- For a Monday this was a pretty good one. I had a super long list of things to do and most of those things I was able to mark off the list, but there is quite a few of them that will have to be done at a later date...or not at all!
- We did our school this morning with Campbell hurrying through hers since she had a birthday party to go to at lunch time. This is the last day of Fall Break for the Bryant people so they were making use of their time. Campbell had the best time with her sweet little friends-they even went to Menchies and Target.
- The rest of us finished our school-it was 12:30 when I was finally able to check some of Anderson's work. Then I had to work with Whitman later, but first I usually try to take a walk. By around lunch time, it is good for me to take a short little walk. A bit of quiet time is good for the rest of my day.
- When I went to pick up Campbell, Keaton convinced me to pick up her friend and take them all to Target. There they bought each other Boo Baskets-apparently, you are supposed to fill a basket for your child at Halloween. Since Keaton's mother is not going to do that sillyness, then she decided to do it with a friend. They had fun shopping for each other though and stuck to their limit. And in case you were wondering, baskets full of Christmas items are supposed to be given to children on the first day of December-again, not happening here.
- When we came home, I left again with Robby to run to Walmart and Sams. Then we came back home and tried to clean out the fridges. We had a few takers on our food, but for the most part, we still have what we started with in the fridge.
- Anderson left tonight for a haunted house with his friends. He wasn't gone a super long time, but he said that it was fun. He said that even though he doesn't like horror movies, he did just laugh the entire time.
- Graham had work this afternoon, and when he came home he ran. He had actually just finished running when we started heating up supper. Since then, I have been in my chair, reading some, and then getting up to work on something from my list. I have done this a few different times, but now my lap is full of my computer, some ice cream, and Bentley's head trying to lick some of my ice cream.
October 28, 2024
October 27, 2024-Month of Camping: Trip 4
Last night when Robby and I went in, we had decided to leave all of our outside things out so we could take or time and neatly put them away this morning. They had also been wet yesterday so this would also give them time to dry out. Now, if you know us, you also know that this is a bit hard for us to do since we usually almost completely pack up the night before we head home.
Instead, we did work on the inside of the camper, straightening and putting everything away. It didn't take us an hour, but it did take us a good while to get everything done.
This morning I was slowly getting ready when I heard things on the roof-I assumed it was leaves and acorns dropping, until I realized it was way too many for that-it was rain! And not just rain, heavy rain. We had left chairs out and not under the tents last night-things were just left a mess, and then they were a wet mess.
Robby and I went to work grabbing what we could and shoving it into the white van. We were pretty wet by the time that the rain stopped. He worked mostly on the cords while I made trip after trip to the van. The ground was wet and slippery while wearing my crocs, but I didn't fall which was a good thing.
The Wilsons came out soon and went to work on their things. Robby just had his tents left which we put up, and soon we were driving away. Robby stopped at the gas station on the way home. When I made it home, I started taking everything out of the van and laying it in the garage.
Once the van was emptied, we went to work on emptying the camper. It didn't take too long though we haven't cleaned it yet. We then met the kids at Nonna and Pops' house for Sunday lunch. They all had been to church.
Pops blew out his birthday candles today and opened a few presents. We all visited for a little bit, and then Robby, Reagan, and I ran to Old Navy to pick up some jeans for Reagan. I ran in and ran out picking up her order, and then we headed home.
Reagan went to work packing up from the weekend while Campbell and Keaton tried to take their Sunday afternoon naps, but they weren't able to until after Reagan did leave. Robby and I got busy moving things outside to dry in the sun and then putting them away.
Reagan left around 4 and made her way back to Arkadelphia. Anderson then left not too much longer with everyone else-Keaton and Whitman had their life group which I later picked then up from while Campbell, Graham, and Anderson had their life group down the road.
After I picked up Keaton and Whitman, Robby and I took our leftovers to the Wilson's house, and we ate and visited until the end of the weekend. Now, it is time to get these kids in bed so we can start the week!
October 26, 2024-Month of Camping: Trip 4
This day ended well, but the silly weather was a bit difficult this morning. It hasn't rained in about seven months, but today is rained! It mostly rained here and not as much else where in Little Rock, and along with the rain came some pretty chilly temperatures.
This morning we cooked breakfast-Robby made sausage, eggs in the hole, and pancakes. Tony made bacon, sausage, biscuits, and gravy. Grannymom and Grandpa came to eat breakfast along with Shannon's parents.
While Robby was setting up to start cooking, and while he was cooking the rain couldn't decide if it was going to stop or not. However, during halftime of the game, the rain came and came down hard.
I left with Campbell for her soccer game. I dropped her off to warm up and then went to pick up Keaton from Sophia's house. We then came back to watch Campbell's soccer game. Campbell took a pretty hard fall during the first half hurting her knee a bit.
