Right before spring season hit I kept hinting to the hubby about getting a popup camper. Vu is the sort that takes his precious time to come to a decision. Being discerning is always a great quality but timing is also important. Well—he finally agreed and here we are a day shy of July and trying to prep our ‘new to us’ camper. It would have been nice to have had it already to go for mid-Spring!
Better late than never they say!
Not me over here romanticizing a cozy, all fluffed up pop up camper with more than enough decorative pillows, enjoying a glowy sunrise sipping coffee to myself while the rest of the family sleeps in. A popup camper is still really just a tent on wheels but for our family, tent camping was never all that bad. I didn’t sleep on the floor anyway. That part I will not compromise. With tent camping, I’d wake up, get out of the tent and sit in my camp chair to watch the sunrise. Having a popup is just the next step up and watching the sunrise from the dinette is a lot more convenient. We of course, have always dreamed of owning an RV and going cross country and all that sort of stuff but having little ones a little late in the game throws your plans off a bit but I’m not complaining! I’m just saying. We’re finally feeling like ourselves and getting the hang of juggling parenthood with two little kiddos. We are so so excited to finally own a camp trailer so that we can enjoy the outdoors a little bit more comfortably.
Having a three and one year old doesn’t allow for much DIYing so I’m trying to squeeze in time to do anything to the camper but this week has already flown by without us doing much except airing it out. A couple days ago I finally was able to give the camper a proper floor cleaning and vacuumed the entire space. I took down the curtains to give them a good wash and as soon as the new fabrics come in, I’ll use the old ones as a template for measuring, to construct new ones. Up next will be wiping down the vinyl and giving the canvas a deep clean. The canvas is in amazing shape with hardly any stains but a deep clean is always s a good idea.
Everyone knows by now I would have already had the cushions reupholster but currently they are sitting in my basement awaiting some attention. The cushions are in good condition as well and I seriously almost don’t even want to do anything to them. But I know I will keep itching to make it over the more time I spend in the camper. I went with a cream vinyl to help lighten and brighten up the camper from its original 80s vibe. Plus vinyl will be much easier to clean with two little ones and a shedding husky.
While I’m still waiting to start the face-lift for the camper, I’m happily imagining all the adventures our family will have. I know it isn’t going to be all pretty every time, any time really. Cause camping is… camping! It’s far from a 5-star resort and the conveniences of room service but I love the idea of having this cozy ‘pop up‘ box. I love the idea of hung string lights–twinkling from the awning, hearing the sound of firewood crackling and being annoyed with the crickets singing their song lol. And of course, a chill brew in one hand. How relaxing right? Then it all gets interrupted with Brayden screaming “Don’t touch that Nona! My toy don’t touch that.” And Nova looking over at mom and dad with that “what about me” look. I so look forward to being outdoors creating even the simplest memories with my babies y’all. I imagine this is the built up excitement all families feel getting their first PUP. I have been reading up on how to prep and make sure the maiden voyage (trip) is a successful one and still come across these horrible mishap stories that I’m starting to over prepare! I’ve sent Vu way too many links on safety gadgets and what not and he said to me the other day, why do I have a feeling we’re going to be packing way more than we should? Nova’s first camping trip was one that we truly overpacked for but because our little princess is our sensitive one. Like, really. Not only does she have eczema, she still can’t eat certain foods without it flaring it up and she still gets some heat rash. We packed whatever would make her comfortable and we will be doing the same with our popup!!
I’m quite sure after our first few outings we’ll be in a routine and not have to worry about what to take with us. What concerns Vu is the setup and breakdown. It’s not too much different from setting up a tent, time wise , that is. But at least the usual stuff like pots, pans, sleeping blankets etc will already all be stored in the PUP. We won’t have to pack multiple storage containers over and over again.
I’ve already booked our first camping trip which is coming up very soon and we already have our first beach camping trip on the calendar! Our popup has AC thankfully. Honestly, if camping in our popup doesn’t work out, it’s not too big of a deal to check into a nearby hotel which we already talked about. So we have a plan B. But I think it’s going to be just fine. Every time we open up the popup, Brayden and Nova loves playing inside it and they have a good time, in just that short moment, in our driveway!
Here are some before photos you guys. I’m getting so impatient with not being able to be done already but hopefully, hopefully, this weekend we will make some progress.
Update:
Last night I was able to try out a section on the cooler box with a fun printed peel and stick wallpaper. What do you guys think? There will definitely be a lot of fun colors in the pop up!
