And So It Begins

Jer and I retired in the Spring of 2010. We have been planning and dreaming about this for years!

Jer retired from teaching -- 35 years in an elementary classroom (mostly 4th 5th & 6th grades). Despite this, he is still sane (yea, hard to believe). Elaine retired from teaching and secretarial positions (all post-secondary/office education).

The girls totally surprised us in early April with a Retirement Party. So many friends and family there including my Mom and Bert and Shelly from Iowa. Lindsey also broke the news that she was expecting our sixth grandchild that weekend. What an almost overwhelming time.

We have the best family anyone could ask for. Our four girls are all happily married and, most importantly, have produced six perfect grandchildren -- Jenn and Greg have Evan (7) and Kaleb (2); Emily and Kevin have Samantha (7 and the only girl) and Cole (4); Heidi and Ryan have Greyson (1 1/2); and Lindsey and Aaron have Isaac (3 months). They all are campers (all have LARGE tents) and enjoy joining us camping. (Jer and I are much too old for tents!)

Part of our plan is traveling extensively through the United States and Canada. To aid in this accomplishment, we purchased a 5th wheel camper in the Spring 2009 after two years of research and searching. We decided the 3200RE Sundance best fit our needs and wants -- with a little tweeking. We ordered our camper with a full back window rather than the large tv filling the back wall. Two opposing large slides make for a spacious living area complete with a fireplace, leather couch and two easy chairs. Jer says there is too much storage, I'll just fill it with stuff. He is probably right.

We spent the first summer breaking it in (and us in learning to drive and back a 36-foot fifth wheel camper--I still can't do it but I'm good at directing and telling Jer what to do...lol). Also equipping it -- what fun -- new everything!

This brings us now to Summer 2010...continued in the next post...