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Our Family’s Journey Toward Worldschooling with Boundless Life

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 22:34:03 GMT

A look at the “before” stage of our Boundless Life journey and the practical steps we’re taking to make it possible.

Why Our Family Is Dreaming About Boundless Life

Ever since we lived in our Airstream full time with our then 2-year-old daughter, we knew we wanted to incorporate worldschooling into our children’s education. But over the years we slowly became more settled. We had two more children and bought a house. All of those decisions were intentional, building a life of community and stability for our kids that we still value. We always pictured a lifestyle that blends a strong home base with travel and global experiences, we just weren’t sure how to do it. We knew we didn’t want to travel internationally full time. We wanted a home near family, steady friendships for our kids, and roots. Eventually it started to feel like that grounded life might be the only life we could have.

What Boundless Life Is and Why It Caught Our Attention

After we stepped out of our Airstream chapter, I dove into nursing school to finally pursue a dream I’d had since I was 19. I deleted social media the entire time I was in school. A few months after graduation, I downloaded Instagram and logged into our old travel account. Within minutes I saw that the families we used to follow during our full-time travel days were now living abroad and their kids were attending a school designed specifically for traveling families. That’s when we discovered Boundless Life .

Boundless Life is a global education program with satellite locations around the world. Families can join a 3-month cohort in a location of their choice, and kids follow the same curriculum no matter where they attend. Housing can be included and there’s a coworking space for remote-working parents. I fell hard and fast. It instantly felt like the missing piece I’d been looking for.

Why I’m Sharing the Journey Before We Even Join

I’ve watched so many YouTube videos, read blogs, and followed every family I could find who was doing a Boundless Life cohort. And my question every time was the same: how are they pulling this off? Most of the families who shared publicly were already traveling full time and already working remotely. That wasn’t us. We had a house, I was working a very not-remote nursing job, and we definitely didn’t have the budget to support two lifestyles at once.

It’s been two years of dreaming, wanting, planning, and pushing off our cohort. But we’re still determined to make it happen. Every decision we make includes the question: will this move us closer to Boundless Life or further away? By sharing the “before” stage of our worldschooling dream, I hope it helps other families who are in the same spot.

The Questions We’re Working Through Right Now

Our three biggest hurdles right now are money, our house, and my job.

My job: I work as an Operating Room nurse and genuinely love what I do. I’m part of the float pool, which means I cover needs at six different facilities and every shift is at a different location. It suits me really well. But I’m not sure how it would go if I left for three months. I’ve heard it could be possible, but I’m not that far in the process yet. So realistically, I either need to move into a remote nursing role or somehow get approved for several months off to attend a cohort.

Our house: We absolutely love our home. We hit the jackpot with neighbors, we’re close to family, and we’re right by the grocery store, a park, the library, and arguably most important, Chick-fil-A. We want to maintain a home base while also worldschooling. The issue is our mortgage. It’s high enough that renting it out wouldn’t cover the payment. So a lot of our conversations revolve around how to make our home support this dream instead of standing in the way. I’ll share more on those ideas soon.

Money: Boundless Life isn’t cheap. It isn’t impossible, but it does require intentional planning. Jonathan already works remotely as a Fractional CMO, and his income ebbs and flows because he works on contract. That makes long-term planning trickier. And like many Americans, we have debt. Until that’s in a better place, it doesn’t feel responsible to commit to a cohort. Paying off debt has become step one on our Boundless Life timeline.

How We’re Preparing as a Family for a Future Cohort

Every decision we make circles back to the same question: “Is this helping us get closer to Boundless Life?” I’ll share more of the details in future posts, but in short, we’re prioritizing paying off debt, exploring ways to lower our mortgage payment, and I’m actively working toward transitioning into nursing informatics so I can eventually work remotely.

What We Hope This Experience Will Create for Our Kids

We’ve shared videos, stories, and photos with our kids, and they love watching the playgrounds, the field trips, and the ECA activities at each location. My daughter talks about going to school in Spain and Japan and tells her friends she’s going. While it will be hard for all of us to leave family and friends for a little while, I know the cultural experiences and memories we’ll have together will be worth it.

What’s Next on Our Path Toward Worldschooling

The next step for us is this blog. I talk about Boundless Life to everyone I meet. Just today I was telling a CRNA about the program and we ended up scrolling the website together and dreaming about destinations. So in a way, I’m hoping this space becomes a place to document our progress and maybe even open doors for opportunities that help us — and other families — move closer to a Boundless Life.

What Is the Best Age to Start Worldschooling

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:20:21 GMT

A helpful guide to worldschooling at every age, including toddlers, school aged kids, and teens, and how to decide when your family is ready to begin.

If you hang around worldschooling families long enough, you will hear this question come up again and again. When is the best age to start? Is it better to begin when kids are young? Is it easier when they are older? Will my child remember the experience? Will they adjust? Will this ruin everything or make everything better?

Parents want certainty. They want someone to look them in the eyes and say, “Start at age six. That is the golden age. Do not deviate.” The truth is a little gentler and a lot more flexible.

There is no perfect age to start worldschooling. There are only seasons. Each one comes with strengths, challenges, and sweet spots that make the experience meaningful in different ways.

Let’s walk through them so you can see where your family fits.

