Remember our late 70's camper trailer from a couple years ago? We bought it with big dreams of family fun and a plan to fix her up. Well, Colette was born, the trailer became our guest suite, and the updates got put on the back burner. It's definitely had its share of fun sleepovers, but the itch to lighten it up remained. I knew we would get around to it eventually.

Last weekend, we finally got to work. There were many evenings spent scouring pinterest and chatting with people who restore vintage trailers to get up the nerve to pull the trigger. Once I got started, there was no turning back. It's a small space, but it's a lot of small parts and detail work. (Details aren't my strong suit. Ha!) Albin took down the loft bed that was really just crowding the space and it gave me the little shelf above the bed area. It already felt so much bigger.. We removed the cabinet doors and painted everything white. It took a primer and two coats to cover all that fake wood. I had many naysayers tell me I would never be able to get the paint to stick, and that I should leave the "perfectly good" camper as-is. But I am so glad I took the plunge anyway.

When the paint dried, I put down new laminate flooring. I am so pleased with how it came out. It was pretty easy to do. I was able to complete it by myself in about a day while the kids played in the yard. I have no experience in this area, so for me to be able to complete a project like this really says something! It's a major update to the look for very little effort and money.

My mom helped me recover the cushions, and I put up some simple new curtains. Rather than buying new hardware, I spray painted the existing knobs gold to brighten them up. I also recovered the counters with marble contact paper. There are imperfections, but the overall result is MUCH prettier than it was. In the kitchen area I hung a textured brick wallpaper. My original thought was stick on subway tile, but the cost and effort to find them, proved unworth my time. I'd still like to do something with the sink and stove, but I haven't completed it yet. Also, the bathroom is still on the list.

In total work, this took about 4 days to complete. If I can do it in between taking care of my two rascals, ANYONE can do it. I am thrilled with the result and I can't wait to have our own family sleepover in the finished camper in the next few days. It's one of those things where you wonder what took you so long to get started.

​Hooray for easy DIY!

A couple before photos...

Aaah! It's the first evening of Summer! We've just gotten the kids down after a wonderfully hot day. It FELT like the first day of Summer and I am not complaining. The kids and I ran our Monday morning errands and came home for a full afternoon of sprinkler running, kiddie pool splashing, naps in our back yard trailer, and of course- Popsicles. After spending yesterday (Father's Day) afternoon at the beach, it really feels like we're off to a great start.

I know that I say every season in California is my favorite, but Summer is really the true winner. It goes back to Summers with my dad, exploring all over, meeting my husband one Summer in high school, and long sunset bike rides into Indian Summer nights. Oh yea! A hot California Summer is my absolute cup of tea.

We we are leaving this Friday for a little family road trip to celebrate Bennett turning four and FIVE years of marital bliss.

Happy Summer!

Memorial Day 2016

​We spent a few minutes honoring the fallen at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. We walked around a little while and enjoyed the sweeping ocean views. We have a huge military presence here in San Diego, and many veterans. I am so thankful for the brave men and women who fight for our freedom, and the sacrfices made by their families. Gratitude doesn't seem like a good enough word for those who have paid the ultimate price to protect us here in this GREAT country.

Thank you!

It's that time of year again-May Gray! Weather in the mid 60s and gray skies always seems out of place after a Sunny Spring. It also means Summer is coming. I expect a few more weeks of gray days and gloomy June mornings. I always start to panic towards the end of June, and it always seems to clear up just in time for Fourth of July.
I appreciate this time for what it is, the cool before the heat. I'm taking advantage of the mild temps and stepping up our adventures.

Lately, Bennett is acting and looking so grown. He is going to be four years old next month, and it's just so dang BITTERsweet. So proud of his intelligence and sense of humor. . So sad knowing my days of carrying him are numbered, that there is nothing baby about my baby anymore.

These early childhood years having them at home are so important, and so fast. Sometimes I wonder if I've done enough, if we are making enough memories. Today is for dinosaur museums, snacks in the park, and talking about how he "sure wants those baby dinosaurs."

​Happy May!

I've been under the weather for almost two weeks... AGAIN! Toddler mom life. But we have been lucky to have a few nice family days when I was well enough to leave the house. From a new secret beach we found in our neighborhood, to the gorgeous gardens of Coronado, San Diego continues to take our breath away. We are so happy we've made this our home.

The weather is tip-top right now. Hoping for a week of healthy recovering and a weekend of fun with visiting family.

Happy Monday!