One Month In

Last Thursday when I posted I hadn’t realized it but it was exactly one month since we left and started this journey. Time flies when you’re having fun! I think one of the biggest challenges, personally, is getting “me” time. In our sticks and bricks (that what full-timers call grounded homes) the girls would occasionally go off and do their thing, Shaun would go to the office or make a mess in the garage, and I would get some time to myself. Even if I was running errands, just being in the car by myself was time to gather my own thoughts.

Don’t get me wrong, I would not change a thing right now. It’s just a big adjustment. We are so used to in our daily suburban/Pleasantville like life having some time to do you. Shaun tells at me to get sleep but when I wake up in the middle of the night, sometimes I’m wide awake and I’ll read, Pinterest, look for a condo in Florida, etc… It’s kind of like when you have a newborn and don’t know whether to nap, eat, shower, or watch tv. Eventually the not sleeping through the night thing will catch up on me but for now it’s slightly rejuvenating to my soul.

This weekend we spent Sunday and Monday in New Orleans. A lot of people tried to poo-poo on the fact that we were bringing the kids there but people also did the same when we took them to Las Vegas and that was a stellar vacation for all four of us. Neither Shaun or myself had ever been to New Orleans and didn’t really know what to expect but we figured if it’s not appropriate or really for the kids we’ll just get in the car and head back to the campground easy peasy.

After extensive research I learned that Jackson Square in the French Quarter during late morning was the place for a family. All I can say is WOW! We had such a freaking blast! All of Saturday was well spent in Jackson Square and we never left. The cheesy chochkey shops, talented street performers, musicians, magicians, and live artists kept us busy and engaged all day, well until early evening. Both girls were part of live performances too.

Don’t get me wrong, it helped that you could get adult drinks to-go along the streets, fresh pralines, fresh beignets and hot chicory coffee everywhere also. One of the best parts was checking out some historic statues and reading up on them since people are actively trying to have these bits of history taken down and I wanted us and the girls to soak it up in case the naysayers get their way. Then we walked into a historic church, strolled along the waterway, and bought some mementos, including our commemorative magnet. As an executive family decision we decided to collect magnets from each place and/or memorable stop along the trip. Our refrigerator is starting to look lovely and makes us smile. When it gets a little more festive I’ll take a pic and share.

Monday was President’s Day so Shaun had off from work and we went back to New Orleans to see some more of what we missed and just enjoy another day in the city. We parked by Lafayette Cemetary #1 because I really wanted to check out a cemetery since they’re so famous. A tour had just started when we arrived so we had to wait for the next one in an hour and half because you are now only allowed to tour that specific cemetary with a certified guide. We decided since it was 10am to see a bit of Bourbon Street if it was appropriate.

Bourbon Street was a complete fail, let down and disappointment. I do realize that going at night without kids would have a totally different feel but when we were there it was just delivery trucks up and down the street and there was nothing special about it at all. One block up towards Jackson Square was Royal Street and the shops, galleries, and restaurants were amazing and so much more fun. We shopped a bit, yes again, and then headed toward Cafe De Monde to savor some more beignets and chicory coffee. After a family powdered sugar fight (it legit happend and the boring people next to us were not amused which made us laugh harder) we putzed the Flea Market along the river and bought some killer hot sauces and spices. Then we headed back to the car too tired to see a cemetery. I’m hoping we have time to see one of the plantations, dual purposing a road schooling lesson and see a few things a bit closer to our campground before we leave. New Orleans is about an hour and twenty minutes away so I think I’ll save anything we missed for another trip.

As our country knows and is heartbroken by, there was a tragedy this past week. While we are really enjoying our time together as a family and gathering these priceless moments it is so sad that other parents won’t have any more moments with their children or family member in the wake of a mentally unstable teen who really needed someone to hear his cries. My prayers have been plentiful this week with thanks that my babies are with me and safe. After Sandy Hook I remember dropping Natalie off to her preschool and telling her aide through tears how hard it was to leave my baby in hands that weren’t mine. I knew the women in that room would do anything for my daughter but still no one protects a child their momma.

img_9083This time homeschooling my girls is even more of a blessing right now because although I know anything can happen at any time and it’s all in God’s hands and I don’t doubt that one bit, I know that they’re safe from being at risk for a school shooting situation. I’m in no way saying that homeschooling is the answer or that it is right for everyone or that we should all jump on this bandwagon but without a doubt it puts some of my crazy mom brain to a bit of ease. Who would have thought that when these beautiful babies of mine were born that a level of crazy worry and insanity would come with their birth?!