Toddlers and preschoolers

These are the most adaptable years. Younger kids adjust quickly, pick up new languages faster than adults ever will, and settle into new routines with very little resistance. Everything is an adventure at this age. A city bus becomes a ride. A bakery becomes a field trip. A beach becomes a classroom.

The hardest part of worldschooling with toddlers is not the toddlers. It is the parents. Travel days can be tiring. Nap schedules shift. You may have less time to work. But the trade off is an incredible season of bonding and simple joy.

Kids under five absorb the world like sponges. They do not need structure to learn. They simply need you alongside them.

Early elementary ages

This is often called the golden window. Kids in this age range are old enough to understand what is happening and young enough to embrace it with pure excitement. They make friends easily. They ask a thousand questions a day. They remember what they experience.

Worldschooling at this age is powerful because kids are naturally curious and endlessly open. They can hike more. Walk farther. Try new foods. Participate in local classes or programs. They can jump into worldschool communities with ease.

Most parents say this is the easiest age to travel and learn together.

Upper elementary and middle school

This age comes with its own magic. Kids around nine to twelve begin forming deeper personal interests. Worldschooling gives them real world ways to explore those interests.

A kid who loves animals learns more visiting sanctuaries in Costa Rica than reading a chapter about ecosystems. A kid who loves architecture sees ancient buildings up close in Greece or Italy. A kid who loves history stands where it actually happened.

These ages also bring more opinions and a need for independence. You will probably hear the phrase “I want to do it myself” more often. But that independence becomes a strength. Kids grow quickly in confidence as they navigate new environments.

Teens

Teenagers get overlooked in worldschooling conversations, but they might benefit the most. Teens understand culture, language, and global experiences in a deeper, more mature way. They start thinking about the future and worldschooling gives them real pathways to explore who they want to become.

Older kids can attend international schools, join local sports, volunteer, take online high school programs, or even pursue internships abroad. They gain a sense of identity that grows beyond their hometown.

The only challenge is the social side. Teens are attached to their friends and routines. If your teen is involved in activities at home, the transition may take more preparation. But once they settle in, the growth is remarkable.

So what is the best age

All of them in different ways.

The best age is the age your children are right now. The age that lines up with your family’s goals, your work situation, your budget, and the season of life you are in.

Worldschooling is not about hitting a perfect target. It is about being willing to step into a new way of learning and living as a family. Whenever you begin, your children will take something valuable from the experience.

Kids grow wherever you plant them. Worldschooling simply gives them a larger garden.

Final thought

You do not need the perfect age. You only need the desire to begin. Worldschooling meets families where they are. Whether your kids are toddlers, school aged, or teens, they will learn, adapt, and carry the experience with them long after the trip is over.

When you are ready, there is a place in the world that will welcome you.

How Do Families Afford Worldschooling?

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:07:37 GMT

Realistic budgeting tips, cost breakdowns, and strategies families use to afford worldschooling and travel-based education without overspending.

If you have ever looked at a family traveling through Portugal or Bali with their kids and thought, “Okay, but how are they paying for all this?” you are in very good company. Worldschooling has this mysterious reputation, as it belongs only to people who have trust funds or homes with floor-to-ceiling windows and a twenty-foot pool floats.

But the reality is almost the opposite. Most worldschooling families are very normal. They have regular jobs. They budget. They plan. They figure things out one step at a time. And the surprising truth is that many of them spend less living abroad than they did living in the United States.

So let’s talk honestly about what this actually costs and how real families make it work without magic or massive bank accounts.

Worldschooling can cost less, the same, or more than life at home

There is no single price tag for worldschooling. It depends on your pace, the countries you choose, how long you stay in each place, and the lifestyle that feels right for your family.

Most families fall into one of three categories.

Cost-neutral worldschooling

This is the group no one expects. These are families who travel or live abroad for about the same monthly cost as staying home. Some even save money.

Countries like Portugal, Montenegro, Mexico, Thailand, Greece, Colombia, and Bali all tend to stretch your budget farther. Rent is often lower, groceries cost less, public transportation is easy, and entertainment is either inexpensive or completely free. A walkable city alone can save you thousands compared to owning and maintaining a car in the United States.

This kind of worldschooling is not about cheap living. It is about living differently and using your money in places where it goes farther.

Flexible travel budgeting

This is where families keep a home base in the United States and travel for a season at a time. They take one or two bigger trips each year and plan them around off season prices or longer stays.

If you book longer rentals, avoid tourist traps, and choose your destinations intentionally, you can shape the cost around your budget instead of the other way around.

Premium worldschooling

This option exists too. It usually includes Western European cities, shorter stays, frequent flights, and international schools with higher tuition. It can cost more than life at home, but it is a choice, not a requirement.

Where families save the most

When people run the math, housing is usually the biggest surprise. Long-term furnished rentals abroad are often a fraction of what a family pays in the United States. Food is another big one. Buying local produce or eating in small neighborhood restaurants is often far cheaper than grocery shopping at home.

Transportation can drop dramatically when you are in walkable cities with good public transit. The average American family spends a huge amount on car payments, insurance, fuel, repairs, and unexpected issues. Many worldschooling families skip cars entirely.

