great time. Of course, when everyone left we again had to give the kids baths. This time they all had quick showers (all but Keaton and Anderson who had a bath).
As we were tucking them in, Anderson was so excited because Daddy had told him a secret-we are going to get cinna minis tomorrow. Woo hoo! Big time stuff in the Dennie house!

April 27, 2012

2012-04-27T20:27:00.001-07:00

Nothing beats a good 'ole bowl of spaghetti!

Highlights from today: (Click here for today's pictures)

We ran out of milk last night and had only 3 cups that were 3/4 full. Only 3 because Reagan doesn't always drink milk. I was hoping that the milk wouldn't be an issue this morning but I was wrong. Campbell had her milk at 6 when she joined our bed (wide awake I might add). And around 7, she returned to the fridge and retrieved Anderson's cup for him and Graham's cup for her. Then Campbell went to join Anderson who was watching a movie. I had to take Graham's cup away from her and she was not pleased. Later at breakfast, I handed Graham's cup to him and Reagan asked about hers. I told her we didn't have any more and her little lip started quivering. All day long some one was always asking me if they could have some milk.....
Not only were we out of milk, we were out of baby food and baby cereal. Keaton finished off the rest of her cereal for breakfast and I had nothing in this house that I could give her for lunch. I didn't think smashed bbq potato chips would be okay. Sara did feel sorry for her at lunch and gave us some of Lilly's food. Though in my defense, I knew I was going to the grocery store tonight and she could always have had another bottle.
The kids did school quickly this morning so we could go and get the oil changed on the car. We unloaded at the place and went into the waiting room. The first thing the kids saw were 3 tires (real tires) and they immediately started to try to unstack them and roll them. Thankfully, I was able to set the baby down to avert any ones toes from being rolled over. We read a book and then the kids found the little kiddie waiting area and by the time I looked up the whole waiting room had left-yep, we cleared the waiting room.
Before too long we were on our way to church to ride bikes and play on the playground for a bit. Keaton enjoyed setting on the blanket and watching everyone. Keaton has started waving occasionally and I think she is trying to clap too-such a big girl. Everyone else rode their bikes, played on the playground and even played hangman on the church sidewalk with chalk. Of course, as we were leaving we did notice one of the words that the kids had spelled out in their little hangman game-poop! We had to scratch that one out before we left.
Back at home, Campbell and Keaton had a nap and I tried to work on my grocery list. I had made it very clear that everyone was supposed to sit quietly and watch their movie or lay on my bed. Of course my boys were so tired that they just couldn't behave. Anderson hit Graham and this set Graham off in his little screaming fit. So Graham was sent to my bed because of his screaming and Anderson was sent to the couch upstairs because of his hitting. I made them stay in their spots for almost an hour and there was much, much scream and gnashing of teeth. I think those long time outs are going to have to happen for awhile because the screaming and hitting is about to drive me insane
Robby came home and we hauled the couch to Beebee's garage. He drove slowly the whole way there and I followed him praying that the sectional that we had stacked on the trailer stayed on! It did and we switched cars and then switched again and I headed to the grocery store. I bought plenty of milk, plenty of baby food and lots of beans for next Saturday. The kids had supper and even had their pajamas on when I came home.
Robby unloaded the groceries while I put Graham and Campbell to bed and then Reagan and Anderson went after their movie was over. Another good, good day!

April 26, 2012

2012-04-26T20:49:00.001-07:00

Team Meeting!