So, on full-timing notes, my awesome husband made us a bike rack out of PVC pipe so it can be taken down and put together easily. I concocted window darkening covers out of a 6 ft roll of thick drawer liners from Target and double-sided velcro (pray Natalie will sleep in a bit please). We figured out how to use the shower in the RV. Don’t think we stank like hippies or anything but have only stayed at legit campgrounds that have clean shower facilities. Also, they have laundry facilities in case you were wondering if we are wearing dirty clothes. We are using our stove more and getting a grip on our eating out habits.

In our defense of eating out a lot, everywhere we’ve gone has had amazing food. Tennessee had down home Southern food, Tampa had fresh seafood, Crystal River had Grouper on every single menu which is my favorite fish in the world, and now here in New Orleans is crawfish and more seafood. It’s hard when you’re surrounded by food that you can’t get at home and is amazing to control yourself. Tuesday I vowed to get back on my game…so far so good!

We are here in Louisiana for a few more days and then taking the trek to Texas. I have so much on my list of things to see and do in Texas that I can’t even contain myself. We are hitting all of the major cities because Texas is a huge hub of manufactured housing and Shaun will be representing eLend all over the place. He is so committed and such a great speaker that I think Texas won’t know what hit them lol.

Giddy up for the next stop!

 

Week Three into Week Four (and 1/2)

So yes I realize it’s been two weeks but it’sall kind of melded into one. Anyway, I wrote this to you from a new campground which was still in Florida. Why were we still in Florida you ask? It’s warm, sunny, and happy here and Shaun has a lot of places to visit which equals to everyone winning! We have been staying in Crystal River. It’s in western Florida, part of Kings Bay connected to the Gulf of Mexico. 

Two weekends ago we spent Saturday in Epcot and Sunday in Magic Kingdom and had a blast! Monday was the best day of all, as far as I’m concerned. Dani and I spent her 40th birthday at the spa all day. We had massages, was served lunch outside by a fire in our spa robes, had facials, changed into bathing suits and read by the pool, splashed our feet around a bit, then went and met the guys and kids and enjoyed a delicious dinner together. Dinner was at the historic and scrumptious Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Ybor City Historic District. It was a spectacular day celebrating my BFF!

Tuesday we spent recouping from all of the fun at the pool. Wednesday we packed up and relocated about 1 ½ hours away. After settling we hit the pool again because it was 84 degrees out and glorious. We were pleasantly surprised to find a heated pool and stayed until it was almost dark. Thursday I homeschooled the girls on their floor and went out on a Valentine’s Day supplies trip. Then sat under our canopy while the girls made theirValentines. 

Friday we enjoyed the pool some more…thankful for the gorgeous weather! Saturday we got out and explored a bit. We found a larrrrrge flea market which was fun, good people watching and interesting as always. Shaun got a Marine Corps flag for the RV, I got some cactus plants for my new suction cup window shelves, the girls got iceys, and we hit the jackpot with some homemade essential oil rollers. After that we went to the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. There we saw manatees, a wild gator, a hippo named Lu, my favorite otters, and more. We also enjoyed a beautiful boat ferry to get to and fro (also where we saw the wild gator, turtles and lots of various birds). A little pricey in my opinion especially because the wild manatees weren’t around since the water warmed too much and they moved on. A nice walk, great ferry, and pleasant trip though. After, yup you guessed it, we hit the pool! Last, but not least, we went out for a completely perfect seafood dinner. Seafood Seller and Cafe was spot on with their grouper, clams, flounder, hush puppies, and every single other thing we ordered. On top of that we were able to buy fresh grouper and scallops to bring home and cook ourselves. 