Activities are another area where costs fall. Museums, beaches, historic towns, and parks are usually inexpensive or free, especially once you step outside the most touristy areas.

How families actually afford worldschooling

Here are the most common strategies families use to make it work.

Remote work. This is the biggest one. If even one parent can work online, the entire model becomes sustainable.

Renting out their home. Many families who own homes rent them out while traveling. That income often covers their housing abroad and sometimes more.

Saving for specific seasons. Not every family travels full-time. Some worldschool in summer or winter. Some travel one quarter each year. A little saving goes a long way in lower-cost countries.

Lower cost of living. When your monthly expenses drop by thirty or forty percent, suddenly worldschooling feels possible.

Slow travel. This is the superpower. Staying longer in one place saves money on everything. Rent is cheaper, transportation costs go down, and you stop paying tourist prices. Fast travel is expensive. Slow travel is sustainable.

A realistic monthly budget

For a family of five, here is a general idea of what life abroad can look like.

Budget friendly locations: $2500-$4000 per month

Mid range locations: $4000-$6500

High end locations: $7500-$12000+

This includes housing, food, transportation, education or activities, and basic living expenses.

It is not pocket change, but it is also not as wild as people imagine.

Is it worth the cost?

Every family who has tried worldschooling will tell you the same thing. The growth is worth it. The connection is worth it. The memories are worth it.

Kids become more flexible and confident. They learn how other people live. They experience history rather than just read about it. They face situations that make them braver and more aware of the world around them.

Parents grow too. You slow down a little. You learn to adapt. You learn how capable your kids are. You see your family in a whole new way.

Final thought

Worldschooling is not only for wealthy families. It is not a fantasy lifestyle, and it is not a financial leap off a cliff. With a bit of planning, the right pace, and a country that fits your budget, it becomes surprisingly manageable.

You do not have to pack your bags for a full year. You only need to look at the numbers, choose your path, and take the first step.

When you are ready, the world is ready too.

Worldschooling vs Homeschooling vs Unschooling: What’s the Difference?

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 14:50:10 GMT

A straightforward comparison of worldschooling, homeschooling, and unschooling so you can choose the education style that fits your family best.

If you’ve been dipping your toes into alternative education, you’ve probably run into three words that feel a little like cousins who all show up to the same family reunion: worldschooling , homeschooling , and unschooling .

They’re related… but definitely not the same person.

And if you’ve ever thought, Wait, are these interchangeable? Am I supposed to pick one? Am I accidentally doing all three?, don’t worry — most parents feel that way at first.

Let’s break them down in a way that makes sense, feels human, and helps you figure out what fits your family.

Homeschooling: The Structured “We’ve Got This” Route

Homeschooling is the option people are usually most familiar with. At its core, homeschooling means you are the school.

You choose:

the curriculum
the schedule
the pace
the method
the environment

There’s structure, routine, and a plan. You can follow a traditional curriculum, a hybrid one, a faith-based program, or something completely custom.

Why people love it:

It’s predictable. You know what your kids are learning. You can personalize the pace without pressure from a standard classroom.

What feels hard:

It’s time-intensive, and depending on your kids’ personalities, it can take creativity (or patience, or snacks) to keep things engaging.

Unschooling: The Freedom-Based “Follow Their Curiosity” Route

Unschooling is almost the opposite. Instead of curriculum and structure, you let your child’s interests drive the learning.

There are no formal lessons. No worksheets unless a kid asks. No “we’re on page 27 today.”

Kids learn by following questions, building projects, trying things, exploring their world, and going deep on whatever lights up their brain.

Why people love it:

Kids become naturally curious, confident, and intrinsically motivated. They learn because they want to, not because they “have to.”

What feels hard:

It requires a lot of trust — in your kid, in yourself, and in the process. And it’s not for families who enjoy structure or want predictable milestones.

Worldschooling: The “Learn From the World” Lifestyle

Worldschooling isn’t an education method — it’s a lifestyle.

You can worldschool while homeschooling.

You can worldschool while unschooling.

You can worldschool with online school.

You can worldschool with structured programs like Boundless Life or Galileo.

You can even worldschool while attending international schools abroad.

Worldschooling is simply this:

letting travel, culture, and global experiences become part of your child’s education.

That might look like:

learning history by walking through ancient ruins
picking up language through daily interactions
understanding cultures by living in them
expanding perspectives by meeting people from around the world

It’s learning through life — and letting the world stretch your child’s sense of what’s possible.

Why people love it:

It changes kids. It changes families. It brings learning alive in a way nothing else does.

What feels hard:

Logistics. Routines shifting. The mental load of being the one who keeps all the plates spinning while abroad. But most families say the growth outweighs the challenges.

So Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s the truth most people don’t say out loud:

You don’t have to commit to one forever, and you’re allowed to blend them.

If you love structure → lean toward homeschooling .

If your kid thrives when exploring their own interests → sprinkle in unschooling .

If you want your kids to see the world and learn from it → add worldschooling to the mix.

Most families end up with a personalized blend that looks something like:

a curriculum for core subjects
interest-led learning for everything else
travel or cultural experiences layered on top

And it works beautifully.

Quick FAQs Parents Always Ask

Can you switch between them?

Absolutely. Most families evolve over time.

Is worldschooling legal?

