Mads and I had the pleasure of checking out TinyFest at the Del Mar Fairgrounds here in Southern California. As an outdoor enthusiast and someone who has seen firsthand how terrible home prices are in my native state, I am naturally drawn to the Tiny Home/ Van Life movements. 

Obviously, the Van Life movement isn’t conducive to co-parenting but, finding a piece of land to build a tiny home is. It’s long been my dream to live in a tiny home on my own land while I build my dream home. Today, it seemed closer to reality than ever before. I suppose both will have to wait until the price of building materials returns to normal once again, but I digress. 

We met and were encouraged by some amazing people and got a lot of really great ideas for our tiny home when the time comes. We also found inspiration for a camping trailer I’m hoping to build in the next couple years. 

Most of all, it was nice to spend time with Madison someplace that isn’t our home, a grocery store, or lake. Now that things are starting to return to normal it’s was nice to finally see people again, even if we did have to stay 6 feet apart. To say I caught a little case of the feels is an understatement.

Of course, it’s only natural for a kid to get board and want to leave an event like that after they’ve done or seen everything that they think is fun. TinyFest, while for families, can seem a bit boring to younger kids. Thankfully the fine folks there were well prepared with a wonderful “Passport to Adventure” event. With her passport Madison got to visit several of the vendors and receive a stamp on a special card. After all the spaces were filled, the kind folks at the front entrance bestowed upon Madison her very own “The Big Adventures of Tiny House” beach ball. 

No sooner did we finish did Madison become impatient again, nearly satisfied with my money’s worth for the day I told Madison that I wanted to check out two more booths and we’d be on our way. With reluctance and the attitude of a much older, perhaps teenage child, Madison agreed. After gathering the information I wanted from he last two booths Madison and I happily made our way home with a some photos, and a beach ball, to prove where we had been.

In a few weeks time we’ll get the chance to return when the Fairgrounds are filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the County Fair. Though smaller this year than it has been in the past, I’m looking forward to visiting just to spend some “normal” time, and maybe grab some deep-fried yummies, with Mads. 

What are some things you hope to do when the world is “back to normal”?