We’ve had “go camping” on the calendar for months, but last week was so tiring and so hard, and I wasn’t sure if going would be a good idea. Maxwell had some sort of teething thing going on, so his afternoon nap was kinda non-existent (a pregnant moms worst nightmare). Zack worked late most nights. And for myself, I was plain exhausted and a bit crabby. But we pressed on, packed up the Jeep super early on Saturday morning, and arrived to Cachuma Lake Campground in Santa Barbara before lunchtime.
We joined our friends (and their kiddos) and for two full days we stared at the mountains. It was glorious. The days were hot but the nights were cool. Everyone was dirty from nature; I wore the same shirt & shorts for two days in a row. We were up early in the mornings, had campfires once the littles were tucked in bed, and I even went swimming twice. Glory hallelujah, swimming is my favorite.
I think the best part of tent camping last weekend was how it seemed to reset all of us. The fresh air relaxed us and being away from modern technologies was so refreshing. We live in a small space, and even though I love how tiny it is — how intentional we’ve become with our possessions and time, it made me even more grateful for a home with hardwood floors, a nearby bathroom & shower ;)
Also noteworthy is how amazing my husband is! On Monday, as we’re packing up the Jeep to drive back to Los Angeles, our car battery dies. The nearest auto parts store was about 18 miles away, but Zack kept the car from stalling as we drove down the mountain. We were all so dirty and tired, but I felt so grateful for Zack’s knowledge. He makes me so proud.
A few more updates (because lists are fun!):
* Happy 32 weeks today to my baby bump! I’ve been so, so warm these last few weeks, no one wants to see the outfits I’ve thrown together while at home, ha! But I’m hoping for a bump update to appear on the blog soon.
* In anticipation of Baby Whitley #2 we’re hosting a Baby Bundle giveaway on October 6th. We’re also preparing for our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide (October 1 – December 15) and are offering a special pre-book rate now through September 8th. If you’re a small business owner and are interested in sharing your products with the MWD community, click the above links. We’d love to hear from you.
* Lastly, I feel so very content with life right now. I have been praying over a few things and feel so much peace from these prayers, it’s wonderful. Things certainly aren’t easy for us but I feel way less overwhelmed and so I’m giving myself a thumbs up for happily navigating adulthood.
Love the sweet spirit of your posts these days. :)
Thank you!!!
Camping is so refreshing! We hope to take a little trip out once it cools down a bit in Texas (still too hot too camp for this Minnesota girl!) Also, I can’t believe that you are already 32 weeks!
Would you believe it was like 95* both days? Oh my. Our tents were thankfully in a shady spot and we were near the lake so it was very windy. But still, soooo hot! This born-in-the-midwest girl misses the change of seasons… Los Angeles won’t cool off untll late October ;)
The mountains are so lovely, we were just in Asheville, NC this past weekend enjoying them. The kids played in natural mountain streams and the air was so fresh!! I love that you’re “happily navigating adulthood” and I may have to use that line myself on my content days!
that’s a good way to phrase it, huh? ;D
:) so glad you had a nice time camping!!
have a great week!
hugs
Oh how beautiful to see mountains while camping. As a Michigander, we love camping + our fresh water lakes + our sand dunes. Fresh air is good for the littles, they sleep so much better. I love that you wore the same clothes for the 2 days. I’m like that too. I don’t mind but the husband has to shower like twice a day while camping. lol.
I can’t believe you are 32 weeks! I am so excited for you!
;D the beauty of camping… the people we were with didn’t care a bit I wore the same outfit, and I’ll never see again the people who saw me and “cared”.
I’m so glad you guys got a chance just to reset and be a family together. I often think (especially on days like today) that I don’t know what I would do if I was pregnant right now or if I actually had another. It’s good to know that other mama’s struggle with that too. Sometimes it’s just about getting through the day without any major upsets.
So exciting that baby #2 will be here for you all soon! :)
I’m SO grateful the days are only so long before it’s time for bed. A fresh new day is always right around the corner. And yes, sometimes it’s all about getting through the day without any major upsets. Those are victory days ;)