In most cases, yes — but homeschooling laws vary by country, so always check.

Are these methods good for socialization?

Yes. Just in different ways. Co-ops, travel communities, local schools, online groups, and worldschool hubs make connection easy.

Will my kid fall behind?

Not if you’re intentional. Most kids actually leap ahead because they’re more engaged.

Final Thought

If you’re feeling pulled toward a different way of learning — whether that’s structured, curiosity-driven, travel-based, or a mix of all three — that’s worth listening to.

You don’t have to pick a label. You just have to pick what helps your kids thrive.

Worldschooling, homeschooling, unschooling — they’re all tools.

You get to choose how to use them.

What is Worldschooling and How Does it Work?

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 01:00:37 GMT

A clear, family-friendly breakdown of what worldschooling really is, how it works, and the different ways kids learn through global travel and real-world experiences.

What Is Worldschooling and How Does It Work?

If you’ve ever heard the word “worldschooling” and thought, Okay… that sounds cool, but what does it actually mean?, you’re not alone. Most families don’t grow up with examples of people raising their kids around the world, learning through travel, culture, and life itself. So when you’re first introduced to the concept, it feels big and maybe even a little mysterious.

But here’s the good news: worldschooling isn’t complicated. It’s not a secret society. It’s not a curriculum you have to subscribe to or a club you need an invitation to. It’s simply a different way of thinking about how your kids learn.

Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense, feels doable, and gives you a real picture of what it looks like in everyday life.

Worldschooling Is Learning Through the World

At its core, worldschooling is exactly what it sounds like — letting the world become part of your kids’ education.

It doesn’t replace learning. It expands it.

Kids still learn math, reading, science, and critical thinking… but layered on top are things textbooks can’t quite capture:

cultures they’ve never seen
foods they’ve never tried
languages they hear every day
geography they walk on, not just memorize
history they stand in
people who think and live differently than they do

It’s education mixed with real life, and it sticks in a way that’s hard to replicate in a classroom.

There Isn’t One “Right” Way to Worldschool (and that’s the beauty of it)

One of the biggest misconceptions is that worldschooling looks the same for every family.

Nope.

Here are the main styles, and spoiler: you’re allowed to mix and match.

1. Full-Time Travel

Some families make the world their home and move every few weeks or months. Backpacks, flights, new countries, new routines — it’s a lifestyle, not a vacation.

This works beautifully for families who crave movement and change.

2. Slow Travel

Think one to three months in one place at a time. Long enough to settle in, meet people, find the playgrounds, learn a few local phrases, and feel the rhythm of life.

This is one of the most popular approaches for families with school-age kids.

3. Hybrid Worldschooling

Spend part of the year traveling and part of the year at home. Maybe one long trip. Maybe two shorter ones. Maybe you join a worldschool community for a season.

This is the “dip your toes in without jumping in the deep end” version, and it’s a great place to start.

4. Program-Based Worldschooling

There are worldschooling programs designed to make the transition easier, with an actual school structure built in. Think:

Kids attend school. Parents work remotely. You get community, routine, and global living without figuring everything out alone.

5. Local International Schools

Some families relocate to one country and enroll their kids in a local international school. It’s the best of both worlds — stability + global learning.

This option is fantastic for families who want to live abroad but not hop around.

Do You Need a Curriculum? A Plan? A Binder With Tabs?

Short answer: no.

Long answer: you’ll eventually create a rhythm that works for you.

Some families bring a homeschool curriculum. Some use online schools. Some let experiences drive learning and fill in the academic gaps as they go.

The point isn’t to mimic traditional school. It’s to open your kids’ world wider.

What Kids Actually Learn Through Worldschooling

You’ll see things in your kids that don’t come from textbooks:

adaptability
curiosity
problem-solving
empathy
confidence in unfamiliar environments
global awareness
independence
flexible thinking

These are life skills… and traveling accelerates them in a way nothing else does.

What Parents Learn (that no one tells you about)

You learn a lot too:

how to slow down
how to let go of rigid plans
how capable your kids really are
how capable you are
how to navigate the unexpected without spiraling

Worldschooling changes the whole family, not just the kids.

Does Worldschooling Replace School? Or Is It School?

This is the part people get hung up on.

Worldschooling isn’t instead of school. It’s not even a type of school.

It’s a framework.

You can pair it with:

homeschooling
unschooling
online programs
international schools
structured worldschool hubs
or any combination of the above

Your lifestyle becomes part of the learning environment.

Is Worldschooling Right for Every Family?

Maybe. Maybe not. But you’ll know pretty quickly if you try it in a small way first.

A trial month, a short trip with intentional learning, a program like Boundless for a season — these tiny steps tell you everything.

You don’t have to commit to a year abroad to begin. You just need to start getting curious and take one small step at a time.

Quick FAQs Parents Ask Most

Is worldschooling expensive?

It depends on the country and pace. Many families actually spend less abroad.

Will my kids fall behind?

Not if you build in age-appropriate learning. Most kids thrive academically and socially.

How will they make friends?

Worldschooling hubs, international schools, and expat communities make connections easy.

Is it safe?

Do your research. Most worldschooling families choose safe, family-friendly areas with solid infrastructure.

How Do I Start Worldschooling My Kids?

