How we pack our trailer for transport

This is how I pack up our trailer for when we are in transit.  This is just how I do it, if you have a great idea please let me know!

We have a 22ft trailer.   Our space inside is a hot commodity and we try to use our space as best we can.

 This is our trailer all set up when we first got there.

 We usually keep a bag for trash inside and a bag tied up high outside (usually on the awning).  Cale is taking out the mat and shaking all the dirt off of it.  So we could then sweep it out before we pull out.

 We use the sink to hold things that usually are on the counter.  Some of things in there were still wet from being washed, so normally the bowls and cups wouldn't be in the sink - but more electronic items that I like to have access too easily.

 We haven't put our table up in a LONG time - usually there is a picnic table, we sit outside in our camp chairs or we just sit on the beds and eat.  So under the table bed (as we call it) we keep a case of water, my husbands seltzer water cans, and there is a small heater stuffed in there.  In the cabinets on either end of the bed we have the crockpot, my small air fryer, the electric skillet, and citronella candles - in one.  In the other we have board games, a basket of small toys and a box of legos for Cale.

 We leave the tv on the bed because it's not hooked up to anything on the wall because we like "outdoor" movies when we are camping.  It NEVER slides around and is always where we left it when we open it back up when we get where we are going.  Above the bed we keep a tote full of charger cords and boxes, I keep a couple extra hats and extra set of sheets.

 On the table bed we keep the extra blankets and pillows that the kids use.

 We don't use the shower because the places we stay usually have a bathhouse that has never ending hot water, and no issue if we want to take a 30 minute shower.  So we use the shower to hold things.  All the camping chairs, pool floats and our bag that we take with all the sunscreen, bug spray, goggles and towels in.

 We also use the toilet to hold things.  The table fits right next to it perfectly and the cooler slides right in and wedges in between the toilet and the bathroom storage cabinet. Above this we have a big "wardrobe" that we keep a bin with swim suits, towels and a laundry basket where dirty clothes are tossed when they are done for the day.  I just take the basket right out when we make it back home.

This is my biggest tip.  I ALWAYS make sure that the fridge and freezer is securely shut.  The kids don't usually push it hard enough to close all the way.  When we took it out over memorial day weekend one of the kids was the last one in the fridge and we found it open when we got to the campground and a few things fell out.  I have had a jar of salsa fall and break before.  So I'm a little OCD when it comes to the fridge I will find my self checking it 3-4 times before we hook it up and lock the door.

I got this wagon for my birthday 2 years ago and it goes EVERYWHERE with us. It's so dang handy.  If you have been on the fence on getting one, pull the trigger! So worth it!

My wagon lives here when we are traveling and sometimes when we are inside.  It fits perfectly.

 Once we have everything put in and safe, we back the truck up and hook it up.

 If we aren't hooked up to a full service site (sometimes they only have water/electric available) we have to go and dump the tanks.  In this back storage compartment - we keep our bug spray - invest in the BIG jug - you'll need it for your camp site - GUARANTEE IT! We also keep a bag of disposable gloves for when we dump tanks - no one wants black water on them.

 We hook up to the tanks and pull the black tank lever first (this is waste from your toilet).  It CAN be stinky - especially if you are in a hot climate.  We hold down the nozzle end so we don't accidentally get sprayed if it doesn't stay in the same position.  Once we hear the rush of liquid slow down we go to the top of the tub and move water that may have settled in the crooks of the tube to make sure it makes it's way down into the disposal tanks.

 You should NEVER dump your grey water before your black water.  Use your grey water (it's just the water from the sinks) to rinse out your hose after the black water has flowed through.

Once that is done you can continue on to your next destination.  I hope this helps SOMEONE that is just starting out and needs some ideas.  Once you start finding every usable nook and cranny other ideas will just pop up!!

 

Labor Day 2018!

 We had grandious plans for Labor Day 2018.  A month ago I made a reservation at Tyndall AFB in Panama City Beach Florida to stay for three nights.  Days before our trip the weather didn't look good at all.  So against my better judgment we called and forfeited $25 to Tyndall by cancelling and heading down to our old faithful Blue Springs State Park in Alabama.  It was a bad judgment call because my friends that continued with their plans were sending me pictures of the beautiful (yet there were some grey clouds) weather at the beach.  I am making my husband take me to the dang beach this month, and I don't care how much it costs!

We have never really shut off our fridge/freezer so that when we need it it's ready.  During our last quick trip I noticed some ice in the freezer.  Forgot to empty it out and shut it off when we got home, so I opened the door and put some towels in to soak up the water - but it wasn't melting fast enough.  Got my hair dryer out and started pic axing the ice, took me about 30 minutes but I finally got everything free!

 This was the weather on PCB...

 This was the point in which we switched our plans.  I love my wagon I can fill it up in the house and pull it outside and empty it into the camper without having to make multiple trips.  As you can see my car parked right in front of the camper as the groceries I bought didn't even come into the house, they got loaded right out of the back of my car into the camper.  I ordered everything the day before and picked up the night before at Walmart with the pick up service.  I love it because I can keep adding stuff to the cart and send it when I know I have everything.

 Cale gets off the bus at 3pm, he didn't know until that morning that we were even doing anything that weekend (#heaskshowmanydays #getsannoying), until Friday morning.  So he came tearing down the driveway excited! He and dad picked up some of the brush that had blown into our yard and we used it as firewood. 

