Behind The Scenes of a Tiny Vacation in a Tiny Home

I'm sitting comfortably on my couch.

As I watch the cursor blink, I hold my coffee cup with both hands and express gratitude for the 12 ounces of liquid that are keeping them warm.

It's currently -17 degrees here in Minnesota. Even though the wind on your face feels like someone is slapping you with a frozen cookie sheet, I am grateful for the sunshine.

Today, I'm wearing my favorite pair of Vuori joggers, a long-sleeved shirt, an oversized sweater, a green beanie, and 2 blankets.

(Gives her cup a squeeze)

Soph and I recently got back from Orlando and I find it comical to think it's 76 degrees warmer there than it is here.

When we were playing in the lake on the second day, an older gentleman started walking towards us.

"Hey, hey you!" He shouts. "Are you from Alaska or somethin?"

"No, Minnesota!" I say in return.

"Well, that makes sense." He says as he zips his coat to his chin. "Have fun!"

Apparently, when it's 59 degrees in Florida, everyone wears boots and parkas. Sure, it wasn't the ideal temp we were hoping for; but traveling from a state where everything is white, dead, and frozen - we thought it was perfect.

(Slowly takes sip)

What wasn't perfect was the first night we arrived.

That night we learned the hot water in this tiny home runs out fast.

Like, super fast.

After a long day of travel with my 4-year-old, I was excited to end the night with a steamy, hot shower.

Yeah, that idea failed miserably.

As I'm standing next to the running water with goosebumps the size of half-dollars, trying to adjust the faucet for the forty-ninth time, I said screw it and went all-in.

When Soph handed me the towel, I was a bit edgy and doing my best not to swear. Then I saw the blow dryer.

"HOLY SHIPWRECK, SOPH! IT'S OUR LUCKY DAY!"

My teeth were chattering as I rushed to plug it in, and when we turned it on it was heavenly - for a good 4 seconds.

After blowing the fuse, I realized that same outlet was attached to the main heat source of the tiny home - the tiny fireplace.

(Slowly sips coffee)

So now we're wet, cold, it's 43 degrees outside, it's dark, phones about to die, Soph's whining for a snack, and I am on edge trying to maintain the smile.

After massaging the walls looking high and low for the fusebox, we decide to take a few deep breaths and head outside.

Then I called my dad.

Still freezing and still not knowing where it was, I called Adam (the owner of the tiny home). When he called back, he told us it was the silver box next to the A/C. 

Feeling in need of a beverage, we tried harder to open it up, found the breakers, did the thing, and then there was light.

As exciting as it was to go to sleep with the heat on, I ended up waking up several times because I was cold. The fireplace kept shutting off and not because of the fuse. Apparently, I couldn't figure out the timer on the remote. 

(Shakes her own head)

But don't worry, while mommy was standing in front of the open stove maxed out on BROIL and warming up her hands over the electric burners, Soph was sleeping like a lamb.

(Takes quick sip)

The following day we got locked out.

After a couple of hours of playing under the hot sun, we decided to head in to order lunch.

As I'm standing at the front door, punching in the code over and over and over, I remember thinking, "Oh, here we go again."

I could hear the keypad was making a noise like it should be turning the bolt, but it wasn't retracting in. Working all angles of the door, pushing it up just a bit to relieve any pressure, I started to feel the sun kissing me a little too hard on the back of my neck.

Now I'm sweating.

As I'm triple checking the email with the code, Soph tells me she has to go potty. Usually, I'd tell her to pop-a-squat behind a bush, but it was a #2 and I really wasn't wanting anymore sh*t to deal with at that moment in time.

I also didn't want to bother Adam again, but we obviously needed to get in.

So the first night I was cold. And not 12 hours later I'm sweating and burning under the sun. Funny how life works.

Called Adam and he came right over.

I've joked with girlfriends saying, "Yeah, I don't expect the perfect guy to just show up at my doorstep." But as I watched Adam's biceps trying to work the lock on the door, I thought, "Hmm. This is convenient. Wonder if he's single."

He interrupted my thoughts by telling me there was an email sent that morning with a new code to the door. I never received it, but hey, we found the issue.

(Reaches for cup)

Google defines experience as: an event or occurrence that leaves an impression on someone. Synonyms: incident, happening, encounter, escapade, adventure.

Although we experienced some minor hiccups, this tiny home adventure was an absolute blast.

With only being there for 3 nights, we ordered Uber Eats daily for food. 

Nothing better than having someone deliver a hot meal and only having to recycle the plastic when you're done.

We'd wake up and kayak while the water was still calm. It felt like we were gliding through melted butter while the birds warmed up their vocals. That was my first time on a kayak with Soph.

She also had a blast making forts and climbing up and down the ladder to the loft.

Typically, tiny homes are between 100 and 400 square feet. While there isn't a set standard, a tiny house rarely exceeds 500 square feet. I'm not 100% sure what size ours was, but the design of it was amazing.

Our Uber driver to and from the airport was also amazing. His name was Eduviges. He worked at Disney World for 23 years, and drove a brand-new minivan with a car seat that fit Soph perfectly.

Travel tip: If you ever travel with young kiddos, you can request an Uber with a carseat for just a bit extra!

When I called him on our last day to pick us up, he was right there and right on time. He even walked up to the house and offered to help with our bags.

He was so kind.

Sometimes the small gestures are the ones that speak volumes.

(Takes last sip/pauses for deep thought)

Even though our place was small, we sure made some big memories.

A tiny adventure with my tiny human.

Definitely one for the books.

Heading to Orlando? Not feeling Disney? Check out this tiny home community here on AirBnb! 

If you found value in this blog please give it a share or drop a comment below. My name is Sam. I'm a delightfully charismatic blogger with hints of boldness and sass. And I am your guide to finding the good.

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