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:40:45 GMT

A beginner-friendly guide to worldschooling, flexible education, and giving your kids a global classroom.

How Do I Start Worldschooling My Kids?

If you’ve ever daydreamed about packing up your kids, hopping on a plane, and giving them the kind of education you wish you’d had growing up, you’re in the right spot. Worldschooling isn’t some secret club. It’s not reserved for people who sold everything to live full-time out of backpacks or families who somehow look perfect in every photo. It’s just… parents who believe the world has a few things to teach their kids, and they’re willing to follow that curiosity.

And if you’re wondering where to begin, the good news is you don’t need a plane ticket, a curriculum, or a life overhaul to get started. You just need a direction.

Let’s walk through it.

Start With Your Why (and no, it doesn’t need to be profound)

Every family begins worldschooling for different reasons. Some want to slow life down. Some want their kids to see cultures beyond their hometown bubble. Some want adventure. Some want healing. Some don’t want school to look like it’s always looked.

Your “why” doesn’t need to be poetic. It just needs to feel true.

Ask yourself:

What do we want our kids to experience in the next few years?
What kind of humans do we hope they become?
What parts of the world do we want to learn from?

Your answers become your compass later when things get messy, plans change, or you find yourself doing math homework in a tiny Airbnb kitchen wondering what life choices brought you here.

Choose Your Version of Worldschooling (there’s no single right way)

Worldschooling isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. It’s more like a spectrum.

Here are the most common starting points:

Structured programs

Think Boundless Life, Galileo , Kubrio. Built-in community. Actual school hours. Predictability. You still get the richness of being abroad without needing to reinvent education from scratch.

Homeschooling while traveling

Bring a curriculum, add the world as the classroom, follow a rhythm that works for your family.

Unschooling (or interest-led learning)

Wake up curious, follow the questions, let experiences lead the way. Works beautifully for some, feels too open for others.

Local international schools

Move abroad. Enroll your kids. Live life in one place for a while. A lovely choice if you want roots + global exposure.

Slow travel

Stay in one location for one to three months at a time. Settle in enough to feel local, then move on when you’re ready.

You can mix these. Many families do.

Try a Test Run Before You Commit

You don’t have to jump into a year abroad. Start smaller.

A simple “trial month” gives you more clarity than months of overthinking:

A 4–6 week stay abroad
A Boundless Life cohort
A homeschool month at home
A summer abroad with loose structure

You’ll learn a lot:

How your kids handle new environments
How you handle the logistics
What rhythm your family naturally falls into

The best part? You cannot mess this step up. A trial is a trial.

Build a Simple Learning Framework (simple is the keyword)

You don’t need a color-coded homeschool binder to make this work.

Start light. Add structure as you go.

Some easy options:

Math: Singapore Math, Beast Academy, Khan Academy
Reading: Books tied to the country you’re in
Culture: Museums, markets, local tours
Nature: Beaches, forests, parks, wildlife

The world provides a lot on its own, so you’re not filling every minute with worksheets. Think “anchors,” not “rigid schedule.”

Handle the Logistics Without Getting Overwhelmed

This part feels big but becomes doable when broken down. The basics:

Passports for everyone
Housing options (Airbnb, Plum Guide, furnished rentals)
Health insurance you can use abroad
Visa requirements for your chosen country
Understanding homeschool/education rules in the country you visit
A rough budget for the trip

Lists help. So does planning early.

Expect Things to Shift (and that’s part of the magic)

Your kids might surprise you. You might surprise yourself. You’ll realize quickly what works, what doesn’t, and what matters more than you thought.

Worldschooling isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about living intentionally, learning together, and giving your kids experiences that stay with them long after the trip ends.

You don’t start worldschooling by being ready.

You start worldschooling by being willing.

Jamaican Family Fun

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 00:35:15 GMT

Make your entire family happy with an amazing day in Jamaica filled with activities for everyone.

Good Hope Estate

When you're on a cruise it can be difficult to experience the island or country you are in when you only have a few hours. The other challenge we had was finding an excursion that our entire family could join. And by entire family I mean my parents, my sister's family with four kids, and our family! So when we found Chukka Caribbean's excursion that included Zip-lining, River Tubing, ATV ride, lunch, and a bird aviary - it was the plan for a perfect day!

Bird Aviary & Pool

The bird aviary is definitely underrated. We were the only ones in there and Addie enjoyed all the birds and bunnies. Our favorite section was the parakeets and parrots. They were so friendly and would land on us and tickle our necks and pick at our hair. It was so fun interacting with them. Addie also enjoyed spending time with her cousins at the pool and watching them go down the water slide. We also enjoyed a delicious and authentic Jamaican lunch. With rice, beans, jerk chicken, and this delicious fried bread that I could take right now.

Zip Lining

I love a good zip line, but they are usually a 30 second adventure and then you're done. But here we got to do several runs over a variety of areas. We got to zoom past the estate waterfall and pool, through tropical trees, over the river. It was such a blast every time!

River Tubing

I was looking forward to a nice relaxing ride down a Jamaican river but Mother Nature had something else in mind. A big tropical rain came down on us, but rather than shying away we took it head on! We were soaked before even getting in the river. Our guide, Presi, was so fun and would joke around and splash us on the river. It was a light hearted, fun Jamaican time!