 Finally Kennedie was off the bus an hour later and we headed out!  P.S. days before my husbands truck a/c blower went out.  So until we got going good on the highway it was windows down for air.

 

  Our normal trusty site 20 was already taken (and I was totally sad about it!), so we found one level and close and set up. 

 Kennedie REALLY wanted to be the one that got the fire going.

And she did! Finally able to relax.

  AND THEN Tim noticed this rotting out tree (I took this picture the next day which is why you see stuff still set up there).  It made him VERY nervous, so we packed everything back up and moved down to site 22 from site 16.  We got everything into site 22 and it started to rain, OF COURSE it's just our dang luck for not going to the beach!  So we stabilized the jacks and put the kids and dog inside while we hooked up the water/electricity. 

Now Mason knows he isn't allowed on the furniture in the house, so why he thought jumping on the kids bed was a good idea, I'm not sure.  My guess was because Cale was moving around too much on the floor for his liking and he decided to get out of the way.

 After we made him get down he was sulking on his pillow.

It sprinkled most of the night so no more campfire at the new site.  So we hooked up the TV/DVD player and had dessert and went to bed.

 Everyone piled in mom and dad's bed for the movie!

 The next day was great weather.  Brought lunch and grilled at the park!

 I normally don't get in the blue springs because it's so flippin cold.  But my husband BEGGED for a family picture so I got in just for that, and ran right back out!!

 YA'LL IT'S FREEZING!  That's as far as I would go in too!

 We were done around 3ish and came back to the camp site and got a fire going.  He's sitting way over there because as the sun was setting it was starting to shine through the trees ON him and he was hot he said.  So he moved behind a tree!

 

  Forgot to get a picture of Cale with his BB gun but Tim played with it while Cale was playing with some new friends at the playground.

 Set up the TV/DVD player outside and watched a movie with popcorn and smores.

 Hard to see Cales head but him watching the movie.  He thought the outdoor movie was the best thing ever!

 Woke up the next morning and went back to the water.  Kennedie is filling up the dogs water bowl.  Kennedie and me decided to go explore the town of Ozark about 30 minutes away. 

 When we came back we picked up the boys and went back to the camper.  We were going to do another outdoor movie (as we bought two new ones from Walmart while we were out), but decided it was hot enough to watch one inside and when it got cooler we would plug it up outside again.  Well cooler came in the form of a downpour.  We stayed in the trailer the rest of the night. 

 Next morning I was a little stir crazy from being inside all afternoon/night so I took my book outside and started to read as they ate breakfast.

 Mason was thankful to be outside too!

 Packed the trailer up and tried to go dump the tanks but there was 4 trailers in line.  Told Tim we would dump later.  Went to the springs with trailer all hooked up.

I started reading my book again.  Noticed that the three big trailers that were in front of the dump line were leaving together (must have been traveling together) so I told Tim I would take Kennedie and go sit in the line to dump and he and Cale could soak up the last bit of water time. 

This time we were third in line.  Took us about 30-45 minutes before it was our turn.  Their trailers had bigger tanks so ours was quicker once we finally got up there.

Washington State Vacation Day 5 and 6

Day 5 and 6


Saturday was an overcast day - so while the grandparents did some yard work (and yes I offered to help), I read a book, Cale helped Grandma pick raspberries, and then they watched TV and played with some stuff they brought with them.


Then it was time for the reunion.  I can't remember why he didn't get to go to his 10 year reunion, so some of these people he hasn't seen since right after high school.

 In my "basic southern white girl" uniform.  I love this top and I love when I get a chance to wear it!

 Outside about to go in! We never got a full length picture together :( .

 He had a graduating class of 36.  18 of the 36 showed up, I thought that was awesome!  Most of them live locally and a few of us have left.

At first I was the awkward spouse that didn't know anyone, but the girls of his class were so gracious and made sure to remember to include me!  I hope my classmates do the same for my husband next year at MY 20 year class reunion.

Sunday morning we said goodbye to grandma and grandpa, and drive an hour and half into Ione (pronounced I-own) which is the actual town the high school is located in.  It's a very small no stop light town.

 Main street.

 We cracked up because this place used to be a popular restaurant in Ione.  There are pot shops all over Washington, almost one for every Starbucks!

 Our motel was actually in Metaline Falls.  We were spitting distance from the Canadian border.  Had planned on atleast crossing the border to let the kids say "I went into Canada on vacation" but it didn't happen.

This movie theather used to be the place to go for the town, I overheard that someone bought it and plans on opening it back up. 

We stayed at the Circle Motel in Metaline Falls.  When we were at the reunion we told his classmates we planned on coming into Ione and were staying in Metaline Falls and they told him that he actually went to school with the owner!  So when we checked in it was a nice surprise!

We were just in the most beautiful place!!

 Some of his classmates that lived in the Ione/Metaline Falls area came over to our motel that night - and we had a bon fire.  Some of them brought their kids and it was great for our kids to finally have someone to play with/hang out with. 

We tried to go to gardner caves but we missed the tour and couldn't wait for the next one 2 hours later.  I know my family hates when I make them get out of the car and do this but, I couldn't resist having a picture with this background!!!