And during her half time, it started to rain-it rained enough that Keaton and I hightailed it to the car. I could see the game still and paid close attention to make sure that Campbell wasn't playing. If she did go back in, I had my umbrella ready. However, her coach was worried about her knee, so she never put her back in the game (her knee will probably be bruised tomorrow, but she is fine.)
After the game, we ran back by the house to pick up a few things-mainly warm clothes! By the time that we made it back to the camper though, it was starting to dry out and things were pleasant again. And my, the party was starting to happen here.
Anderson and Graham came early this morning with Campbell so they spent the day at the campground. I brought Keaton and Campbell after the game. Whitman had been with us all weekend, and Reagan showed up with a few of her friends after going to watch OBU play in Russellville.
Shannon made chili, and we made some potato soup. I think that everyone enjoyed supper but before supper, we made it around to half the loops trick or treating. Whitman was a tourist which is so easy, Keaton was herself, Campbell wore her own OBU soccer sweatshirt, and Graham put on a basketball jersey.
Anderson didn't go trick or treating with us until we went to the last half of the campground. He had his Star Wars helmet, but by the time went out that time, it was too dark for him to see well in it. I think that they all enjoyed the evening-especially the candy.
Reagan and her group arrived when the evening was quietening down. They sat around with the boys and watched football while eating some snacks.
Now, the trick or treating here was fun; however, maybe Disney has spoiled us. We thought that the last time we were here there were more people and more candy spots. Now, this place was certainly festive, and the kids had fun though.
Overall, it was really great weekend-a bit busy, and it will be nice to get back to our normal routine this next week.
October 25, 2024-Month of Camping: Trip 4
Today was a pretty great day too. Robby was stirring first, and then we laid in bed for a good while. He did some work while I read some of my books. We took Bentley on a little walk around the campground which completely tired her out.
Then we made some cornflake cookies. We could have done this in the camper, but instead we did our cooking outside today. There was so much more room, but I did have to be on bug patrol. However, bugs do just add protien.
After we finished with the cookies, we took Keaton and met Reagan at Kroger. There Reagan pumped gas-probably for the first time. This is a skill she needs to know, but we told her that if she comes home occasionally, Robby will pump her gas for her.
Yesterday, we tried to vote in the middle of West Little Rock, and the line was pretty long. Today, we drove by that polling place, and the line was much longer. So we opted to go to Shorter College across the river to early vote today. There was no wait-the people were happy to see us! It was wonderful.
This was not Reagan's first time to vote, but this was her first time to vote for the president so it was picture worthy. And since Reagan was doing some sibling drop offs and pick ups tonight, Robby even swung by Chipotle for her a lunch. Keaton did get some too.
Keaton went home with Reagan and when Campbell and Graham made it home from work, Reagan took both girls to different parties. Reagan has to write a paper about her she served others-and ding, ding, carting her sisters around will work for that. I was ready to take them and pick them up if she had other plans, but she just ran to play pickleball for a little bit.
And yes, Campbell worked today-(7 hours Monday, 7 hours Tuesday, 4 hours Wednesday, 4 hours Thursday, and 4 hours Friday-28 hours this week. Today was her first time to work at the photography studio, and she spent her time cutting pictures. She is going to work there 2 days next week, and hopefully can work more when they need her again. And in case you are wondering, her work on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will be paid with gift cards, Thursday's work is paid in camp money, and today's work will be a real check!
Keaton went to a party with her friends this evening-they painted pumpkins and had a scavenger hunt. Campbell also went to a party where they had a blanket exchange, and she came home with a blanket that she really likes. Both girls took pictures with all of their buddies-I love that my girls enjoy taking pictures.
Reagan played pickleball with her friend this evening in between picking up and taking the girls. The big boys came to the campground and ate here. I think that they also enjoyed the evening. Shannon made fried rice, and we had tons of sweets to go along with that.
We watched the basketball game and then the World Series game. There is a slight chance of rain tomorrow which means that we had to pick up everything, but that didn't take long. We then took a short walk for Bentley, and now I'm about to take my shower quickly so I have some time to read.
October 24, 2024-Month of Camping: Trip 4
Written by Keaton (for me):
Well today was a fantastic day! We started the day by taking the little girls Keaton, my absolute favorite daughter, and Campbell to Mother's Day Out. Campbell had her normal 3 year olds, and Keaton had just 1 year olds. It sounded like it was a great day for them.Then, I did school with Whitman, and I believe the big boys had some school to do as well. We came home, and I made lasagna.
Written by Tara:
It was a fantastic day. I was a little late waking up Graham to go to his class, so I made sure that I woke up Keaton and Campbell in plenty of time. They both told me that they still had their alarms set for later, so I went on my walk.
I did drop Keaton and Campbell off and came back for school. Graham said that he should have skipped his class today, but I guess practice driving is just as good as practice with math. Actually, driving is probably a skill he will use more often. Anderson worked on some of his comp class while Whitman took entirely too long to do some of his things.
