Settling in

Well, we've settled into a routine, that will probably change as we drive farther west, but for now... it's good.  The kids generally wake up with enough time for all five of us to pile on the big bed for a while.  Daylight savings has messed with that a bit- not that I am complaining- but I'm sure they'll be waking up early again soon.  Nick makes breakfast for everyone but me (I'm picky about my breakfast), we both get ready for the day while the kids eat, and then Nick heads off to work... in the kids' bunk room.  That's working rather well, most of the time.

from then, it's like home.  breakfast chores, school, then run errands or go for a walk. Then lunch (elevensies, we now call it), nap time/ screen time, quiet time, play time, dinner, and the  best change of all- Nick takes the kids outside to explore until the sun goes down, while I sit around in the camper and do lots of nothing.  GRAND!

The sunsets here are terrific, right on the lake.  And the sunrises on the lake, too, somehow.  We're also parked right next to what I think would be a butterfly garden, and there are several bird houses out there.  There are a million paths through little groups of trees that are super fun to explore, too.

I joined an online group for families who are traveling,  and they've already given me lots of advise and encouragement.  It's so great to be able to ask questions of people who have been at this for years, and not have to fumble about on my own so much.  They remind me of what I already knew- it takes time to adjust to any lifestyle change.  Use the outdoors to your advantage, that should be you REAL living space.  the clock is your tool out here, not your slave driver.  And, other children WILL come... it's still early.  And there is always church for socialization.

We're adjusting. It's getting better.  I can do dishes in 1/4 gallon of water.  The kids played today in the "grass" for 3 hours without ANY toys.  The cat only tries to shred up the camper after mealtimes.  Anna is back to her normal napping schedule.  Bedtimes are actually better than they were at home, and so is nighttime in general.  It's quieter here in the camper than it was at home.  We get edgy and claustrophobic if we're in here too long, and angry fast if people don't move when we'd like them to, but once we get outside it's all okay again.  The kids are no longer eating all. day. long. like they did at home, for some reason.

We're still trying to get organized.  Storage areas will soon be moved around.  More plastic boxes will be purchased.  Clothes will be given away.  I'd really, really like to paint the interiors and do something more... us... with the furniture.  But without all that, even now, this is definitely home.  I was just looking through pictures from the house and thinking "wow!  look at all that empty space!  That house was too big!".  So, that's good, I'm getting used to this.

Up this week... a big laundry adventure with approximately 10 loads of laundry, and Wednesday is farmer's market day (I am as excited for that as I was for church).  And we really gotta find some firewood for a bonfire one of these nights... if the wind ever stops.