We did it- Day 1

We actually did it. Seriously, we did it. I still cannot believe it. I need to keep saying it to actually believe that we did it. We left my parents house at 530am this morning. 3 1/2 hours past the 2am departure Travis had wanted, but it was perfect. Sun was rising as we headed out. We hit a little traffic but for the most part, it was a smooth ride. Stopped in who knows where for breakfast and made it to Mammoth at 2pm. Just in time for check in at the campground. We ended up in more of a parking lot type campground at Mammoth RV Park. Sorta a bummer, but we made due and know we won't be at the campsite much. There is a great walking trail next to our site that takes you under the highway and over to the visitors center. As we were walking, we were in complete awe. We couldn't believe we were actually here. We did it.

I am feeling an entire range of emotion. I have a but of a weird calm within me. I think that may be because Im going on about 8 hours sleep from the past 3 nights. I also feel like we are just on vacation. A quick weekend getaway. Similar to last summer when we did 3 weeks away in the trailer. Maybe this doesn't feel like home yet and that why. I'm still rearranging everything in the cabinets and finding spots for things that still don't have places. I also know I could get rid of more, but I'm also sick of downsizing. I hit a wall when it came to selling or donating things. So, for now, I'll find places for it, eventually. I also have feelings of complete shock and WTF moments. The reality of this all is too much. 

Today we set up our home. (I'd typically say we set up the trailer and campsite, but this is home.) While we were driving in, Trenton saw a boy with a cowboy hat and just about lost his  s*&^. He needed one and he needed one now. He has birthday cash so we headed into town to see what we could find with no luck. After coming back, we had dinner and settled in for the evening.  Usually when we camp, we make sure we outside, all of the time. No kids allowed in the trailer, go play outside. This time around, Travis and I have this understanding that this is our home. We should be able to lounge around inside, play and be comfortable. So we didn't push outside play on the boys too much.

Tomorrow, we head out for a hike. A little adventure. We keep looking at each other, reminding each other we don't have to go back any time soon. We don't leave Monday and head home. We leave Monday and head to the next location. And so on and so forth. I think the concept of this being a permanent lifestyle has not quite hit us. Attempting to wrap our minds around what we've done is overwhelming and exciting all at the same time. 

We've already had our fair share of ups and downs. Which have really been minimal so far, knock on wood, and I'm grateful for that, but it hasn't all been a piece of cake. The tension is high at times as we find a new routine. The boys are learning their new roles within the family and that's work in itself too. Bryce has been great helping Travis outside, setting up the trailer and putting things away. Trenton is their little shadow who needs to try it all too. Those three together are great. Inside, I give Jake super important, busy jobs that no one else could really do as good as he can. Get my drift? So far, it works. 

I want to thank our support system who got us here. My parents were incredible. They let us take over their home for more than a month. They smiled and laughed every time our kids did something ridiculous and we were beyond frustrated. They fed us, put kids to bed, gave us nights out and never complained, even though I probably did 100 loads of laundry. Travis parents were equally amazing. For the last year, we have used their property and building on their property to do our renovations. We've trashed their yard, cleaned it up, made noise, brought kids and put our storage unit on their property as well. We are so lucky and so blessed, which made it so hard to leave. Our friends, you are all the very best. We love you so and will be back, someday.

So, I must sleep. I am enjoying this slower pace. We did it. 

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Our insta Story
​June 14, 2017