VETERANS WEEKEND

After a few full hook up trips we were ready for some boon docking.  We took advantage of the long holiday weekend and decided to head up to our spot in Payson.  The roads are no longer maintained which I think deters a lot of people from going as there were plenty of great spots.  This was also the first trip we had our razor which changes the level of fun for us! 

We didn't have the best spot there for sunsets because the trees were so much more dense.  We didn't mind it was just as beautiful.  Shawn's parents met us there with their RV.  The older girls went with them to some of the local lakes for some fishing.

Lots of razor rides were had...

Like usual Reece fell asleep with every ride.  This time she had a nose rest. LOL

 

We came across a camping site that had trash thrown all over the place.  It was really frustrating and disappointing to see.  We don't want one of our favorite camping spots shut down or permit only.  The silver lining was the learning experience instilled in our children. 

The last morning we were there Shawn and I were desperate for just a few more minutes of sleep.  I finally got myself out from under the warm covers to see this.  Ava crawled into the pack n play to be with Reece.  Such a sweet sister. 

When it was time to head home we casually got packed up and tried to enjoy the views just a little bit longer.  Unfortunately, there were problems with the truck and we couldn't go over 25mph.  So we were parked in this parking lot (one of the look out views) for a few hours while Shawn tried to trouble shoot the problem.   A few people stopped to offer help or water, there are still some good people in the world.  Shawn eventually made the decision to drive and see what happens.  We made it to the Auto Zone in Payson and had them figure out what code caused the check engine light to come on.  He figured out what he thought was the problem, but there was very little we could do about it at that point.  Not to mention the repair was in the thousands, ugh!  We headed home while I was on edge hoping the truck wasn't going to get us home safely and we would be stranded on the side of the highway with three kids and a dog.  Can't imagine the tow bill either.  Thankfully we did make it home safely and got the truck in for warranty repair the next day. 

VETERANS WEEKEND

Okay I'm a bit behind, but better late than never.

For Veteran's weekend we planned what was likely going to be our last trip of the year in Little Things (the official name of our travel trailer).  We again were undecided where to go and didn't want to freeze too much.  It wasn't until a few days before we left we decided to head back to Mogollan Rim.  It's just SO beautiful!  This time we didn't have the twins with us, sadly.  They've been begging to go up north with Nana and Papa. We had a great time, but I felt my heart heavy as half of it was in Show Low.

We arrived early Friday morning and found a spot right on the rim this time.  It was still crowded, but not nearly as much as last time we were there.  Likely due to the dip in temps and the roads are no longer maintained after Nov. 1st.

This trip we were both so much more laid back with packing.  I was pleasantly surprised how much easier it was even only being our second trip.  And bonus we didn't lose any water this time and tried out the shower.  It was warm and cozy and just what we needed.

To give you some perspective on this awesome spot.  The rim just ahead of the truck is where we spent most of our time during the day.  It was so peaceful and beautiful.

Reece did awesome and stayed warm at night.  Shawn and I hung out by the fire after she was asleep and imitated movies and had the best time laughing like high school kids.  We met our neighbors and at first were concerned about them sleeping in a tent as the night time temps were in the 30's.  After talking we discovered they just moved here from Illinois.  Pretty sure they could handle the colder temps better than we could.  We also watched the sunset every night and played photographer.

Unfortunately this trip we had great reception.  It wasn't the unplugged I wanted and needed, but since our twins weren't with us it was kind of a relief.  We made a conscious effort to avoid the social media crap and just enjoy the moment.  It was an unforgettable trip and was the perfect way to celebrate our Veterans and what they've given us.

MOGOLLAN RIM

The time finally came for our inaugural trip that has been much anticipated.  We were undecided on where we wanted to go and finally made the decision for, Mogollan Rim, the day before we left.  Ultimately we thought some place not too far off the grid and somewhere the terrain was more predictable with the trailer.  Shawn is awesome pulling it but he wanted to make sure wherever we went was trailer friendly.

We left Wednesday mid morning after loading the trailer.  It was a bit hectic this first trip as we stocked the trailer with things such as dishes, spices, towels, blankets, sweaters, toiletries, well you get the point.  This way our next trip all we need to pack is clothes and food.
After searching for 30 minutes for the girls' favorite dolls we were on our way.

Since our first trip did not have RV hook ups, Shawn did some research and found a fresh water source to fill our tank.  We were surprised it was free.  We thought it would make more sense to fill our tank closer to our destination to keep the trailer lighter and save some gas.  We filled up and were back on the road.  We noticed water leaking but didn't think too much about it.  After losing about 10 gallons on the way to our campsite we discovered there is a separate cap you can purchase that was apparently missing (oops).  By the end of our trip we did run out of water, though we had plenty in water jugs, so we learned a lot!  Owning a trailer is a learning experience for sure.  We also discovered that we need to upgrade our toilet to one that is standard size and more efficient. Fortunately they're not very expensive.

Once we arrived to the camp area we were on the hunt for the perfect spot.  We found it to be very popular.  We spotted some ahhhmmazing spots near the rim, like no joke 10 feet from your campfire was the edge.  So awesome but not kid friendly.  Shawn and I hope to go back kid-less to experience those spots first hand.  We knew we were nearing the end and I found the perfect spot.  We loved it and talked about how much we lucked out several times during our stay.

It took about 20 minutes to get our site all set up.  I anticipate as we become a RV connoisseur family it will take even less time.

We enjoyed playing games, lots of exploring, talks by the fire, snuggles, watching the squirrels throw pine cones to the ground, sightings of blue jays, scavenger hunts, s'mores and watching the hours pass by.

Most mornings were slow and we snuggled in bed.

Reece LOVED her bath in the sink.

Ava sprained her ankle (wink, wink) and needed her walking sticks for crutches.

The girls and I started a tradition to find flowers at each trip.

While owning a trailer is a big responsibility it made for a much more enjoyable experience.  Nap time, bedtime, cooking, heater at night, bathroom visits in the middle of the night are just a few reasons why I could not be happier with our investment.  Having a fridge/freezer was awesome too! Reece struggled a bit with naps at first, partly due to two molars breaking through during our trip. Poor baby!  After the second day our routine was much more fluid and everyone was happier.

We went on walks daily.  Adisyn used her imagination for a stick cell phone.  I laughed to myself in silence during the conversations she had.  Ava wanted to collect every rock, stick, and pine cone she could find.  She wanted to take half the forest home.  Seriously.  I finally had to draw the line at some point.  As soon as we got home she wanted to decorate the backyard with her findings.  Reece was happy as can be.  Shawn, well I haven't seen a smile like that on his face in a long time.  Abby LOVED exploring and chasing the squirrels.  I was ecstatic to slow down and unplug from reality. We were all truly at our happy place and we CAN NOT wait for our next destination.

Before we left we made sure to hit some of the viewpoints.  There is even a paved path along the rim with benches throughout.  We loved this spot and everything it has to offer and definitely plan to return sometime.  Maybe over the summer sometime and hit up the lake.

This trip was exactly what we needed.  Unplugged, connected, present, and loving each memory we shared together.