For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Saturday, May 7, 2011

LRR part 1

Saturday morning started by us waking up to the sound of little feet running towards us. We were pleasantly surprised to see that little miss had actually slept through the night in her bed and not on the Elmo bed next to our bed. The dogs pretty much passed out and didn't even think twice about the dog that was in the RV literally an arms reach away from us.

We happened to wake up and take the dogs out right as Mr. Brent was coming back. I am pretty sure Kaylie has her first crush on Mr. Brent because she would not leave his side the entire time. It was cute to see. With his family still asleep we helped him get breakfast ready. I have to say...country cooking is the way to go. Yummy!!!







Helmet malfunction.  It is hard to ride when you can't see anything. 



It didn't take long before we ditched her scooter in a patch of grass.  Jason called it when we first started with it.  He didn't want to bring it but with her girly girl smile we both gave in.  I think we ditched it about 5 minutes in. 






When this tiny wave hit the sticks it bounced up, popped Shiner in the face and freaked him out making him jump back. 


We loved seeing how ridiculously happy he was.  This was something we have wanted to do for so long with him.  He loves nature and if he could he would be out in it all the time.



My child is obsessed with sticks and rocks.  I am glad she always finds a way to add her girly flare to it.



Kaylie and Matthew had a blast together.  They played so well and were pretty much inseparable the entire trip.


They did a lot of "monkey see...monkey do."  As long as it didn't get them in trouble we didn't care.




Picture 1: Turns around and starts to run back to us.


Picture 2: Splash! Insert laugh track from parents.


Picture 3: "What the heck happened?!?" Mom and dad quickly clap and cheer so tears do not begin to fall.


Picture 4: Little one realizes it was no big deal and continues to play finding her stick and returning to a normal life.  Cheesy...I know!






My absolute favorite picture from the entire trip.  This is what summer time and being a kid is all about.  I am so glad I got this otherwise me accidentally stepping in the patch of poison ivy wouldn't have been worth it. 

Friday, May 6, 2011

Playing in the dirt

For our first trip we decided to take it to a state park that was only about an hour away so we didn't have to deal with fighting rush hour traffic.  As we headed that way and we went through our check list of things we brought we started realizing the things we didn't bring.  For the most part the only major things we forgot were chairs for us to relax in and wood for us to have a campfire. Thankfully...Brent, Christian, Matthew, and their dog Freckles coming to join us later that night after they got off work.  It was great to have some seasoned RV friends meeting up with us to enjoy the weekend and they had more than enough chairs to sit a small army as well as wood for our camp fires. We enjoyed having friends to hang out with around the campfire as well as friends that could give us tips and suggestions.  Jason was pretty sure he knew what he was doing but it helped to reassure him as he watched everything from set up to take down being done. 

While waiting for our friends we found ways to entertain ourselves.  It was neat watching all of the RV slots fill up and being surrounded by every one taking in the sights and sounds of nature.  Kaylie helped set up things in the RV, the dogs sat at attention ready to bark at any moment, and Jason and I relaxed by reading some magazines.  We cooked hamburgers for dinner and snacked on chips and salsa.  Our friends showed up close to 10pm which was perfect timing.  We were able to get two slots that shared each other in a wooded area which helped seclude us and kept us from disturbing other people as we helped them get situated. We learned one valuable tip that they were able to help us with...bring an egg crate for the adult bed.  I can not imagine if we hadn't been given that to use. 


For a child that loves to collect rocks we chose the right place to visit.  She tried to pocket so many different types of rocks.  I finally had to let her take home a rock to make her happy.  The rest had to stay "in their home."







She was so sweet and loving to the dogs.  She spent a lot of time taking care of them and making sure they were happy.  To sweet!







We had to chain both dogs up to make sure they didn't take off.  Pretty sure if they got the chance they would take off.  The only problem was that they kept getting twisted around each other as well as trees and poles.  Kaylie decided to go over and help "save" Shiner.




She found a rock that looked just like a heart.  It made me so happy when she brought it over and gave it to me to keep.

RV time

For awhile now Jason has really wanted to rent an RV with the potential to purchase in the future.  He has done extensive research into it figuring out the ins and outs of having one and what we would need to make this happen.  Realizing his car had the potential to tow a decent sized one we decided to go ahead and do this as his birthday present.  We had gone to an RV show in the fall and had a good idea of what we wanted and had a place that would allow you to rent and put that money towards a future purchase so we decided why not.  It was a blast.  Having had experience driving large buses in college I knew he would do a great job and he did.  He put me at ease right off the bat and showed that he had control and knew what to do while towing it.  The funny thing is I am not sure who enjoyed it more...Jason or Kaylie?  Jury is still out on that one. 


Backing the RV into the spot was a challenge but once we were able to get the RV lined correctly we were able to go straight back.  The major complication came from the spastic dogs that were overally excited literally trying to jump in Jason's lap and the little girl in her car seat crying because the dogs were trying to sit on her.  I was impressed Jason was able to keep his cool knowing if it was me I would have yelled a few times in frustration.








She had this entire back area to herself.  Their were two sets of bunk beds.  The one on the left could fit two people.  We thought she would choose that one.  Instead she picked the small one on the right. 


The dogs checking out the RV.  They were so happy to finally get to go with us on a trip.


She wouldn't let us in "her room" until she had set it up the way she wanted.  Once she was done she opened the curtain and "made" us come in.



She made sure all of her babies were napping in a bed.  She wouldn't let us move them and was set on where each one went.



She loved playing with the curtain.  It was hard trying her to understand it wasn't a toy. 




One very happy daddy.  He finally got his wish and I am pretty sure it was completely worth it to him.