Highlights from today: (Click here for today's pictures)

Last night we went to bed thinking the first order of business this morning would be getting Campbell to the doctor but she slept all night long and was jumping in her bed before 7 this morning. She was actually in a wonderful mood this morning and has acted fine all day long.
Robby and the girls left a little after 7 to go to Grannymoms and to take the van to the shop (yes, again but all should be good now-for a few days at least!). Soon after I was loading up the car with the boys and thinking that two kids was pretty easy. And not a minute or two after I thought this I was walking back into the house to get my spanking spoon. Anderson said that he did not want to sit by Graham and turned himself around and sat on the console. I told him to move and he said no so a good old fashion spanking was how we started our morning.
Later I picked the boys up from school and they were talking about playing football on the playground so I guess that had forgotten what their earlier disagreement was in the car. Soon Grannymom and Grandpa brought the girls home and even brought lunch over. We ate and then the kids went upstairs to play with their box some more and then joined us all back outside.
Robby made it home from work and everyone stayed outside for a bit and then we came back inside to shower the boys and Campbell off. We hadn't been outside long but they had gotten pretty sweaty. Then Keaton and Campbell had naps, the boys played and Reagan did some of her school. I am falling behind in our state stuff but plan to catch up this weekend.
Soon Kennedy and her dad arrived. Kennedy went upstairs to play with the kids box and her dad hammered a bit in the house. The kids all played in that silly ole box. Reagan even made a model of their cardboard box today.
Before too long we were all scrambling around getting ready for soccer. The kids still have so much fun at soccer-maybe I should sign my boys up for flag football.....maybe I should sign Anderson up for tackle football...keep reading
Well my favorite part of the day happened tonight during soccer practice. The kids were scrimmaging and Anderson had the ball. He was kicking it towards the goal when another player ran up beside him. Anderson was about to lose possession of the ball and didn't want that to happen...so he did what any 5 year old boy would do. He stuck his arm out and pushed that kid down and kept the ball! Coach didn't like that though!
I had bunko tonight so I helped Robby load up the kids and I headed off. He picked up supper, fed everyone, pajama-ed them up and picked up by the time I had made it home.

April 25, 2012

2012-04-25T20:21:00.002-07:00

Building our own house!

Highlights from today: (Click here for today's pictures)

The kids were all up fairly early this morning but Reagan was the only one that slept a bit longer. I was able to take my shower right before Robby left and soon it was breakfast time. We did some of our memory work and then the kids played for a few minutes.
Keaton and I were in the kitchen, Reagan, Anderson and Graham were upstairs and Campbell was in the school room. I knew that the plumber was here and that he had to drill through the wall (cinder block and brick if you remember) so I wasn't too surprised when the drilling started. But Campbell was much closer to it than I was and she sped out of that room running towards me as fast as she could. Her mouth was wide open! In her defense, it was crazy loud-like we then had to do school outside so we could hear each other talk. Crazy loud like I was worried about my dishes rattling or pictures falling off the wall.
We became a little bit chilly on our blanket outside so we came in but first we were able to finish half of school and cut everyone's fingernails. We picked up a bit and then started our work on our state stuff. Reagan said today that she was tired of talking about South Dakota and was ready to talk about another state. Anderson told Nonna and Pops that he was going to show them Oklahoma today on the map but pointed to South Dakota-maybe we have been talking about it a bit too much. I am must excited about Mt. Rushmore so maybe I have done a bit too much with it.
Nonna and Pops soon came over to make strawberry jelly with us. Reagan really wanted to take some of her freshly picked strawberries to her teachers at school so we made jelly for her to do take to them. The kids were a bit interested but then they were just as happy playing upstairs. Though at one time they were all 4 standing on top of the counter so they could see what was going on. When the jelly was made we had a few sampled on toast-like we all ate 1/2 of a loaf of bread with our warm jelly.
Robby ran home for a few minutes and brought home a few doughnuts that the kids enjoyed and soon everyone had left and we started our afternoon. I did laundry while the kids dressed up. I didn't get any pictures of that today but both boys dressed up in superman costumes and while Graham was dressed up he helped me carry a few huge boxes from the UPS man into the house. I think the brick workers might have gotten a kick out of a miniature superman hauling boxes into the house. The girls also dressed up both wearing purple dresses. Campbell let Reagan put a big purple bow in her hair and then they both put on their Sunday shoes. I overheard Reagan assuring Campbell that it was fine to wear their Sunday shoes because they were playing dress up.
Campbell and Keaton then had their naps-poor Keaton couldn't sleep in our bedroom because ti was too dusty, couldn't sleep in the school room because the big kids wanted to watch a movie so I moved her to Robby's office and soon the banging started again which woke the poor thing up.
Reagan, Anderson and Graham discovered the cardboard box that my delivery came in and started to make a house out of it. It was kind of funny because Reagan so wanted to do everything perfect and didn't want the boys to scribble or mess up the house. So she would try her best to be so diplomatic about things saying things like "Graham you are such a good colorer, why don't you color the roof with this red." "Graham, do you want another color?" (handing him another red), "Anderson, why don't you draw a picture on a piece of paper of the house?" "Anderson, color this wall all blue okay?" Thankfully they all cooperated but when I woke Campbell up from her nap, I heard them scrambling trying to hide the colors from her.
The big 4 all squeezed into the box and started their supper but soon all returned to the barstools. Then we went to church for our last night of Awanas for the year. Things were going great until we picked up poor Campbell. Her teacher said that she was about to go to sleep in the floor. As we were greeting Campbell, she looked at us and said "my ear hurt." Man, that just rips your heart out to hear her say that. Needless to say that Campbell got lots of attention tonight: we brought her home and took her upstairs, I changed her clothes while Reagan and Graham got her toys, blankets and pillows. Then I put drops in her ears and as we were standing back up, she saw her drink medicine that I had poured and drank it (though she earlier refused). I started clapping and chanting her name and soon Reagan, Anderson and Graham all joined me in cheering for her. She went to bed easily and hopefully will sleep well.

