Introduction There’s something special about waking up at home after a weekend away. The sheets feel different, the coffee hits differently, and the sound of the washing machine humming reminds me that everyday life is back. Today, I got an especially dramatic start – courtesy of our cat.
This morning, our cat launched a full attack on my feet sticking out from under the blanket. Before 5:00 AM. Of course I woke up immediately. That little rascal knows exactly how to get me out of bed – just to get his breakfast.
Still, waking up at home after being in the motorhome is a lovely feeling. I do enjoy our trips in LVL^2, but there’s a comfort in coming home, unpacking, and slipping back into the rhythm of regular life.
Unpacking the Motorhome – Our Routine
We’re a good team when it comes to unpacking the motorhome. I gather everything from inside, and my husband carries it all into the house and puts things in the fridge. The whole process takes maybe fifteen minutes. After that, I usually settle into the sofa for a bit – but not before checking on our greenhouse and garden.
Yesterday, everything needed a good watering, but I left it until the evening.
Birthday Celebration for My Mother-in-law
Once the unpacking was done, we shifted gears – my mother-in-law turned 81, and we had a little party planned. Showers, getting ready, and picking up our eldest daughter before heading off to Gothenburg.
We made a quick stop at Torp to buy the final gift – a warm, long cardigan to go with the two knives we had already bought (a bread knife and another one she had mentioned needing). She often feels cold, so a cozy, knee-length cardigan seemed perfect.
The party was lovely. She served Swedish sandwich cake and gluten-free options for us, along with Budapest roll and Schwarzwald cake. We were twelve people gathered – a rare occasion due to the distance between us.
Home Again – and a Message from the Neighbor
We got back home around 7:00 PM. Everyone was tired. We watered the garden and sat out on the patio. Just being.
On the drive home, my neighbor messaged me. Her YouTube channel had gained more views, and she mentioned that her son missed me. They had gone swimming, but he didn’t want to go into the deep water without me there. I think we’ll sort that out – he’ll be ready for deep-water swimming before winter arrives. I know he can learn.
My our little girl also mentioned that he had probably knocked on our door while we were away. She finds it unsettling when someone knocks unexpectedly, so she waited. Eventually, she saw him return to his house across the street.
A New Children’s Video About Emotions
Speaking of my neighbor – she recently uploaded a new video to her YouTube channel. She makes short educational films for young children, and they’re truly lovely. The latest one is about emotions: what feelings exist, how they feel, and how they affect us. It’s not every emotion, of course – but it’s perfect for young kids.
The washing machines are calling again. It’s not even 6:00 AM, and I’ve already done two loads of laundry – mostly from the weekend trip. I also washed our swimwear, because we’re probably going swimming today.
Closing Words Thanks for joining me on this Monday morning. Maybe you were woken gently, maybe not. However your day started, I hope it gives you both energy and space to just be.
Reflection: It’s in the contrast that we notice what we truly enjoy. A quiet Monday isn’t boring after an adventurous weekend – it’s a soft landing. And maybe that’s what everyday life is really about.
”Live today, right now. Yesterday rests in history, and tomorrow waits out there in the distance. Right now is what matters.” – Carina Ikonen Nilsson
Do you also have a furry friend who “helps” you wake up? Share your best or worst pet alarm moment in the comments!
Have you celebrated someone recently? What’s your favorite gift to give a loved one?
Have you seen my neighbor’s new children’s video? Let us know what you think – she loves hearing from viewers!
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This is one of those mornings where I just want to write myself out of the tiredness. A night of itchy mosquito bites and heat that just wouldn’t let go – but now I’m sitting here, on the couch with the laptop in my lap, ready to head north.
We got a lot done yesterday, and today, 400 kilometers of road lie ahead. I’m full of anticipation – now it feels like the vacation is truly beginning.
A New Journey – To Mora and Beyond
Good morning! Well, technically, it is morning – but it feels like I haven’t slept at all. Gnats and mosquito bites kept me company through the night, and the heat lay over us like a blanket.
Today will be a long one. But I’ll be sitting in our LVL^2, noting down motorhomes that pass us by. That’ll be okay – my body is with me, even if the hours might feel a bit slow over those 400 kilometers.
Tonight’s stop: Mora.
Laundry, Fridges, and the Habits We Barely Notice
Yesterday was laundry day – getting the little one’s clothes clean for the trip. Then it was time for the fridge and freezer. We emptied the freezer completely to see what was actually in there. My husband thought it was empty. He was wrong.
While we were at it, we cleaned out the fridge too. You know that metal rack that’s supposed to hold drinks? It’s only been used maybe two or three times over the years. We took it out – suddenly, we had more space!
Later, the little girl went to grab some milk and asked, surprised: – Don’t we have any milk?
Oh yes, I said. It’s just on the top shelf now. And just like that, it hit me how much we rely on habits. She thought we were out of milk – just because it wasn’t where it usually is.
Shopping, Cooking, and the Smell of Blueberry Pie
Later in the day, we drove to Vänersborg to get the last of what we needed and stock up the fridge and freezer in LVL^2. We didn’t need much – but somehow still spent over 2,000 kronor.
For dinner, we made pizzas using those pre-made kits. I topped mine with tomato sauce, cheese, a bit of turkey, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Super tasty! But salty – I ended up drinking three, maybe four bottles of water that evening.
After a short nap – while my husband cooked for the teens staying home – I got up and made some granola, baked a blueberry pie, and prepped a flour mix for scones. We have an oven in our camper, and it’s such a luxury to smell freshly baked bread while on the road.
Sometimes we even bake on the grill – it somehow tastes even better. Maybe it’s the sunshine. Maybe it’s the waiting. Or just the simplicity of it all.
LVL^2 is Ready – Norrland Awaits
The camper is packed, cleaned, and the beds in LVL^2 are freshly made. Now we’re off – this time with our little one. And yes, we’re ignoring the weather forecasts.
All so he can experience Norrland. I believe it’s a basic right – that every child should get to know what’s out there in this beautiful country of ours. You should be able to carry memories from both the north and the south.
My husband and I have gathered many such memories – with all the children who’ve stayed with us over the years.
Final Thoughts
Wishing you a beautiful day – the kind you’ve chosen and created for yourself. Thank you for being here, for reading. It means more than you know.
Have you travelled with kids in a campervan or explored Sweden from top to bottom? Feel free to leave a comment – I read and appreciate every word. It means a lot to connect with others who cherish the little and big moments of everyday life on the road.
Here you can read about some of the trips we’ve taken with our cars and caravans.
Carina Ikonen Nilsson Lev idag, just nu. Igår finns inte längre här och morgondagen kommer först i morgon. Just nu är det som gäller.
Carina Ikonen Nilsson Live today, right now. Yesterday is no longer here. Tomorrow doesn’t come until tomorrow. Right now is what matters.
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