Faria County Park, California.

We were actually here at Faria County Park a couple months ago with both our truck camper and the Casita, which is our current set-up. The reason that I point that out is because it’s the first place that we camped that actually didn’t allow for us to have “two camping units in one camp spot”. We knew that our set-up could cause an issue at campgrounds with a million rules but we did not expect it from our teeny home town county campground. Rules smules.

Even though we didn’t pop up the truck camper, it was still illegal for us to be parked in one spot. Our option according to our warning ticket was to get rid of one camping unit or pay for two sites. There was no way we were going to pay for two sites nor get rid of one. Lucky for us, there was free parking on the frontage road between certain hours so by setting alarms and moving our truck around, we somehow avoided getting a ticket. It was a pain in the butt but worth it.

This time around, we ditched the Casita at my parents’ house and camped just in the truck camper for a bit. No ranger warnings, no problems. And will you take a look at this camp spot?!?! Winter vacation is over so we got to pick out the best spot mid-week. Ahhh, the little things full-timers look forward to.

The kids wasted no time in getting out Luka’s new Christmas gifts. Light sabers all around.

Is he having a zen moment at the beach?

Or practicing in order to take his sisters down? You decide.

I even got in on the action. Look at my form! I’m a true Jedi. Lol.

Luka and I had a long chat about how these trees got here and how water and debris funnel their way to the ocean after a heavy rain. Little did we know that a few hours later, a large storm would hit Montecito up the street and cause heartbreaking damage.

One of my favorite things about living in just the truck camper is that it really forces the kids outdoors. Having a spacious trailer (like our Airstream) or even a not-so-spacious trailer (like our Casita) gives them an excuse to hang out more indoors. “Sorry, kids. Daddy is working. It’s outside time!”

Mila found a lipstick tube on the rocks and now is obsessed with trying to get it cleaned up so she can use the container. It’s a fun project for her to try to figure out… until I secretly throw it away when she isn’t looking. Mean mama strikes again.

Not counting living on the road, I’ve spent my entire adult life between Goleta and Ventura. This 30 mile stretch of freeway will always be my favorite for various reasons but mostly because I spot dolphins almost every time. Today was no different.

Mila’s wondering if Dan is ready for his lunch break yet. Hurry, Dan! We. Are. Starving.

Got the green light. Let’s roll.

One of the perks of camping at Faria is the little cafe on site that is open about half-time.

While the camp host makes our lunch at the cafe, the kids play fetch with her dog who retrieves the ball and then shoves it under the fence with its paws. Smart puppy!

Grilled cheese, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers and fries. Yum.

After Dan’s work day, we stroll the beach in front of the Rincon Parkway camp spots.

The kids start of our walk making sand castles. They insist on having sand castle building contests but I know the outcome of each contest with only one winner. Tears! So I hand them out awards instead.

You win for most creative, you win for the most detailed and you win for best usage of beach trash. Haha. You are all winners I scream while the girls roll their eyes at me. But you know what? No tears. So really… I WIN!

But with kids, there MUST be a winner so off they play hot hands.

For us, beach walks seem to include sand drawings.

Same of type of memory capturing (which can sometimes be a lot of work but will always be worth it).

And sometimes even include some gazing in the sky.

My goal is to give these kids a happy childhood.

Whatever extra effort or hurdle we have to cross, Dan and I will take it.

Because they are worth it.

I’ve been trying to focus on self-care more lately. It’s easy for me to put everyone before my own happiness. So this is the year I am trying to give less crap. Yoga in front of other campers? Why not, I say!

I love being so close to our old hometown where all three kids were born. Especially at this campground because Luka took his first steps while we were camped on the bluff here.

Time for the kids to play indoors and get their TV time while Dan and I warm up with some leftover wood.

Oh look. There’s a VLOG that accompanies this blog. Yeah.

And as always…

Thanks for visiting,
Marlene