One thing Jeff and I had in common from the beginning of our relationship was our love of camping. As I’m typing this, that sounds strange; but, we’re strange, so whatever! We talked about camping in a tent. Then I was pregnant with Kenley, so I wasn’t a fan of sleeping on the ground. When Kenley was an infant I got pregnant with Blake. All of that sounded not-so- fun in a tent. We decided, while Blake was in my belly, we would save up for a travel trailer. That way, we could take the kids and be comfortable.

By the way: camping in a trailer is still camping to me! I did my time in a tent as a kid! Anyway… 

At the beginning of March Jeff found us a great trailer. It wasn’t crazy special, but it meant we could venture out. We bought it and started researching all the spots we had to visit. I had a list. We were pretty excited. Six days after the purchase we got Blake’s diagnosis. As our lives were turned upside down, camping was the last thing we were thinking about.

Time went by. We talked about trying to go a few times but the trailer wasn’t ready. That’s what we kept saying, anyway. We had no supplies, no proper setup. Even though the trailer truly wasn’t ready (and it seemed like a huge task), that wasn’t the real reason we didn’t go. Changes in Blake’s health made me too afraid to try traveling with her. I didn’t want to be far from home or be somewhere we might get stuck. Jeff felt that way, too, even though it was hard for us to admit. SMA brings with it a sense of fear and dread, for many, many reasons. Things can change rapidly and sometimes unexpectedly.

We did some thinking. Ultimately, we decided not to let fear stop us.

Jeff worked really hard to get the trailer ready on a Tuesday so we could go camping on Wednesday. We picked an amazing spot, right on the beach, about an hour and a half from our home. As I type this, I’m sitting at the table watching the waves while my three loves are napping. It is so beautiful. The beach is a short walk so we’ve been there a bunch of times already. Earlier today, we walked around the grounds and blew bubbles with some little kids we met. Yesterday, I got to snuggle with Kenley while we all napped together. This never happens (she will only sleep in her bed)!

Blake’s felt sand between her toes for the first time.  Our trailer is up on a bluff and she loves the constant wind.

We forgot beach toys for Kenley and she doesn’t care.

We’ve seen bunnies and so, so many flowers.

Jeff has been talking for years about getting a trailer. Since Blake was born he’s talked (so much I get annoyed!)  about “trailer camping” with his three girls. It may sound kind of silly, but right now, on this trip, we get to have a little piece of our dream come true. Kenley and Blake are camping for the first time and they’re having fun. Jeff and I are finally camping together! We’re all here together. Our little family is here, camping, together.

I’m not worried or afraid today. I don’t care what time it is or even what day it is. I’m in the moment with these three and I’m so happy we get to be here.

When they wake up, I think we’ll have lunch and head back down to the beach.

Watching a movie before bed

Blakey’s little toes in the sand

All she needs is sand and rocks