32BHDS

32BHDS, a photo by mom2rays on Flickr.

After having owned this Travel Trailer for more than a year and having used it more than the other RVs combined, I can say without a doubt, I'm glad we decided last year to go ahead and buy it. The size works well for our family allowing us to feel cozy together, but to have our own spaces when needed. And all of the areas feel just as comfortable as another.
My favorite features are still the bunkhouse and the bathroom exterior entrance. But as we have used it, we have found some areas that we have chosen to upgrade and change.
We've made most of the modifications to the bunkhouse to maximize storage, usability and safety. The changes have been simple, rail here,hook there, shelves, etc. It really has made a difference in how the kids can use the space, it's more tailored for them.
We have also made changes in other areas, the bedding in the MBR from memory foam mattress topper to hand stitched mid century quilt. And in the main living area we upgraded the microwave.
As time progresses we will continue to change things to allow this to become more and more our home away from home. I've come to realize that this is a process and we will find our way as we have more time to use the TT and see how it feels when we are in it.
We feel very thankful, after having found this floor plan we thought that it was not within our range of affordability, but then Rocky happened to find this one on Craigslist. The owner wanting to make a break from RVing. The timing couldn't have been more perfect.
I hope to be able to blog of our adventures in the future, here, or on our RVing blog.

Camping at the Beach

Beach ride, a photo by mom2rays on Flickr.

Last week we went to Myrtle Beach for a little camping, the GCI Gathering in the Harvest fall conference, and to run the Children's ministry program there. We stayed at Lakewood campground for the 2nd time in as many years.

Our conference responsibilities were a lot of work as Rocky and I haven't done this before under these circumstances but it was also a lot of fun.

We tried to squeeze in fun with the kids. The first day we road our bikes on the beach down to the pier. The boys decided to actually ride in the ocean. It was all fun and games for them even up to their chest height until the wind started to blow and they realized they were freezing cold.

This trip was full of experiences and learning lessons for us. l learned to try to relax and go with the flow. Rocky and I learned to try to plan ahead better. Charmie learned that God can still use him, even when he makes mistakes. The boys learning to anticipate consequences of their choices.

We even reconnected with a family we met last year at the campground and really enjoyed their company. We didn't have the opportunity to exchange information when we parted last time so it was sad to think we wouldn't see each other again. Meeting up was a blessing for our families.

Each time we go camping, we want to go more and stay for longer. Too bad we couldn't stay for a few more days. . .

Quilt from Aunt Michelle :)

Quilt from Aunt Michelle :)
Originally uploaded by mom2rays
My grandmother passed away July 3. She lived such a full life as wife and mother to 18 children, friend, humanitarian, volunteer, teacher and so much more. It was a blessing to see her 2 weeks before her passing and spend time with her while she was so very much alive and aware.

Thankfully, her cancer didn't linger and rob her of her humanity. It was diagnosed, and then she had a short period of living with it, and then she passed.

She lives on in her 200+ offspring and is well remembered in the lives she touched.
Since we had just traveled to visit, when we had to return for her funeral we decided to take our Travel Trailer. We knew many family members would be coming into town and those who lived locally would do their best to graciously host them, but it would be very crowded at best.

We parked our TT at the family farm in my Aunt's front yard. The farm, her hospitality, family and our private accommodations were such a welcome respite when dealing with the emotional stress of grandma's passing.

We did our best to help out when we could since many of the gatherings were focused around the family farm and we were not responsible for funeral arrangements and other important details as other's were.
As a thank you, my Aunt Michelle gifted Rocky and I with this beautiful hand seamed quilt, crafted with vintage fabrics.
It is the perfect addition to our Travel Trailer and hopefully the first of many special pieces that hold memories of our family experiences while RVing.

It brightens our bedroom so much I couldn't have picked a better one.

Thank you Aunt Michelle for everything!

Walking back to the rig

Walking back to the rig
Originally uploaded by mom2rays
The campus is big and Zuri has a hard time walking all over it, with us camping down below the lower field we were one of the furthest away from all of the activities so she rode a lot in her little red wagon.

camp at camp 2011

camp at camp 2011
Originally uploaded by mom2rays
Well here, goes. Yesterday we returned from 9 nights of camping at the Swananoa 4h camp with our summer camp program, Higher Ground (www.carolinacamp.com). It was an exciting year with several firsts.
Charmie was a camper for the first time. We used our Jayco at Higher Ground for the first time. My first time with just Mardie and Zuri as my responsibility during camp. My first time in a drama set to music. Our first time as dorm parents to our own child's dorm.
Camping in our Travel Trailer was very enjoyable from the added room, to the kids having their own space and toys available, to our own bed complete with memory foam mattress, ahhhh, to having our own refrigerator for snacks and beverages. Since we had along our latest family additions, our guinea pigs Buddy and Red and our puppy Princess the TT was especially helpful. Rocky and I realized after this trip, we're finally "camper people".