150 Square Feet... Or LESS

I calculated today that we live in around 160 square feet... That being the shell of our trailer, so I would say realistically it's about 100 square feet of "livable, movable, breathable space."  I mean, sit down and think about that for a minute!  That is an 18th of our modest 1800 sq. foot house we previously lived in.  Add two busy kids, a three foot stack of nursing books, my laptop and printer, and all the accessories we all come with, and you can only imagine what mayhem often ensues... AND that is not counting my closet hahahah (Most of that lives in a Rubbermaid under the trailer).    Like I've said though it's really not that bad.  Cam and I still seem to really like eachother, the kids think endless camping is great, and we are still living a relatively posh life (never hungry, cold, or miserable).  There are times at the height of child chaos where Cam and I just look at each other and all we can do is laugh... But the best option really is to not be in 100 square feet... The best option is to be outside. 

 
Sunday was really a great day.  We trailered the quads up the Sinlahekin Valley where we unloaded and set out on our first longer ride.  It was a little chilly, but the scenery was unbelievable.  Heading up the canyon we followed a frosty creek winding up roads lined with Aspens, whose yellowy orange leaves carpeted the logging road and framed the roads like a something out of a painting.  We road through a herd of cattle and squared off with two enormous bulls.  Yes, Kendyl was delighted and yelling "Moo Cow!" the rest of the trip.  After one quick pit stop we made
it up to Cam's late archery high hunting camp and made a fire.  It was nice to warm our hands and give the kids a chance to stretch their legs.  We finally decided we should head back down before it got too cold, so we loaded the troops pointed our trusty machines downhill.  Must have been a smooth ride because Kendyl zonked right out and I had to ride the rest of the way with her in front of me.. belly to belly.  It's a rough life I tell ya.






Back at the homestead fires have been blazing and the kids have been occupied with a pile of mill ends that they organize and build things out of.  It's childhood at it's finest to watch.  Even Riggs the dog lucked out and Cam built him a dog mansion that is insulated to
boot!  Cam is trying to research ways to train him to find sheds, and we were out hiking around looking for some today after school.  The weather is really changing and brings a sense of urgency to get prepared to deal with snow.  Maybe because it's our first year over here, or we just are enjoying our pioneer life, but facing these challenges is somewhat of a thrill... Everything is a little harder, riskier, and takes conscious effort.  This is our opportunity to grow and instill a sense of confidence in our kids.  We have a long way to go, but we are on the journey.