Delicious Caramelized Chewy Granola Bars

Since many of the snack foods our family used to use for camping trips or just regular outings are no longer an option for us, I've had to find some recipes and start making our own healthier snacks. This recipe I found for homemade granola bars looked like a winner to me. We used to buy the trail mix or almond-y version of granola bars. My kids love the chewier texture and also seem to like the nuts & dried fruit. So I attempted a combination of the two. 

Leo Carrillo State Park

Emerging from a sea cave, this was the gorgeous view.

 This past (long) weekend, we traveled up the coast to Leo Carrillo State Park, near Malibu, California. After several weeks of lots of rain, and the kids having colds and croup, we welcomed a chance to go enjoy some sunshine and relaxation. We really lucked out, weather-wise. Tucked in-between two winter rain storms, we found a long weekend with a beautiful patch of sunny and 75 plus degree weather at the beach. It was gorgeous and one of the best trips we've been on so far. 

Counting down...

...to the next camping trip. One of the best things about having an RV (in my opinion) is looking forward to the new places you'll go, the new things you'll see, and the fun times spent with family. So I am always anticipating the next trip. In just a few more weeks...

BEACH CAMPING!! I just love the beach in the winter. No crowds, crashing waves to lull you to sleep, and days spent exploring tidal pools and playing in the sand (for the kids that is)! This time we're trying out a new campground in Malibu, California. I can't wait! Now off to do laundry, and dishes, and mop the floors while visions of sunsets like this one dance through my head! Happy Monday.

Homemade Pancakes

Excitement

I'm so excited to blog about our latest camping trip. As usual, I could barely wait to download all the photos. It was a beautiful long weekend at the beach. As you can see, the littlest guy was pretty excited too. Our kids love the ocean. And I love seeing them so happy. But for now, this tired and happy camper has a long, long day of laundry ahead of her. I'll just think of this ecstatic little guy while I'm tackling the piles of clothes...

I only wish I was that excited to fold. 

Two minute tip- Towels

Since we have 5 people in our little r.v., towel drying space can be limited, especially since we beach camp quite frequently. And since you just jump out of the shower and quickly dry off, before throwing clothes back on, I think thinner, lighter towels are the way to go. I found these little beauties and just couldn't resist the rainbow colors. They're so cheery! Added bonus is that each family member has their own color (I let them choose at the beginning of each trip) so no shared cooties. haha.

They have worked great so far! So, for rv'ing, don't get those luxurious thick bath towels, look for thin & cheap. See, this post will save you money!

Towanda!!! My first solo outing- Hurkey Creek Campground

Full disclosure, it took 4 years for me to get a semi-decent photo of me driving the RV. On this trip, my daughter could not take it from the back of the RV, and on subsequent trips, my hubby, well...let's just say he tried valiantly.... So anyway, this picture is NOT from this trip, but you get the idea. :)

Last weekend I got the chance to take the r.v. out by myself for the first time. Oh, and when I say "by myself" I mean with my three children. So not really alone...but without my trusty companion, fellow child-wrangler, driver, mechanic, engineer, and guide, otherwise known as my husband.

The hubs and I are both really willing to jump in and work together on things, preferring to both do yard work, or home improvement projects, then jointly tackle the dishes or laundry later, maximizing the amount of time we get to spend with each other. To be honest, I much prefer mowing the lawn to doing laundry, and (weirdly I know) love to paint the house, or do home improvements. But with the birth of our offspring, it gets harder to do all of these things together. We still try to do the jobs as a family, but of course, a two-year old is going to lose interest, and one of us is relegated to playing/entertaining him while the other one finishes the task. All this to say, I am a pretty "hands-on" type of wife, and I have been so excited to get my hands on this little r.v. of ours. Okay, I haven't been so thrilled about cleaning out the tank (which scared me a bit, I must admit), but everything else has been a great learning process for me. There's something empowering about being able to take care of the things you have, and knowing how they work.