ATV Ride

Our last activity we went on was ATV-ing. We had a small group of 6 people plus our two guides. They did a quick orientation for safety and instruction and then we were off cruising through the jungle. My favorite part was when we went over a hill and saw a beautiful rainbow! We got to stop and enjoy it before carrying on. It was a good ride that wasn't too intense for a less experienced ATV driver like myself.

Chukka Caribbean

We absolutely loved our experience with Chukka Caribbean . We've been in touch with them for some time and have become good friends with the staff. Everyone on the estate was so welcoming, helpful, and fun. It was the perfect Jamaican day. Chukka Caribbean offers several options of activities to do in Jamaica. Check out their website and choose your favorite activity for your next trip to Jamaica. Also be sure to follow them on Instagram @chukkacaribbean

What is there to do in Granby Colorado?!

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 16:47:40 GMT

We've discovered the perfect Colorado town that has so much to do plus a great place to stay!

If you’ve ever gone to Rocky Mountain National Park, you most likely came through Estes Park. It’s pretty well known but from now on when we go to the National Park we will be going to Granby. Granby is on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. We found an AMAZING campground to stay at that has so many amenities and the area all around is packed with fun things to do!

River Run RV Resort

We were invited by River Run RV Resort to stay at their brand new campground. We have been completely impressed by this campground, so much so, that it has made its way to the number one campground we have stayed at! I can’t not share this campground!

So, as I mentioned before this is a brand new campground! So there are still a few things under construction. Which is even more crazy because it’s already SO nice! We are excited to keep going back and seeing it all come together. Their customer service was astounding. Every staff member we came in contact with from the manger to the waitress were so friendly and helpful. It's the best all around customer service we've experienced at a campground.

Amenities

Our favorite part of this campground was the amenities. I’ll list a few of our favorites: heated swimming pool & three hot tubs, bowling, arcade, gym, golf cart rentals, outdoor yard games, restaurant, family activities, mining station, & a giant playground with a giant blow up jumping pad. Wow! There was SO much to do all the time!

Campsite

Our camping sites were long cemented pads which were level with lots of space in-between campers. Each site has its own table and fire pit.

Other stay options

If you don’t want to camp, they have cabins you can stay in too! They have a variety to choose from and they are so cozy! Or if you’re like us and plan on staying forever, they even have vacation homes for sale too! Maybe we’ll be neighbors? ;)

Granby, Colorado

We did not have enough time in our stay to do everything Granby and the surrounding areas has to offer. There are so many places to fish, go horseback riding, boating, hiking, mountain coasters, gondola rides, biking, shopping, and eating. Not to mention Colorado’s largest National Park just 10min away.

During our stay we checked out a local Indian Restaurant, went to Rocky Mountain National park, and went boating on Grand Lake. Our pictures are way cuter than me talking about it so enjoy!

Rocky Mountain National Park

Boating on Grand Lake

Be sure to check out @riverrunrvresort on Instagram and think of them for your next Colorado adventure!

3 Times We Almost Called it Quits

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 22:21:44 GMT

Three rough times traveling that made us wonder, "What are we doing?!"

What was wrong and how did we fix it?

I always want to be real with anyone reading this blog about full-time travel, tiny living, Airstream life… all of the above. So I want to share some of our hardest moments that had us either wanting to quit or had us seriously questioning, “what are we even doing?” So here we go…

1. Moving Day

This is it! The Airstream is finished and we are starting to move in! We were on our last day before we needed to get going in order to meet my sister and her family at the Grand Canyon. We’ve been moving in for a couple of days and were just going to finish the last couple of things in the morning and leave by noon so Addie could sleep in the car. Sounds perfect right? Wrong. Well after one of the most stressful moving days which consisted of a bazillion hours, a brand new hitch, and no nap for Addie later… we finally left at 7pm and drove an hour and a half away to a KOA in New Mexcio. We had fast food for dinner, Jon spilled herbal tea all over the floor and we didn’t have a broom or vacuum, and the pantry drawer was falling through. As we finally laid in bed I was so excited to be on the road but we barely slept. It was a new bed for all of us, new noises, new heating, first campground. I remember lying in bed just thinking that surely it can only go up from here… right?

2. Week 1

Let me paint the picture by giving you our schedule. We stayed in Raton NM one night, then one night in Gallup, NM. Then we headed over to the Grand Canyon and spent 2 nights there, then we headed up to Hurricane, UT. We literally booked a campground 20mins outside of Hurricane and spent 3 days in the overnight parking at the KOA. Guys, we were EXHAUSTED! Addie was having the hardest time sleeping in her new bed. The only naps she would take were short ones in the car and then at night we were MAYBE sleeping a few hours. I felt like all we were doing was packing up the Airstream, driving, and then trying to get Addie to sleep. The only things that made that week bearable was seeing the Grand Canyon and hiking in Zion. Those were the moments that I held onto and knew that even though this was crazy hard, that this life would be awesome (hopefully).

3. First night in San Diego

What did we change?

Retract-a-Gate

Well the first thing was getting a new baby gate for the crib. I hated the wooden gate we had originally and so while we were at my parents we got a Retract-a-Gate and it was a NIGHT AND DAY DIFFERENCE. Literally, because all of the sudden we were all sleeping at night. Haha But ultimately I think Addie just had to adjust to her new bed like the rest of us and once she was adjusted she was golden. And so were the rest of us.