April 24, 2012

2012-04-24T20:07:00.002-07:00

Rewards of strawberry pickin'

Highlights from today: (Click here for today's pictures)

The boys took snack to school today and we let them pick exactly what they wanted to take. Graham decided on the little breadstick type crackers that you dip in cheese and Anderson wanted to take graham crackers and marshmallows. And both of them wanted to take orange juice and Robby said that both teachers commented on the orange juice-must have been a real treat!
The girls spent the morning with Nonna and Pops. Reagan told me that she watched tv the whole day but that can't be exactly true since she did her math pages and her and Campbell went to see Beebee and Papaw for a few minutes.
After I picked up the boys, I had to run to the library to pick up a few books. The boys were delighted because I let them pick out a movie (and a few books of course). They were so proud of their movies and now that we have gotten home they have forgotten about them (possibly because I put them way out of sight)
When we made it to Nonna's house, their neighbor asked if the kids could come over and see their new rabbit. So they ran over to look at the rabbit for a few minutes. Anderson didn't want to pet it but everyone else did-even Campbell. Speaking of animals, the highlight this afternoon was them watching two neighbor dogs out in our front yard. The kids thought the dogs were wrestling...they weren't wrestling. Anyway, I think I need a BB gun.
After lunch, we loaded up with Nonna and Pops and headed to the strawberry patch. We only got turned around one time and that was with the gps and directions. Ha! When we arrived the lady made me a bit nervous that they weren't going to have any but the did have plenty and the kids enjoyed picking them. Reagan was all about it. She didn't need any help and had filled her two containers before long. Anderson and Graham often wanted help to fill theirs-I think they thought they were in a race! And Campbell picked any and every thing she could. After I showed her a few red strawberries she finally got the hang of it as long as we would constantly remind her "just pick the red ones."
After dropping off Nonna and Pops off we headed home. Campbell fell asleep in the car and slept until supper. I hauled everything in the house while the others played. After I had put most things away we started school and the boys participated a bit too and they were very interested when I started reading a book about Mt. Rushmore. I guess boys are always interested when they hear words like "Indians, dynamite, dangerous"
We had a simple supper and then the kids picked up their toy room while we picked up downstairs. Actually, Reagan did most of the picking up until I told her she could quit. Then the boys worked after I told them they could only have a popsicle when they were finished. That did speed things along a bit.
When I was getting the others ready for bed, Keaton was on the floor in their room. And within a few minutes she had rolled her little self from the middle of the room to the window and then during prayer time she rolled under their beds. I had to drag her little leg out from under the beds. Once tonight she was rolling around holding my phone with a mischievous grin-kind of reminded me of Campbell. What am I going to do? Keaton also has her first top tooth. Growing too fast!

