We have now officially been working on the bus for 5 years. To think, before we saw Del and Corrie's website, and learned their conversion took 4 years, we actually thought we would be done in 2 years! Honestly, for the most part, it hasn't seemed like 5. There were times when a certain task seemed like it would never end, but most of the time we look back a few months and can't believe how much was done during that time period.

I think 5 years so far is reasonable considering the amount of time we actually spent working on the bus. We started out enthusiastic and dedicated immediately. Spending every waking hour of the weekends digging into the box of fiberglass, wood, metal, & rust. However, when the holidays rolled around we briefly found ourselves a little disappointed that we had to put the bus on hold for socializing. We realized that was wrong, and would be detrimental to our wellbeing and sense of belonging a great family and wonderful friendships. We made a pact to store the bus from the beginning of the holiday season until after the first of the year while we were working on it.

We also took time for some of life's other events. Some sad. Some joyous! We now have 3 granddaughters that we didn't have when we started this project, Ambriel, Hailey, and our newest granddaughter born yesterday - Happy Birthday Kelly!

We sometimes found it difficult to balance our lives with the passion for completing this long time dream. Taking time to participate in life, sometimes meant letting our enthusiasm wane, and taking the chance that we might not have the energy to start again the next weekend. We managed though. One or the other or both of us were able to get the ball rolling again.

This has been a great project for us. I would suggest that all young couples choose a goal, and strive to complete that goal together. I know all the lessons we've endured and the closeness that resulted from working together these past few years, can never compare to any other relationship. Afterall, deciphering babble, drawing pictures, coming up with many many plan b's, sometimes feeling like banging our heads on the wall, he still let me live, and I him! LOL

We are not done, however we feel free to let our bus take us anywhere and everywhere, even if it slows down the completion date. We have a couple upcoming short trips. We can't wait to hit the road, cuz we have people to see, places to go, and things to do!!! :)

Here is a short update of the most recent task. The window box valances are now complete, which crosses off one of the last few remaining major jobs left. We still need to complete the captains area, the flooring in the entryway, awnings, painting murals on the sides, possibly cafe doors on the bays. We also have the medicine cabinet in the bathroom, a lot of trim and small tasks waiting for us!

Be sure to check out the ULTRA SUMMARY for an up to date overall look of the inside of our bus!

See you real soon!