Well, it’s 2025 and the camping season has officially begun for us!
The trailer is ready, so off we go!!!
Last week, we flew to Florida – at 5:45 am! – to go pick up the trailer! For those who know me well, flying is NOT my favorite thing to do – most people (that are normal) would rather fly and arrive at the destination quickly – not me! I would be happier driving, even if it takes much more time!
(Side note: I have been taking a fear of flying course which a friend recommended, and it is amazing! I have gotten so much better and am not NEARLY as afraid or anxious! Just ask Leonard!!)
After landing in Tampa, we bought groceries, loaded the trailer, visited Leonard’s parents (who are now 91 and 93!), got a good night’s sleep – after getting up at 2:30 am for our flight! – and pulled out of the condo with trailer at 8:30 am the next day!
FIRST DESTINATION: VIRGINIA BEACH! Andrew is off on a training trip for a month, so of course it’s a good reason to see our daughter in law and our grandsons! We like to think we are helping HER, but in reality, we are selfish because WE get to be with THEM!
NOLAN AND MILES LOVE COMING TO THE TRAILER !
We love the Virginia Beach KOA – in fact, it is the same campground where we camped with the Hell’s Angels last year if you remember!!!
What a blessing it is to be here safely – God always provides for us and guides us on each trip – and to enjoy the campground, the trailer and, most of all, our family!
On our first morning, we threw on clothes and went to a coffee shop near the campground – which is also right by the Naval base here – called OPERATION BREW! (clever name!). We LOVE their coffee! As the girl waited on us, we (well really, I) started telling her how much we love this coffee shop because we are from Pittsburgh and travel here to see our kids….she said to me, “MY MOM AND DAD ARE BOTH FROM PITTSBURGH!” I got excited, but have to be honest, I thought she would tell us they were from somewhere about an hour or so away…NO!!!! She said her dad is from Greentree, which is exactly where I grew up!! We might have even gone to the same high school – she couldn’t remember the name! And her mom is from Mount Washington, which is only 25 minutes away! It was so fun chatting with her and I am amazed at how small God’s world is!
Oh….and the coffee was DELICIOUS!
As I sit here at the campground, writing, I am listening to the sound of JET NOISE overhead! We are a mile or so from the Naval Base, and the planes fly all day – it amazes me to think that our son does that very same thing! I love that sound!
ONE OF THE THINGS I BROUGHT FOR THE BOYS WAS A T-SHIRT THAT I DREW ON WITH FABRIC MARKERS – THE BOYS COLORED THEIR SHIRTS IN AND WORE THEM TO SCHOOL – LET ME JUST SAY, MILES NEEDED HELP WITH HIS SNAKE SHIRT – IF YOU LOOK, YOU CAN SEE THE RED MARKS HE MADE WITH THE FABRIC MARKER – IT WAS HIS WAY OF COLORING HIS SHIRT!!! LOVE IT!
What a fun few days it’s been…
NEXT DESTINATION: OUTER BANKS!
Until then….
This post is awesome! I really enjoyed reading it, the pics are so sweet of the kids, and I haven’t flown in 30 years!
I drive everywhere and I am terrified of flying. we need to talk about that class! Safe travels!
Thanks for reading the post! I’d love to talk to you about it sometime! It has been life-changing and it’s helping me so much!
And away you go! Seriously, some year we want to tag along. Leonard plans the best trips!
Please tag along! How fun that would be!!
Always good to be with the grands!!!
Enjoy every minute! What fun to be on the road again. Godspeed to you both. ❤️
Thank you, thank you
Love the pix of the boys. They are getting so big! So glad you’re having fun being on the road again!
Thank you!
Looks like you guys are off to a great start!! I cannot believe you drew those designs on the shirts!! So talented! I’ll bet the boys enjoyed coloring them in and wearing their special shirts from GaGa! I am looking forward to the pictures that you will share from the Outer Banks!
Thanks! It was so fun!
Your adventures and family always do my heart good. Thanks for sharing! Safe travels and all the best for the days ahead.
You’re sweet! Thanks!
Great blog!
Thank you! So fun to share part of it with you!
What a great “first” trip! I bet the boys were so excited to have you there!
It was so fun!
Enjoy every minute!
Thanks!
Thank you for sharing, Susan. Happy travels!
That’s wild you met a girl from Greentree! Small world! Enjoy every minute with Nolan, Miles and Leigh! Your visit is a win win for everyone!
Crazy about the gal from Greentree!
It’s fun to be back on the road w you and Leonard! Nolan and Miles are so cute!
Thank you!
Susan, Looks like you are starting the year strong… what a BLAST!!!! Enjoy every minute with those beautiful boys!!!! Hugs to all !!!
Thanks Linda! Maybe we will meet up again on one of our trips!
Susan, thank you for sharing your experiences and the beautiful photos of your trips and family.The boys are adorable and growing up! ❤️
Thanks Ruth Ann!
You conquered!! Woot! It looks like you had loads of fun. I think those boys are so lucky to get to spend that time with you two! And you are lucky to get to see them as much as you do! How awesome.
Thank you so much!!!