April 23, 2012

2012-04-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

Growing up!

Highlights from today: (Click here for today's pictures)

So this morning was zoo day for Anderson's class and I dropped off Reagan at school first. This was her last full day of kindergarten at Comm Central. She really didn't even care that the rest of us were going to the zoo-that is how much she enjoys school.
Anderson was so excited when I told him that we were a few minutes early. His class is mostly boys so Ms. Stacy and the other moms could hardly keep up. We were fortunate that none of his class fell over the railings and into the cages-seriously. Some of the exciting events from today included seeing the penguins, feeding the fish, the snakes, the reptile house, the noisy monkeys and the prarie dogs.
Graham kept up with Anderson and Campbell mostly stayed with me. She is really getting good at talking and telling us things. If we don't understand she will usually use some gesture so I can get what she is talking about. Tonight she told me that the monkey's scared her and in her defense the monkeys were pretty noisy today. But what she said at the zoo still has me laughing. We were looking at the large, hairy orangutans and Campbell pointed at them and shouted "Daddy!"
A few minutes later, some monkey picked something up and threw it at our group. I wasn't looking and only heard the commotion but it hit the metal bar right between the boys. It was a loud thump-it looked like it might have been some of his food. It hit close enough to Anderson that Ms. Stacy thought he might have gotten hit.Whatever it was, it sure would have hurt so when that monkey picked something else up we skiddattled on out of there.
The kids were good and we were able to get in the car without much fussing or fretting. The juice box and cookie bribe did help. As soon as I buckled Campbell in, she shouted "me ride train"-just remembering that we did not ride the train. Keaton had a big time as well at the zoo-lots of stroller time, outside time, a bottle and even a nap-she couldn't have been happier!
Meanwhile, back at the house, Robby was watching the workers tear a hole our closet door (poor Anderson cried when he came home and saw that he had missed it). Robby said he felt a little like Geraldo when he was opening up the Hoffa vault. And just like Geraldo there was nothing to exciting with the big reveal here. But it did take the framer and electrician-Robby said when he walked into our room there was a cloud of dust everywhere. It has settled on the furniture and some has made its way to the kitchen floor-I saw it when I swept tonight. It will only get worse before it gets better, I know (the dust/mess that is).
Robby ran a few errands and then picked up Reagan and a few Sonic drinks on his way home. I woke up Campbell and Graham to drink theirs and Graham must have fallen back asleep because I heard a yell and then Reagan came outside to tell me that Graham had dropped his drink. Poor guy, he was so upset but I was able to salvage most of it and he was fine with it.
We then went outside to clean the addition and the kids played some. Neighbor girl came over along with her cousin/friend/step sister/sister (I don't really know since she has told me they are all of those). Neighbor girl told Reagan that there were 10 continents-I am sure she was just confused but the lying/exaggerating just makes me crazy! I also had to keep my eye on neighbor boy because he has now taken 2 of the cars from our dirt pile saying they are his. Which they may be because we had inherited quite a few cars from when we moved in six months ago. One day I overheard and gave him permission to take one even though Anderson was not pleased with me and another day he just took one over Anderson's protests. But not today-I didn't let him out of my sight. Ha! You can certainly have a car if you ask but third graders don't take 5 year old cars!
We then had our spaghetti and ice cream sandwiches. Next up was bath time and it was relatively peaceful tonight. Then everyone went to bed and we were only called up there one time. And that was because Graham needed me to find his happy napper toy-and then Reagan needed her-and Anderson needed his and then Campbell needed hers as well!