- I woke up and took a super short shower and then headed to pick up Keaton since she had spent the night at a friend's house. Once we were home, I did the laundry and woke up Whitman. Then a little bit after 9, it was time to head out.
- Keaton and Whitman joined us on this leg of the trip. We had no problems at all and drove right to Blanchard Springs State Park-Blanchard Springs is actually not yet officially a state park because (if I understand correctly) the law says that Arkansas can only have 52 state parks so they have to vote to change that.
- However, if I would have known that is the case, I could have suggested a few state parks that should be downgraded and lose their state park status-Lower White River Museum is the first one that comes to my mind.
- Anyway, I sure didn't write any of my thoughts down because no telling who would read them. We still counted this visit as a State Park visit, and Robby and I have been to 13 in the last 2 months and since 2020 we have visited 43 of the 53.
- Robby and I think that the last time we were at Blanchard Springs was when we were in 4th or 5th grades for a school field trip. We have been a lot of caves and even a lot of National Park caves, but this one is pretty impressive.
- We had even thought about not taking the tour, but I'm glad that we did. It was an hour tour and was pretty interesting. I did tell Robby that the older I get, the more educational things, like caves, interest me.
- From the cave, we just had a little over an hour of curvy roads to get to the White Buffalo Resort. We are right next to the river and have a very nice view. Everyone else will be pretty far away, but we will have a car so it will work out.
- Keaton and Whitman didn't waste any time and headed to the pool as soon as they could. Robby and I settled and then took the dogs on a walk. Before too long it was supper time-chicken pasta. Then Keaton, Robby, and I went exploring a little bit.
- Now we are all back in the camper-Whitman had some ice cream, Keaton had some muddy buddies, and Robby and I will have ice cream soon.
July 16, 2026-Dennie Family Trip 2026 (an early start)
July 15, 2026-Happy 26th Anniversary
- I had big plans this morning to pull all of the weeds in the flower beds. There are currently more weeds than plants, so I had my work cut out for me. However, the rain saved me today. I was not expecting rain at all, so I was pleasantly surprised.
- Anderson and Graham left early this morning to go and earn a little bit of money. They moved some metal from one house boat to another place. They were paid and even got lunch out of the deal. They even drove through Mount Ida and were fairly close to Reagan though they didn't go by her camp.
- Robby left pretty early to do some shopping for this weekend. While he was gone, I did a few things around the house, and then I started working on redoing my plan for Keaton's history. I was able to do half of the lessons for her history, so I was pleased with my progress.
- This afternoon Keaton drove me to meet Robby to get gas. Then we went to Hobby Lobby where she bought a shirt, and then we went to Platos where neither one of us found anything at all. She enjoyed our trip especially since I let her drive most of the time.
- I made the boys' favorite supper tonight-meatball subs. I actually think that everyone likes them-I probably could make them weekly with no complaints. After Anderson ate, he left for basketball. He was gone for a little while and came back soaking because they played in the rain part of the time.
- I then took Keaton to a party tonight. She is even going to spend the night so she was excited about that, plus she was excited that I let her drive there too. Now, Robby and I are trying to watch our show that we didn't finish last night, but our ice cream is in the camper so I'm not sure what our anniversary dessert will be.
July 14, 2026-Quick Trip to Edgewood
Robby was the first one awake today. He had already walked Marley by the time that I stirred. It wasn't too long after that he left so he could get some internet and do some work. While he was gone, I finished the book that I was reading and then brushed the dogs.
As soon as Robby finished his calls, he came back, and we started loading up. It didn't take long before we were on the road. I stopped at a few gas stations on the way home so I made it home a few minutes after he did. I'm listening to a really good book so I even drove a little bit slower on Springhill so I could listen to more of it.
When we came home, the camper wasn't that difficult to clean-all of the food stayed in except a handful of things plus we left the fridge on. Then all of our un-worn clothes stayed in there as well, so there really wasn't too much to do. I still had about 4 loads of clothes to wash (clothes from camper, clothes from here, towels and sheets from camper).
Overall, unpacking from this trip didn't take long at all. Usually, on the days that we get home, we are pretty worn out when we finished, but not today. We had a ton of packages to open when we came home. This weekend Keaton had a friend over who was intrigued by all of our packages and intrigued because all of our food was big (thanks Sams and Costco).
For supper I heated up some taquitos and as soon as Graham was finished he headed out for the night. Anderson tried to get people to play basketball, but he had no takers; however, it looks like it is going to rain now though.
July 13, 2026-Quick Trip to Edgewood
Robby and I slept as long as Marley would let us this morning. He had actually taken her on a walk around the loop before I did get out of bed. Soon I was up and ready and joined him for the long loop with Bentley.
Robby had to work a good bit today, and with the internet being pretty spotty it was sometimes difficult. He even had to drive down the road a little bit so he could send some things. Since the internet is so weak, I spent a lot of time crocheting, listening to my book, and reading. I started one book yesterday have read more than half of it already.
