A Break from Our Regularly Scheduled Program

My laptop died.

Ok, it didn't die, my hard drive did.

This stinks for many reasons.

The first, no computer sitting on my lap whenever I want. I had no idea how computer dependent I am and lets face it, I'm too lazy to go use the old desktop in the other room. Ben is fixing my laptop right now.

Second, it also means that we have to reload all of my programs onto the new hard drive. Do you know how long it takes to load Photoshop, Windows and Office? FOREVER!!!

Third, I also have to move all of my photos, documents and other crap to our external hard drive so I can move some of it back onto my computer. I know, if I just backed up my computer like I'm supposed to I wouldn't have to deal with this boring task. I'm a slow learner.

Here is what I have learned from this experience.

1. Backup your stuff.
2. When your computer starts to act crazy, give it to someone tech savvy. Hopefully either that means you or you have an awesome spouse like mine.
3. Backup your stuff.
4 . Photos in raw=HUGE files. Back them up regularly
5. Next time your computer is slow don't curse the computer gods. They'll get ya back.
6. Did I mention backup your stuff?
7. I like lists WAY too much.

Redneck Roadtrip The Kid

Sam has been so great on this trip! He has spent many hours in the truck and doesn't complain hardly at all. He just sits and watches his Baby Einstein, takes naps, eats snacks and plays with Mom. I really cannot believe that he is tolerating this at 10 months! He even sleeps well in the trailer at night. With behavior like this I think a Disney trip is just around the corner for the Hansons.

Redneck Roadtrip The Beach

My dad really wanted to make sure that everyone saw the things that they were excited about so we went to the beach for my Grandma Barlow. Grandma was on a mission to find some seashells that had been requested by a couple of my younger cousins. Unfortunately the shells at this beach were kind of lame so we went north to find some better ones.

This was also Sam's first trip to the beach. Here is how his approval checklist panned out.

Water - Check.

Sand - Check.

Out of the car - Check.

Lots of attention - Check.

Final Sammy analysis - Approved.

Ben and Sam hangin' at the beach.

Grandma on a mission. Yes family, Delia let me take her picture. I even have more!

Sam showing Grandpa gratitude for stopping and letting him out of his seat. Sam gives great kisses.

Mom proving that Beth, Kent and Adam are not the only ones with texting problems in our family.

Redneck Roadtrip Scare

So last night we stayed at a beautiful campground at Winchester Bay, OR. It was ideal until about 2:30 am I heard knocking outside the trailer. Then somebody started messing with the jacks. THEN I could hear someone outside the door. So I called out for my dad. No answer. So I woke up Ben, "Ben! Ben! BEN!!! Someone is messing with the trailer!" He got up and walked to the front of the trailer to tell my dad someone was outside. My mother then informed him that it was my dad jacking us back up since the air had been released from the truck. Needless to say Dad thought this was HILARIOUS that I freaked out.

All I have to say is that the story wouldn't have been nearly as funny if someone had been messing with the trailer!!!

***I also should point out that Ben took this lovely picture.***

Redneck Roadtrip The Transportation

Why do I keep calling this vacation the Redneck Roadtrip? I'll show you why!

This is my dad's truck and my parents toy hauler. The other car is a rental. As you can see the sleeper has windows. He installed the windows so we could see out when riding. Where the bed used to be there is now a bench that seats four quite comfortably. We ride in the truck from place to place, sleep in the trailer and then go see the sites in the rental car.

Dad is reliving his younger years, we are even listening to 70's rock. He drove truck when I was really little and my mom and I went with him. We also lived in a trailer for awhile when he worked on the railroad gangs. His truck driving skills are still sharp. Just ask those of us that lived through the coastal highway he drove us down yesterday! Scary! (Not his driving, the windy road) He also thinks it is fun to flip U-turns in places like Las Vegas. The rest of us . . . not so much.