Airstream--Almost Complete

After wasting two hours yesterday trying to get this to work, I will try again. I still can't get the pictures to work. Bummer! Prepare to be amazed if they ever do get posted. . . .

We've been sleeping in the Airstream since Kevin built the bed a week ago. It required a little bit of re-engineering, but now it is ready to go. We only have about 10 things on the to-do list. We have now had pressure on the plumbing for three days and had only one mini-flood. The air conditioner has been running for weeks now and appears to have no problems. We also added a 12-volt Igloo cooler to supplement our tiny refrigerator. Most of the curtains are done, thanks to Leslie. We are planning to drive it to the service place on Monday--with all other chores completed!!

The total tune-up and rehab on the Suburban is complete, too. Thanks to Cousin Mike and Steve's brother and nephew, Gary and Wayne.

The Airstream also has a name now--Kenny. Nothing to do with Kenny Johnston in Phoenix, though. Think orange sweatshirt. If you want to hear how the name was chosen, talk to Steve.

I'm trying to get the Airstream party planned for July 30th. Get in touch with me if you don't hear anything from me about it in the next few days. I am totally scatter-brained right now so all reminders are welcome!

Home stretch

We got so much work done to the Airstream this week! Here's the list:

• Plumbing completed
• new cabinet door for water tank compartment
• floors completed
• TV installed
• Stereo and speakers installed
• lighting completed
• Exterior access doors repaired
• reinforcement under the fiberglass toilet area
• caulking/sealing around tub and sink

So now we lack: repairs to the roof fans, LP gas installation and some woodworking projects. We will then plan the party!

Maiden voyage will be on the Natchez Trace the first week of July (hopefully).

Very delayed update

First, here are the pictures from the whirlwind PHX trip.




Megan and Allie are total performers!! Even in the pizza place.










We found that the most fun free entertainment is to give the digital camera to the three-year-old. Maddie entertained us for a long time taking pictures around the house.

















Thanks to the generosity of the Sluga Girls, Madison got bunk beds!!







Here's the boys working on assembly














and Madison seeing her new room,














and enjoying the rainbow!


















So it's been a long time since I updated this. We've been crazy busy working, getting a complete plumbing system in the airstream (from fresh water tank to drain!!), and starting to plan the actual trip. In April, we went to Albuquerque to put Katie in foster care with my parents. She's happy, but we sure miss her. Steve stayed until the middle of May to housesit for a friend of my dad. While there, he worked on the details of getting the business going in Albuquerque and it's not looking good. New Mexico is not a very business-friendly state. The Johnston Girls were in ABQ at the same time, so we had a fun time with them at the Rio Grande Zoo.




The first Phillips 66 gas station in McLean, TX. The drive across the country was very gas station intensive pulling the trailer and paying $3 a gallon!










The best reason to go to the Land of Enchantment. This greeted us as we got off the interstate at Tramway.






























The Rio Grande Zoo has a new Australia area. Koalas, Kukaburras and lots of other birds, so far. But the wallabys are still by the polar bears. . .


















HELLO!!












At my birthday party at Pam's



































The status now is that my last day of work at Vanderbilt is July 31st and we will be at the island in Minnesota by August 13th. The Airstream (which still needs a name, by the way. . .) has flooring, plumbing, a working bathroom and all appliances (except the TV). We still have to hook up the LP plumbing and tanks and build the bed. Maybe this weekend. . .




Leslie Taylor rebuilding the sofa bed. She did and AMAZING job. We slept on it last week and it was great.












The result of the magnetic paint on the interior walls of the camper!!