However, by 12:30 I had pretty much helped Whitman finish everything that he had. We didn't get to one book which I offered to take camping, but he declined.
I picked up Campbell and Keaton, and then ran around the house like a mad woman trying to make lasagna for the kids tonight and do some last minute straightening. I then left with Whitman, Keaton, Campbell, and Reagan.
We met Robby at Costco and the tried to vote. The line was too long, so Reagan might just come back on voting day to vote. The girls then went to Walmart and the Outlet mall to look for Reagan a few things for a dance coming up. I don't think that they found what she wanted though.
They went home and picked up the boys and came to Maumelle. There Robby showed her a few things about her car, and since they brought the lasagna we had that to eat as well as grilled sandwiches. The kids all seemed to have had a good time out here this evening. They did leave, and once Reagan dropped off her brothers, she headed out to pickleball.
Keaton and Whitman stayed here, and Keaton joined me, Brett, and Shannon and played a few card games. We then walked the dogs and settled in the camper for the evening.
October 23, 2024-Month of Camping: Trip 4
This morning was an early morning-Campbell and I had to be at church by 8:30. I, for some reason, didn't see a text when we had just left the house asking if Keaton could come too. It would have made us a bit late, but Keaton would have loved to come and help. I felt so bad for missing the text and am still not sure why I didn't hear my phone or watch.
I tried to wake up the big boys before we left, and I did stand beside Keaton watching her set an alarm to start on her school work. Whitman was the only one awake when I did leave, so hopefully he got the rest up and encouraged them to start. It really probably didn't happen like that, but at least most of their school work was finished by the time that we came home.
Campbell was with the older kids again today while I was with some younger ones. It was fine, but even though it was just a few hours the day did drag quite a bit. We were finished before noon, and after a stop to the library we were home in time for me to empty the trash before I left again.
I met Robby at Kroger, and then we headed to Arkadelphia to pick up Reagan for her fall break. First, we stopped at Walmart there and bought a few groceries. Then we picked up Reagan and chatted about school so far on our whole way home.
Graham had been at work and pulled in just as we arrived home. Reagan decided to go to church with us since she didn't want to stay at home without Bentley...and the rest of us. She hung out with me during church so lots of people came and chatted with her asking her about school.
Campbell and Anderson went to ChickFilA on the way home, but the rest of us stopped by Nonna and Pops' house on the way home. We thought they might need us to help them put their furniture back, but Graham was hoping for a quesadilla. Nonna made him a few and everyone ate supper.
Once at home tonight, Graham had some math to do, and I had to check Keaton's work from today. It wasn't too much so while I was doing all of that, I also browned some sausage. Now it is time for this crew to head to their beds.
October 22, 2024-Month of Camping: Trip 4
Well, once again it is a camping trip day-except most of us are still at home. We began our day with Robby getting Campbell to church to keep kids again today. She worked from 8:30 until 4:45 on her second day of work-she actually will be working every day this week, so she is excited about the windfall that she will get plus she loves having something to do every day.
After Campbell was delivered, the rest of us started on our school work for the day. Graham and I figured out his math today before the teacher teaches it on Thursday. Anderson is moving along on his next unit for Comp-he is even ahead. Whitman finished one of his books today which is one that he has been having to write a summary of each chapter which he abhors. And Keaton waited patiently for me today, but we had a lot of work to check so that took a bit of time.
When school was over....actually, I don't think that I ended up doing everything with Whitman today that I had intended. Hmm, it is probably too late to make him do some work now. We did get to spelling, but we never got to his extra math. It won't happen tomorrow, but hopefully I can get things together by Thursday (That is probably doubtful, but maybe by next week.)
I took the kids to our last Defy visit today-I believe that our passes run out later this week. We snuck Graham in (actually, I had a free pass). They jumped for a good while. I was able to read some, but before long they were ready to go, and Keaton was mad it me because I wouldn't take them to Sonic.
Instead, we did go to Nonna and Pops' house because they needed help moving their furniture since they are getting their carpets cleaned. It didn't take anytime, and Sara graciously delivered Campbell from church to their house. We were there long enough to clean out their cookie stash, but then we hurried home.
Campbell and I were home a few minutes, and then we left for soccer. While we were gone, Anderson and Graham went to Jason's house to help him move some railroad ties. They said that it didn't take them long at all, and they came home and made a pizza for their supper.
While she was practicing, I went to Walmart and then sat in the car and read. At the end of practice the coach did have a meeting for the parents-it was all in Spanish except when she would look at me and say everything in English. I was at least able to hear the dates that she was talking about and get to them on my phone before she started to speak in English-those years of Spanish did pay off (not really)
After practice, we came home, and I helped Keaton with a cricut project, and I did some reading to her and Whitman. When it was bedtime, Keaton also decided to melt some candy wax to make a new candle so we did that. And of course we are now going to work on her drawer that needs repairing. Bedtime will happen in a good little bit!
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