Thousand Trails Pass

After our first two weeks we had to go stay at my parents earlier than originally planned because we blew through the money we had budgeted. Campgrounds cost a lot, gas was crazy, and we were eating out way more. It added up quick. We had a few people tell us about Thousand Trails and we were pretty skeptical. For a few weeks we were looking at other options. But we dove a little deeper and did a lot of math and talked to SO MANY PEOPLE. There are diverse opinions but ultimately we realized that we would save a lot of money. So we signed up and we’ve been so happy with it! To read more about the campgrounds we've stayed at, click here.

Cell Booster

One tough part for us has been not having internet or service in some campgrounds. We work completely online and so when we don’t have internet at home it makes it real tough. We usually find a library so Addie can play while we work but sometimes that option isn’t always available. It’s been quite a cause for stress while full-timing so we are hoping to solve this issue. We finally got a cell booster yesterday!! We haven’t tried it out yet but we got the Drive 4G-X RV 50 WeBoost and will be using it through Verizon and T-Mobile, so hopefully this solves that problem. We’ll keep you posted.

Time

As with anything new, it just takes time to get used to. There will always be ups and downs but they get further apart the longer you keep going. Just focus on the good things you love and hold onto those things. The tough parts will fade away and the things you love will come into focus and traveling full-time will feel second nature. You'll be more equipped to handle bumps and changes but overall you’ll wonder why you didn't do this sooner.

Glacier National Park

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 15:13:25 GMT

Kayaking at Glacier National Park and where we camped that was just 5 minutes away from West Glacier entrance!

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is one of those National Parks that you hear about and just KNOW that it is going to be amazing. And it was.

Right upon entering the park it felt more like home and less like a tourist attraction. The park itself is huge but upon arrival, it feels like you’re entering a little town with an ice cream shop and café, boat rentals, and a small visitor center. After going to the visitor center we headed to get our kayak inspected. The inspections are free and pretty basic. You will have to rinse it off if it’s wet or dirty but that’s about it. If you aren't bringing your own gear you can rent for a good price right across the street from the lake. Life jackets are required to be worn by children and adults must have them in the boat with them or worn. After that, we went right to the dock next to the Village Inn and set sail! The pictures can show just how gorgeous this place was better than I could ever describe.

Unfortunately, our stay at Glacier National Park overlapped with my finals week so we didn’t get to explore the park as much as we wanted. There are SO many hikes and lakes and because the park is SO big there is some driving time to get to other lakes and trail heads. But luckily we camped the closest we could and were just a six minute drive to Lake McDonald which is Glacier National Park’s iconic lake. We kayaked out on the lake twice, both in different spots and had such a good time. I even got up the courage to jump into the freezing water which was so exhilarating! I highly recommend the experience.

Where We Camped - West Glacier RV Park & Cabins

We were hosted by West Glacier RV Park & Cabins to stay at their RV park for two nights and we added two of our own. Here are three things we loved about this campground and two things we did not. All opinions are my own.

Things We Did Not Love

1. Not a lot of privacy. While the spaces are large, there’s not a lot of privacy between neighbors. But with that being said this is a new park and there are lots of trees that have been planted. I’m sure in a few years there will be plenty of shade and privacy.

2. Not too many amenities. Usually, for luxury campgrounds, you get several amenities. They have a really nice playground and a modern bathhouse, a coin operated laundry facility and a convenient store. I just wish there was a pool for those hot days. However, I think the best amenity that you’re paying for is the location. It’s the closest campground to the West Glacier entrance and so you can be swimming in Lake McDonald in no time.

What We Loved

1. LOCATION! If you're looking for campgrounds near Glacier National park, this is the ONE! West Glacier RV Park & Cabins is literally 3 minutes away from the park entrance and 6 minutes away from Lake McDonald. We were able to go to the park in the morning and come back for nap time and then head back out again afterward. The close location to Glacier National Park made this campground super convenient. Plus the campground is surrounded by the beautiful Montana mountains, makes for some beautiful sunsets and star gazing at night.

2. If you know me, you know the signature for a good campground is large spots. Every spot in the campground is full service, and a very large pull thru, plus a large grassy area with a picnic table and a fire ring. We looooved using this for eating meals and for Addie and our dog Finnick playing together.

3. It’s very rare to find a campground near a National Park with WiFi AND that where the WiFi is free AND its high speed! This gave this campground HUGE points because hello, finals week! There are no hidden WiFi costs, it truly is complimentary. And you can stream on this WiFi at any time of the day, so it’s high quality!

We absolutely loved our stay at West Glacier RV Park & Cabins. If you're heading to West Glacier, be sure to check out for your stay! You can book your campsite or cabin here . When we come back - and we definitely will - you can find us and our Airstream right here!

One Day in Seattle with a Toddler

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 19:42:28 GMT

The Seattle experience in a day with a toddler!

Pike's Place Market

Pike’s Place Market place is the longest-running farmer’s market in America! The hype and the buzz of the atmosphere is palpable. You have flowers lining one side and the most unique crafts, food, art, jewelry, anything you can think of on the other! On the lower level, you’ll find shops dedicated to vintage prints, toy cars, magic shops, and more unique products! And of course, the famous fish throwing vendor will not leave you disappointed.

