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We made it home... but our RV (Kate) did not.  Never a dull moment in our lives, let me tell you. 

So, we head off to West Virginia early Friday afternoon (we left a little bit later than we initially wanted to because Moo Moo, our cat, refused to come inside) and get there around 4pm. 

Steve and I on our way down south!

Pilot and Camper in the back seat looking miserable (I just love Pilot's face!  So irritated!)

We round up Kate and begin our journey to the campground we want to go to.  Kate, however, has different plans.  As I'm driving behind Steve (who is driving Kate), Kate's rear left tire gives out and BOOM! there goes the tread.  We pull over and assess the damage.  The tire is mainly intact, aside from losing the tread.  We manage to make it to a closer campground safely and stay there. 



Our car and Kate at Ray's Campground in Hico, WV

I guess things happen for a reason, and although I'm not exactly sure why, Kate is just not ready to come back home to Pennsylvania.  I can't really say I'm sad she didn't make it home.  I do love where we stay.  It's so beautiful and peaceful.  And I don't have to look at her sitting in my driveway! :) 
Steve and I had a great time.  It was really relaxing, just the two of us (well, 4 of us when you include our dogs).  We went hiking and swimming.



One of the trails we hiked in Summersville.  Look at the flowering bushes!  Loved them!




Off a cliff on Summersville Lake

 We took naps, I read an awesome book (The Glass Castle), and hung out by the campfire.  I ate a ton of S'mores!

Me and Pilot (and Kate in the background!)

This was probably one of the most relaxing trips to WV I've ever been on.  All of the other times I had visited before, I was working my job in HR and I was constantly stressed.  It seemed going down to WV at that time was just another added stressor.  I could never fully relax.  Now I'm not longer working my HR job and I was finally able to appreciate just being in the moment down there.  It was really nice!

Steve kayaking with Pilot and Camper swimming close by.

All in all, I'm glad we took the time and made the trip.  I have some new inspiring pictures and ideas for future paintings, and I feel like I'm ready to take on my very first art show with a clear mind.  I love being reminded that my family is the most important thing in life, and I get such a charge seeing them happy. 

Time to go and eat something (starving!).  Talk to y'all soon!
Peacing out,
Nikki