The Big Grey Elephant

This is the second time we have put our RV into storage. Last year, we got caught in a horrific rain storm while we were trying to learn how to unravel the monstrous cover to apply it to our 32 foot RV. It was the first time we had ever done such a task, and it was not our finest moment. We should have maybe watched a YouTube video or two.

This year, we had a plan. We first picked a dry weekend and that was a huge bonus. No rain pelting the face as you looked up to try to adjust the cover, and no frozen fingers was a nice bonus. And then also, we were able to roll it out on our blue tarp first to adjust the Front vs Back. Then we rolled it like a giant sleeping bag from the Back to the Front while it was still on the ground. 

Knowing that it was a long climb up to the top of the roof, considering the size of the "sleeping bag roll', my husband was brilliant and thought to tie it up with rope first. Once he was on the roof, he hoisted the roll on the rope with my help in guiding it along. Bingo.We looked so professional. 

From there, he unrolled the "sleeping bag" on the roof and we started from the Front to the Back. I was on the ground pulling the cover down over the front fender, while he was on top adjusting the sides. It worked as if we were ON a YouTube video. 

Yay-Us!!

Then we went to work on attaching all the straps and securing it one last time with rope crisscrossing from side to side through the undercarriage. Regardless of high winds (which we are known to have) this gray cover is not going anywhere!

It is sad to put our favorite toy away, but we are so excited for the adventures it will bring our family next year. I am so thankful that we made the jump to purchase this lifetime memory. The kids really enjoy the open road and adventures, and of course, we do too!

The Big Grey Elephant is ready for winter. 

13th Birthday

What to do on a Sunday afternoon of your 13th birthday; the list seemed never-ending, yet short all at the same time. But in the end, my son chose to go on a family hike, and then enjoy a Sushi dinner at one of his favorites. The weather worked perfectly as it climbed to 76 degrees as we climbed 700 feet of elevation as a family.

My husband and I had climbed this same "mountain" on a date a few years ago, leaving the kids behind with grandparents. We had our Beagle hike it with us on that day and we were amazed at how steep the climb was, and how absolutely amazing our little 12 inch Beagle handled it. This time, however, we left both dogs behind. While the first time worked out fine, I wouldn't say it was the best idea in taking her. Not every dog on the trail is well-behaved, and maneuvering down the trek with a dog at your side isn't the most fun either. One wrong pull of the leash and it gets a whole lot tougher than not.

Now that the kids were older, we suggested we climb. It is a well-known hike in our area, and the kids have heard how steep it was, but to convince them to go for it we said, "Just think, every time you pass this mountain, you will look at it knowing you climbed it!" And that was the quick sell.

The kids were amazing. They are in good shape, and my husband has maintained his endurance too. I, on the other hand, have let the daily exercise routine go and replaced it with everyday life moves of raising two puppies and keeping up with two Teens; my son is obviously half Mountain Goat and never runs out of air. However, for not being in as endurance-shaped as I was the last time I climbed, I wouldn't say that I had anything to be embarrassed about; I was pleasantly surprised (Yay Me!).

There are two views when you reach the top. One looks Southeast, and the next ten minute climb takes you further up just a bit to look the opposite side, Northwest. Both views are amazing and both sides are a hot spot for Para-gliders. Depending on the wind formation will depend which side they are jumping from. On this day, they were jumping from the Southeast, but we hiked to the top of Northwest to see that view as well.

What a great memory for my son, the day he turned 13 he climbed P*P*Point. Kinda a manly thing to do, and glad that we were doing it with him.

We had time to change and freshen up from our hike and then we went to the yummy birthday dinner. I love birthday dinners. No matter the restaurant, it just seems so festive compared to a regular dinner out. We each had our favorites that we tried from the conveyor belt options, and I was proud that my girl actually enjoyed trying new things.

A birthday to remember - a family hike that now he can say he has done every time we pass this peak. Well done, son and daughter!!

Dear Son

Happy Birthday, my handsome Teen! I remember the young days when you would follow me around the house. My sweet-hearted son who just wanted to be next to me, sometimes doing absolutely nothing was nothing better. Your sweet little feet and that darling high pitched voice saying, "Mommy?" every time you wanted to chat. You were just so adorable.

And then you started to grow-up and had to go to school. You were not the best fan of academics and it wasn't because you didn't like to learn. Over time I realized that you were just bored. So it was a struggle at times to make you go and stay there. You wanted active, hands-on learning at all times. You weren't much for story time, unless there was a live critter the story was about, and that critter was right there to touch and feel.

Eventually, elementary school came and the pace picked up and you were happy. You enjoyed the playground time, but really enjoyed anything related to science and math, which again was more hands-on doing than reading and writing. Although your stories were always highly creative and I loved reading anything you wrote at school.

By the time late elementary years came, you were d.o.n.e. with one teacher and formal elementary structure. You could not wait to get out and over to the Middle School campus. It was a tough year of waiting, but all the while you kept your grades up and surpassed all that was expected in that regard.

Middle School came and that was your ticket. My, how much you have grown, not only physically, but in your confidence and happiness. Changing classes, harder academic structure, more freedom and independence was right up your alley. Your leadership was pegged early in sixth grade and your first year of Middle School was filled with new responsibilities to keep the school top rated.

This year, seventh grade started with a bang as your team of teachers carried on your leadership role and somehow you are now roped into the Associated Student Body (ASB) team and you are thriving!! You are a key speaker at assemblies to keep the crowd pep'd and enthusiastic, and the flip side of keeping everyone respectful and under control. You are well liked and have a slew of friends; boys and ... ummm ... girls. Plenty of those. Ha!

You continue to be that sweet-hearted little boy, grown up into a big Teen. I pray you keep your sweet side as that serves you well in the big picture of life. Your empathy and compassion is huge for the under-dog, and those that need that extra little pick-me-up. You know right from wrong, and you know how to maneuver through life to make both sides work; not giving up on others, yet knowing where you stand.

Your handsome nature is the best; your zest to take on life with an active mind and willingness to-do, will continue to prove you well with success.

My dear son, it was fun while it lasted - your toddling behind me wherever I went, but I am thrilled and so proud of your independence and confidence as a new young Teen. I love you with all my heart.

Happy 13th Birthday, Son!!
xoxo
Love,
Mom