Whitman has had less problems with the internet than the rest of us. We have been able to watch a few shows every night though. It is certainly good to slow down, but I think that I was about to go a little bit stir crazy! I even tried to think how I could make some extra money, but then I just decided that I would do better making a list of things that I need to buy.
This evening, Campbell wrote asking if we would bring her some Sonic, and when one of your babies writes for ice cream, you get them ice cream. We delivered her and Laynie Sonic and chatted with them for a good bit., I think that Campbell is enjoying camp...it is only the first day though.
When we left them, we had to hurry back to Sonic to buy Whitman a drink. Then back at the camper, I'm working on the blog and next I might do some more reading!
July 12, 2026-Quick Trip to Edgewood
We woke up and did our morning walk. It was much cooler this morning-well, maybe not much cooler, but it wasn't nearly as sticky outside. While we were on our walk, Campbell and Keaton headed to church first. They had to do the doors and get there early. Then Anderson and Graham went next. When church ended, they ate Sunday lunch with Grannymom.
Robby and I had our breakfast after our walk. Then I went to work crocheting-I have finished 2 squares on this camping trip, finished 1 book, and finished one audio book. Plus tomorrow I'll finish the book I brought about Utah's National parks.
We did go to the state park this afternoon to walk around a little bit. We were surprised at how sad the gift shops were-especially at the visitor's center. It really needed some help. We then came back, and I eventually made supper-taquitos.
Then we played Forbidden Island-a board game. We actually played twice because the lost the game almost immediately. Then we read some more, and now I've come back to the bed and possibly will take my shower soon
July 11, 2026-Quick Trip to Edgewood
Let me briefly recap the kids' day: Campbell was the first one out the door this morning. She went with a friend to Lake Degray. We suggested that she come and pick us up, but she did not. When she came home, she went to eat and then made her way to Keaton who is babysitting. Anderson made sure that Keaton made it to babysitting since Graham was gone. He went to the zoo with Brooklyn and then a few other places. We have limited internet so keeping track with everyone is a bit more difficult than usual.
Marley was again the first one awake this morning. I heard her and needed to go to the bathroom, but she would hear me then, so I just laid in bed until I fell back asleep. When Robby and I did get up, we took the dogs on a walk.
Mid morning Reagan text reminding me that this was her day off and that she was going to head to Hot Springs for a bit before going to her friend's birthday party. I told her that we were at Degray and she could come and join us. I was surprised when she said that she was one the way to come and see us-she did check on our food level before coming!
She came and visited for a while before going back towards Hot Springs. She is loving the age group that she has right now and is excited about the rest of the week. She has 4 more weeks of camp and then one week at home before she heads back to school.
We walked quite a bit today, and we have re-diagnosed my sore foot to possibly planter fascitis. Robby said Grannymom would have some stretches for me when we get back. With our walking today, I hope that I didn't irritate it too much, but it is already so much better than it was Thursday. (Though I'm still favoring it.)
Tonight we ran to Sonic to pick up Whitman a hamburger, and then Robby and I came home to eat leftover bbq. We have just had our trip ice cream and are settling in for the night.
July 10, 2026-Quick Trip to Edgewood
I woke up to a text from Campbell saying that she had been sick last night, so I spent a good bit of time early this morning wondering about her and going over all of the contingency plans for the stomach bug to run through the household.
Thankfully though it was just one event, so possibly it was just something she ate or a fluke. I was greatly relieved when she did wake up and say that she was fine. Since my foot was still a bit sore, but much improved, I didn't go on my walk this morning so I had some extra time. I should have been more productive, but I wasn't!
Robby went to the store, and I even napped a bit while he was gone. Then we kicked things up in high gear getting ready to leave, until we realized that one of the freezers in the garage was a bit warm. We moved things just to be safe since we were leaving, but we think it had been left open plus when it is blazing hot outside and in the garage it probably takes some time to cool off. Keaton just checked the temperature and all was more back to normal.
Whitman, Robby, and I headed to Edgewood for a few minutes. On the way there, we stopped at a gas station for a mystery shop. Robby went in and I also went in with him; I was driving the van. Whitman stayed in the camper with the dogs, and Robby told him he would be back shortly.
The shop had Robby go in the bathroom, buy something from the gas station, and order a sandwich. While we were inside, we just sat down to eat. After a bit, Whitman text Robby to ask when he was coming back. Robby replied asking if he was good. Whitman wrote back that he was fine but just wanted to make sure that Robby was not dead. We assured him that we were fine, but it is always good to check!
Edgewood is a bit more primitive than Degray, but it is fine though our internet is pretty limited even with the Starlink. Robby and I even went all out and set up the tent and lights. The Smiths came, and after a bit Carter asked Whitman to go to the lake with them.
Robby and I walked the dogs there too while Whitman and Carter swam for almost an hour. They stayed until it was dark out while we talked to Whitney. We came back, and Whitman ate his supper after his shower. Now, we are all just waiting until it is ice cream time!
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