Monday was the surprise day for the girls. Oh they were super duper surprised too! We left early in the morning to go to the airport and pick up one of Shaun’s co-workers…or so the girls thought. As the girls stood politely waiting to greet Shaun’s co-worker, who walks out, but their Mushy (aka my mom)!!!! These pictures don’t do it justice but there was screaming, crying, and lots of love happening. People around us were even clapping at the sight. It was beyond heart-warming and such a great moment too.

After we finally left the airport, we did some shopping, hung a bit at the RV then met Dani and the kids mid-way at a restaurant on the water. It was a great view of the water, varied menu and tasty food. The area we drove through was not beach like but the restaurant, Sam’s Beach Bar in Hudson, was a chill and fun place.

Tuesday after snuggling, bike riding, the park and a walk, me, Mom and the girls drove to Ocala to meet my mom’s friend for lunch. The Mediterranean restaurant I randomly picked wound up being a winner, Feta Mediterranean Cuisine in Ocala. Although the town on the outskirts made you lock your doors, I got the feeling that the inner part was definitely up and coming. I’m guessing if we go back in year or so there’ll be a hard time choosing where to go first there.

Wednesday finally showed the sun for the first time since my mom came and what’d we do, yup again, spent it by the pool. Ok in my defense we also checked out the little beach four miles down the road. It was a great last full day of her visit.

Yesterday we sadly said au revoir to my mom in the morning. It was also our last full day at the campground. We made a lot of great friends, shared a lot of laughs and hope to see them again soon! Today we are moving on. Lots to do and see!

All in all I can say is that we are thoroughly enjoying the warm weather, enjoying soaking up the Vitamin D, and taking a few days here and there to chillax. The trip so far has been a whirlwind and we are really focusing on taking some time to unwind and slow down. Next week we’ll be out of Florida but hoping to still have some warmth and check out a lot of new, local things.

Until then!

Week 3…Living the Dream

I can’t believe, and I mean this is the best way possible, that it’s only week 3 of our journey. Honestly, it feels like it should be more like month 2. All three weeks have been so different that I feel like I can’t compare them. Week 1 sucked and sucked some more. Week 2 was chill, some adjusting occurred, and we got outside a bit. Week 3 can be summed up in one word…FUN!

Last Friday we moved to the Orlando area so we could spend the weekend in Universal Studios. We, and out BFFs/family, the Pieklos, have never been. To give an honest review of it from two families that have done Disney a bunch, it was wayyyy better than we expected! Especially now that we have an “adult” ticket holder among the kids and they’re getting older. We spent two whole days there and still didn’t get to see everything. Both families got yearly passes since we were going for at least two days and would probably go back again. It also permitted us to go back and forth between parks via the Hogwarts Express freely.

Day One

Day Two – Shaun’s 40th Birthday

Monday we moved from Orlando to the Tampa area. I couldn’t be happier to move because for lack of a better word the Orlando campground we were in was, ghetto. We relocated to an amazing campground with indoor pool, every service you could imagine for your RV, two on-site restaurants, and so much more. I will disclose the name next week or send me a message to find out where.

Tuesday, Dani and the kids came to see our new mobile abode. The kids went for a swim and had a blast. After we grabbed some yummy Cracker Barrel dinner. Wednesday I took the girls to the American Girl Doll Store in Orlando. Natalie’s request for this adventure was to see every American Girl Doll store in the US but she happily settled for every store near where we visit. This was our first one and they each bought an outfit for their dolls with their own money. After I surprised them with an afternoon back at Universal. Being a lower crowd weekday, we went on things we didn’t and went back on things we loved. We closed the place down again and had so much fun!

Today, we went to see the Pieklos new abode, an actual brick and mortar lol. Then we took the kids to play and collect seashells on Honeymoon Island. It was beautiful and they had a blast. After we went to dinner in Dunedin and the husbands met up with us. Last, we walked for some amazing ice cream at Ice & Cream Creamery and if you ever go, stop here because it is yummy.

Not only did we finally get warm, have some amusement park fun, enjoy Florida, but we got to do it with our besties, cousins, loves! However, they aren’t rid of us yet…. There is more fun yet to come! This weekend is the whipped cream, hot fudge, and cherry on top of the already eaten two scoop ice cream cone of the past week.

Stay tuned to see what these crazies do next!!

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