Fun at the Lake with Family

My shift yesterday at work got cancelled because of a slow schedule so what did we do? Went camping! We packed up the trailer and headed out as soon as Brad got out of school. I had checked the forecast earlier that day and it was supposed to be clear, but we noticed dark clouds in the distance on our way to the lake. We tried a different camping ground that was a little more rustic but had a better view of the water. We saw some turkeys and deer on our way there.

I had invited my mom and stepdad to join us for a campfire dinner. They met us there shortly after we got the camp ground situated. Just a few minutes after they showed up we got hit with high winds and a thunderstorm! We jumped into the camper to ride it out, and I brewed some coffee to keep us warm :)

After several episodes of thinking the rain was over, then it started again, we were finally able to gather some sticks and make a campfire. The view of the water was pretty, as well as the storms in the distance.

We all roasted hotdogs and marshmallows and had a fun time sitting around the fire and enjoying nature. They headed home around 7 and we stayed by the fire enjoying the calm and cool evening. As the sun set I got Brad ready for bed. He passed out within a few minutes, then Nick and I stayed outside with a big fire to talk and star gaze.

The night was uneventful and we all got up around 7:30 for breakfast and coffee. We headed home around 9:30 and had time for lunch before Brad went to school.

We are already planning another camping trip down to Foster to boondock at my inlaws' house again on Saturday!

Vacationing with Vinny!

 Who is Vinny? Well Vinny is the vintage trailer! I have to credit my mom for that name idea, and we feel like it fits pretty well! We bought it a couple of weeks ago (read about it here) and went on the hunt for an SUV shortly after. It took us a few days of searching but we finally found a nice used SUV that could tow our new toy! It is a 2005 Ford Explorer 4x4. It has 3rd row seating, towing package, 4 wheel drive, and is in great shape! Nick was pretty happy with all of the under-the-hood things so that is all that matters. Insurance on it is super cheap and it is nice knowing we have a 4x4 during bad weather.

Literally the day after we got the truck we headed out to Lake Thunderbird for our maiden voyage! We just had a short night trip there with the camper as a sort of test run to see how it towed, how comfy it was, what the campground was like, what we would want to bring for next time, etc.

 There were a few other campers there but they were the ginormous RVs that cost as much as my house. Each spot had it's own picnic table, grill, and fire pit! We parked and plugged in, then I commissioned Brad to help me collect sticks for the fire.

There were several trails so we went wondering around and looking at the lake until the sun went down.

 

 I got the fire going at dusk and we all sat around it roasting hotdogs and marshmallows until we ran out of sticks! Brad had a blast and was worn out by bedtime. He fell asleep in about 10 minutes! Nick and I stayed outside by the fire enjoying some quiet time in the dark for awhile longer.

 

 I did not anticipate the night temperatures being as cold as they were--we were freezing! Brad had a warm fleece blanket and slept soundly, but Nick and I just had a thin blanket and didn't get much sleep at all. We all woke up pretty early the next morning and started to pack up and head home after coffee. I had to work that next day, and Brad had to go to school so we weren't able to stay and enjoy the lake very long!

I found a cute little coffee pot just for the camper! I have been getting creative with storage tips and tricks for camping too.

 

We had a blast for our first family camping trip and of course Brad can't wait to go again. When the weather gets warmer and we can swim in the lake it will be much more fun.

We actually took the camper out again this week, but on a much longer trip--to my inlaws! They live in Foster, OK which is about 80 miles from where I live. The trailer hauled like a champ with no issues (despite 30mph wind gusts) and we parked right outside the house. They threw us an extension cord and made ourselves at home. We stayed inside chatting until bedtime then Nick and I retired to the camper. Brad insisted on sleeping inside with his favorite cousin. We stayed much warmer this time around and packed a better blanket! In the morning we headed inside for breakfast and coffee then headed home to unpack before school and work again. His parents loved having us overnight, and I'm sure we'll do it again soon!

 

Moving Right Along!

With TTC that is! This morning I went in for my baseline US and blood work. I also spoke with my doctor's IVF coordinator and got my booklet of info and consent forms to sign. I'm pretty excited about it and curious how much has changed since our first time 6 years ago. I am keeping my hope levels in neutral as long as I can while being realistic and optimistic at the same time.

I feel like this time around I will have a little less anxiety since I will already know how it works, what to expect, how I'm going to feel (emotionally and physically), and the fact that I have one successful cycle under my belt. Unfortunately I also know that each cycle is different and it may not work for us this time. We may not have any embryos to freeze again, and we may come home with empty arms and an empty bank account.

We take these risks because we have faith in God's plan for our family, and we feel like this is where He has led us at this point in time.

My next appointment will be next month for another consultation with my doctor, then I will start meds in June!!! Please keep us in your prayers.

Check Out Our New Toy....

Yes we finally found one that was right for us! I have been looking for a vintage camper for several months now and was getting a bit disheartened that I hadn't found a good lead yet. Usually if everything looked in decent condition there would be a problem with the tag, title, or price. There definitely aren't that many of these around here, and they sell quickly when posted online. I happend upon this on on craigslist and was able to look at it (and buy it!) the same day!

It is a 1968 Playmor and has pretty much been redone inside and out! It is ready to take camping as soon as we bring it home. It is just what I was looking for--small with two bed, a mini-kitchen, and no bathroom. I didn't want a bathroom because I don't want to deal with "holding tank" nastiness. The only bad thing is that this one didn't come with a fridge but it does have a spot for one and it should be easy to find. It is very clean will fit nicely in our driveway. We are bringing it home on Saturday!

The other thing we have to do pretty quickly now is sell Nick's PT Cruiser and buy an SUV to pull the trailer with! We have already found several potential ones that he is going to check into tomorrow. I can't wait to take it out soon for our first family camping trip!!!!