Last Sunday we took our Suburban and Aruba to the Kansas City area to trade them in on a new fifth wheel. It was both exciting and melancholy. Exciting, obviously, because we can't wait to be in that new fifth wheel! But melancholy, certainly, because one just can't help thinking of all the memories we have made in the Suburban and Aruba. We got both in 2003 - when the boys were 7 and 3 years old. There have been a lot of great trips since then, including the two biggies out west. But, we knew we had to make a change of some sort because Jackson, especially, had outgrown the bunk area in the Aruba and both the Aruba and Suburban were starting to show their age. Since Jackson now has Daddy's old truck, we can pull a fifth wheel. Plus, it just didn't make any sense to have 3 vehicles for only 2 drivers.
Mama and Daddy went in with us on the new fifth wheel and we will all share it. They plan to take it southwest sometime this winter for several weeks - probably the maiden voyage! When we camp somewhere together, like at the state fair, we will stay in the fifth wheel and they will stay in their horse trailer, just like before. (I am thinking we got the better part of this deal???) :)
So, what did we get? We got a 2012 Jayco Eagle Super Lite 31.5 FBHS. That is a lot of numbers and letters to designate that the main bedroom is in the back and the bunkhouse (with 4 bunks) is in the front. The sofa (hide-a-bed) and dining table are in a slide out so there will be more room than we know what to do with in the living area. It IS longer than I was thinking I could manage, so I will be practicing driving skills out here at Willis Creek Ranch! It is about the same length as Daddy's horse trailer, so he will be just fine. We have the unit on order and hope to pick it up mid-November. Lousy time to go camping, but that is okay. We may just sleep in it in the driveway! :)
When we pick it up I will post photos for sure. But, in the meantime, this post is dedicated to our very special Aruba and Suburban. And their mushy, sentimental former owners. :)
 |
| Taken the day we brought the Aruba home. Look at my little boys! |
 |
| Jackson checking out his new bunk room. He had a lot more room then than now! |
 |
| My little cutie on his bunk in 2003. |
 |
| Last Sunday morning - getting ready to head to KC |
 |
| My sad Jonathan taking one last look at his sticker collection (from our travels) |
 |
| We got most of them off, but couldn't remove these. |
 |
| done saying good-bye (Jonathan had the hardest time...) |
 |
| Jackson, Jonathan, Marvin and Laura - ready to go order the fifth wheel! |
 |
| at the dealership - removing our plates |
 |
| the look on Jonathan's face here just kills me... |
You can see lots of photos, both old and new, at
this link.
Oh, Laura, how sad and exciting. Our Gabe has the same attachment to things like campers and vehicles as Jonathan. Your new 5th wheel sounds a lot like our camper. Can't wait to see it! We'll just have to take a trip out to check it out. Make sure you blog about the new rig. We miss you.
ReplyDeleteI think it might be, Debbie. I remember seeing photos of yours, but can't remember what model it is? And I agree... you'll just have to come out and see it!!! :) I LOVE that idea!! :) We sure miss you all, too. Very much!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Debbie--sad and exciting! I bet everybody will fall in love with the new camper quickly, though, and oh, all the adventures you will have! Sounds like so much fun...
ReplyDelete