Trailer Remodel Project

We wanted a little more floor space in the trailer so we tore out the small dinette. I rebuilt it into a couch with storage space underneath. I used the old panels and frames so it matches nicely.

We lost a little storage but not much. The seat bases still flip up to access the storage space.

The floor space that we gained is 18" x 73" - it opened up that really cramped area in front of the refridgerator and closet.

We thought about not having the bed but after the last trip we realized that kids still like to stay over with Gramma and Grampa. The legs screw into the bed support. The plywood support flips back and sits on top of the seat panels.

Presto - change-o - it is a 41" x 73" bed.

We are going to re-sew and re-cut the cusions to fit but you can see how it will be set up. We also cut down the panel that is the back of the storage cabinet. I will trim the front edge with a piece of white Oak and we will have a soft fabric trim on the top edge. Once the extra holes are filled and the trim is painted I think it will look like it was the original design.

Oh yeah, we found a 2' x 4' plastic fold out table that can be set up in front of the couch for extra eaters. The old table was such a good table that I am adding fold out legs so it can be used outside for incidental stuff. We are adding a couple more storage places on the walls (for CD's by the player and more bedroom storage in the tomb) I will send a final picture when we do the last couple of steps.

Finishing the roof

We worked long days on Monday and Tuesday to get the roof down. Everybody worked on the various phases of tear down, rebuild, painting stuff, laying felt, measuring, cutting, and finally nailing those little fellers in place. (let's not forget keeping the kids busy, preparing meals and throwing the gator aide bottles up to the sweaty roofers)

Lee setting up the ridge

Kevin the nail master shooting away. Thank goodness Tuesday was a relatively cool day. We were able to work pretty fast from about 7:30 AM until 8:00 PM to get 'er done.

Final steps of nailing the ridge caps on. Lee and Kerry holding the snap line in place while Kevin sets the ridge. Derek climbed up to assist grandpa. Notice the clouds rolling in. We finished the roof, cleaned up the tools and "tarped" what had to be stored outside just a few minutes before the rainstorm hit. Perfect timing!

This view from the back shortly before we left this morning shows off all of the hard work. Kev took the train to Grover Beach. Kerry and Shanna drove back to P'ville and Lee, Sara and family returned to a normal schedule without the hum of the compressor, the impact of the nail gun and the whine of the saws.

On the Road Again

The night before we left we hosted an amazing fireside with Denis Winn. Here he and Ila are with Dad and a five dollar bracket which cost the gov't about $2million in transportation and research costs as part of the international space station. Google "Electric Universe" to read some of the stuff Denis talked about.

We stopped in Salt Lake City and had a brief visit with Rachel and baby Gabriel at their cute condo in the city

In Provo later that day, we spent a little time with Kevin and his girlfriend Daydre.

The Peays were gracious hosts for one night in Provo. Lisa makes the most amazing chocolate chip cookies! Jonny posed with us for a parting shot.

On to the Bradfords for fun in North Hills. Can you believe how big these darling kids are?

Up on the roof with a big problem----the air conditioning unit. Down on the ground, everyone helped!

More fun with the air conditioner. Lee, Kevin and Scott worked from morning til dark and finally conquered.

Below is a close up of the multiple layers of tar and shingles that had to be dug out and scraped off the big AC unit flashing. (That is 56 years of re-roofing!) It took hours of intense chiseling and scraping. We sharpened the chisels over and over. Finally we could begin putting the roof on.

The workers hustled shingles until dark each night - thank goodness for air-nailers.

Kevin spent a good portion of the afternoon IN the attic helping to reposition the AC unit. Between that duty and scraping tar he was a sight at the end of the evening.

In the morning what could be more fun than snuggling in Grandma's bed!


Finished Product - The Garage came out very nice and the house will soon be finished. With the AC problem fixed, and all of the new shiplap painted nailed in place and the edge moulding set the rest of the project should go pretty fast.

Photos of Wesley

Ladies and Gentlemen, a whole bunch of photos of Wesley! The oldest ones are on the bottom and the newest ones are on the top. Enjoy!