We went to the movies this week and watched the new Indiana Jones movie "Dial of Destiny." We have always been fans of the Indiana Jones series and this latest movie we were excited to see, because Harrison Ford still has all the same vibes as the first Indy movies. Our local movie theater is an old one, but still a good one. Jeff told us that when he was growing up he and a friend would sneak into the back of the theater and watch all his favorite movies. They recently upgraded the projectors, but some of the older decorations and lighting are the same. We like how small and less crowded it is on certain nights. It's nice to be able to watch a movie without 100 other people around you making noise. We just love it and it's great memories for Skylar to remember when he is older.
We took a drive to Waldport this week to check out the beach there and to also see a good/different view of the Full Thunder Supermoon. It was such a good call and the Supermoon did not disappoint.
2. This camera.
Last week I mentioned a camera I was trying for on eBay that was being sold by a Japanese camera dealer. Well, I won the bid and here it is. Film cameras are one of my favorite things and I can't wait to take pictures with this beauty.
3. This dig.
Skylar and I loved these dinosaur excavation eggs. It's a clay that you break apart with water and the provided chisel and keep digging away until you reach the dinosaur inside. It took us about 15 minutes to break through the clay egg and we had a blast. We dug out the Saurolophus and the Triceratops in our eggs, and the guide that comes with the kit shows all of the dinosaurs you could excavate. They are sold in a large pack, but are totally worth it. The brand is Thames & Kosmos and they also have other amazing kits and experiments for kids.
4. This area.
We set up an area near the front window in the front area of the house for Skylar to work on his college homework and study. He had been able to focus more on what he needs to focus on, and keeping a television out of this area has been beneficial for us all. It's more of a study, reading, and "serious" area now with all of the distractions taken out. We got room dividers to separate the area, as well, and we all think it looks great!
5. These subscriptions.
Kiwi Eco Box favorite item this month was the cotton buds. I love the wooden sticks they are on and the fact that they are 100% biodegradable. The Might Nest Mighty Fix this month is bug repellent in a spray and towel form. The smell isn't overwhelming and it's DEET-free, which is always a plus. For the Kinder Beauty Box this month, my favorite product was the Botanical Hydrating Moisturizer. Since having my breast surgery in 2020 I have been staying constant with applying moisturizer to my scars. Not only does it make their appearance less noticeable, it makes them hydrated and less itchy, too.
One more thing:
I signed up for Threads and so far, I am liking it. I'm not sure how many more social media sites we need, but I think I am good for now. Threads is a nice calm social site, though. If you are on there, too, let's connect. @lifeataswellspace.
Positive affirmations this week:
If only I had this advice in a positive way when I was growing up. It's important to work on yourself before bringing anyone else into your life. I have instilled in my son the things that weren't taught to me at a young age. I tell Skylar that your education and future matter more than a relationship right now and to trust the process. What's meant for you will come when it's time for you. Don't rush anything. Life is not a race. If I had any advice to give, slow down, because once it's done, it's done. You can't have a do over and the more we rush it, the more we miss out on. Self love is so much more important than other people's love. You can't love others if you don't first love yourself. You can do this! 🌈
We went to Riverbend County Park for Fourth of July this year. The campground was packed full of people and where we were was surrounded by trees and bushes, so it was private. We set up and enjoyed a quiet night tucked away from other people and off the main road entrance. People walked by, and kids rode bikes past us, but everything was really quiet, and at one point we saw some rabbits playing along the edge of the woods.
At the entrance of the park is a Little Free Library, so of course we had to check it out.
It was Fourth of July, so of course we had to put out our American flags around the camp spot and on the bus.
Skylar immediately set up the hammock and fell asleep shortly after. I had to take Hardy from him, because Hardy wanted to run around a little. We have a travel run that we bring on trips, so that Hardy feels like he has freedom, but can't leave a certain parameter of area that we are able to control depending on where we are.
After we ate dinner we went and explored the surroundings. Every campground spot was taken up by a camper, RV, or tent and it was neat seeing how everyone set their spots up to make it "theirs." We always like walking the areas where we camp, and get and idea of where we are and what's around us. We also like to see things that other people use and get some ideas on what we can get for our bus, too.
Once the sun went down we set up our Fourth of July lights along the outside of the bus and closed all of the curtains. We are still in the process of putting permanent curtains up on each window, so for now we have loose curtains that we use to block out prying eyes.
The following day was actually Fourth of July, so we ate breakfast, did a last walk through the park and checked out. We are hoping to create a kitchen area on the side of the bus eventually, so that we don't have to use the picnic table. We have so many ideas for our bus still to come.
Once we got back to home base and unloaded what we needed to unload, we climbed on top of the roof of the bus and watched the city's firework show and shot off a few of our own.
It was such a great Fourth of July and we are definitely going to be repeating this trip again next year!
Life at a "Swell's" pace is a lifestyle and travel blog chronicling the life and travels while living in Oregon's beautiful Willamette Valley. It is mostly written by Shelly HW. Click the image to learn more»
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