For our first adventure, we headed east to Dallas, Texas.
We've been researching travel trailers for the last year. Yes, we're that type of couple. We plan and research everything so much that when we actually do make a big purchase it's somewhat anticlimactic.
In this case, the hunt for the right rig was the emotional part. Should we buy now or wait until spring? Will prices fall more or hold steady? Is that really silver metallic fabric inside?
So, we showed up the last Tuesday of 2009 at the RV dealership feeling a little anxious and a little giddy. Upon inspection of our new home on wheels, we were relieved to find that the interior fabric was by no means as offensive as it was on the website pictures. In fact, we like it! By the way, it is not metallic or silver. It's actually a bunch of different shades of brown.
The hardest part of our purchase was driving away in the beginning of a snowstorm. Mark did a great job enduring the white knuckle conditions both on the road and in the passenger seat. We set up camp at Hickory Creek Park and got down to the business of camping.
The thing we like best about this particular trailer is the bunkhouse. Not only are there four bunks but the bottom bunks connect to form one big bed. Perfect for our large crew!
The weather was much better the next day. The high was around 50 degrees. So, we stepped out for a walk around the park.
Here's the rig! We never thought our van would look small.
My frustration is fueled not only by my incredibly long list of things to do that doesn't include scrubbing the floor on my hands and knees, but also by my frustration with myself for not noticing he was gone long enough to create this masterpiece. Rrrr!
Makes you want to squeeze 'em, doesn't it?
He also received his name train from Nana and Papa.
And while the girls went to the American Girl store in Dallas, the boys went to a hobby train store. They left with only catalogs but Seth is happy to spend his days dreaming up his own locomotive.
In fact, he even inspired Mark to break out the model train that my mom gave him years ago that once belonged, in part, to her father, I think. Seth was one happy little boy!
You can't go to Dallas with three little girls and not make a trip to the American Girl store. Yes, the company that preys on parents with their beautiful unsolicited catalogs has become the staple of wish lists for our girls. Nana supports this love affair and we do too, as we are able. Their dolls are wholesome and I especially like the historically-based ones. What a treat for all the girls (me included) to actually see the catalog come to life!
Our American Girl stowaways from home and the new additions from the store.
For our first adventure, we headed east to Dallas, Texas.
The thing we like best about this particular trailer is the bunkhouse. Not only are there four bunks but the bottom bunks connect to form one big bed. Perfect for our large crew!
The weather was much better the next day. The high was around 50 degrees. So, we stepped out for a walk around the park.
Here's the rig! We never thought our van would look small.
After all the Santa gifts were open and everything started to settle down on Christmas, Mark and I handed the girls a clue (the boys were too busy playing with Matchbox cars). It was the beginning of a scavenger hunt we had prepared for them to share some of the vacation plans we've made for this year. 
I love the look on the girls' faces in this one. They were super excited to learn of our Spring Break plans to visit California.
Off to the playroom to find the next vacation destination.
Chloe (and everyone else) can't wait to head west in March.
Stay tuned for more vacation reveals!