I usually get anxiety in large crowds and people trying to sell me stuff. But the vibe here was so family-friendly. The crowds felt less annoying and more like I just found the after party of Seattle.

Just a short stairway away is the somehow popular and extremely gross, gum wall. This alleyway is just covered in gum on the walls and it looks really cool, just don’t think about it too much.

Savor Seattle Chocolate Indulgence Tour

One of the best ways to experience a city is through your taste buds. Seattle has hundreds of restaurants and it can be overwhelming to find those one of a kind food spots that allow you to experience the Emerald City. The best way to taste the city of Seattle is through a food tour and boy did we do it right with the Chocolate Indulgence Tour offered by Savor Seattle ! Chocolate is my love language, so doing nothing but eating, learning, and indulging in chocolate for two hours was the best way to spend my time. We ate at five different restaurants, trying two desserts at each. And yes, chocolate is the focal point but you get to try a large variety; from coconut pie to cheesecake, to ice cream, to fancy truffles.

Our tour guide, Katya was AMAZING! She was so upbeat, knowledgeable, and so good with Addie. She helps trains the other tour guides so I’m positive all of the food tours are in good hands.

Savor Seattle offers six unique food tour experiences. Ranging from Pike’s Peak Market food tours to Gourmet, to Booze & Bites. Pro tip for those going on a tour with young kids - be sure to bring an extra pair of clothes. But if you have to learn the hard way like us, there is a Target just a block away from where you tend. ;)

Center for Wooden Boats Tour

Seattle is a unique city because it is surrounded by water. So, naturally one of the best ways to experience it is on the water! The Center for Wooden Boats is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of ways to get out on the water. You can access the docks for free and see all the beautiful hand-crafted boats they make inside their workshop. And if you want to get out on the water you can rent rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and even sailboats. And if you’re in Seattle for a while they offer Sailing programs for both kids and adults, along with boat making classes in their workshop. But if you’re looking for a great family-friendly activity out on the water, definitely go on Sunday for the Sunday Sail! Added bonus, it’s FREE!

Ned, our tour guide, has been sailing since he was a kid and you could tell how passionate he is about being on the water. He shared a lot of information about Seattle and the history behind it. It was awesome having a more one on one experience and being so close to the water. I loved watching the seaplanes take off and land right near us too! There are a lot of options to get out on the water, but The Center for Wooden Boats is as one of a kind as they come.

Argosy Cruises

Another great way to get out on the water is with Argosy Cruises ! The ships are bigger and offer drinks and concessions. We went for the Stay & Play tour that starts you off on Lake Union and cruises you all the way around to Pike Place Market. If you know anything about Seattle, that means we got to go through the famous Ballard Locks ! If you’re scratching your head about what these “locks” are then you were like me. It's essentially a boat elevator and I learned that they are the third most popular attraction in Seattle, just behind Pikes Place Market and the Seattle Space Needle! Most people go over and watch the boats go through, but on this tour, we were one of those boats.

Our tour guide, Billy, was very knowledgeable about all the things to see on this cruise. Just to name a few of the cool things, we saw gorgeous houseboats, the house where they filmed Sleepless in Seattle, a lighthouse, cool bridges, industrial fishing boats, and on a good day you can even see wildlife!

My favorite part of our cruise was going up on the bridge and talking with Captain Greg. Definitely the best views up there and he was so awesome to let Addie run around while we asked him a billion questions. Addie even got to steer the ship! Don't tell the rest of the group that it was being steered (ever so slightly) by a two-year-old for a little bit. ;)

Overall, we were so impressed with the staff and the experience as a whole. We ended the trip just across the street from Pike’s Place Market where we could go explore and shop! Argosy Cruises offers a huge variety of cruises, from 1-hour harbor cruises to a 5-hour cruise to Blake Island for a Northwest Native American experience. There are plenty of options for a great family-friendly adventure to explore as much of Seattle and the surrounding areas as your heart desires.

We jam packed so much into one day in Seattle! But the bottom line is that there is SO much to do and we barely scratched the surface. We loved how many toddler friendly activities there were to do! The city was clean and felt very safe. We definitely will be back for a longer family-friendly stay!

3 Months of Tiny Living - What we love and what we don't

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 19:54:43 GMT

After 3 months of Tiny Living we are taking stalk of what we love and what we don’t

As with just about anything in life, you can only prepare so much until you are actually living it. We have been living in a 150 sq ft Airstream for the past 3 months and here are 3 things we love and 3 things we don’t.

Things We Don’t Love

1. Constantly cleaning

This was the first thing I realized I didn’t like about Tiny Living. For other people this may be a dream but not for me. With a tiny space messes get made very quickly and even the smallest messes look big. The up side is that it doesn’t take long to clean, but I feel like I am constantly cleaning to get the most out of the space I have.

2. No napping

So this only really applies with kiddos. But since we all pretty much live in one giant(ish) room, unless our daughter is sleeping, nobody else can be sleeping. This obviously isn’t a huge problem but the occasional rough night with her or is sick and one of us needs to get some sleep in during the day, it becomes more challenging. This also applies to having some alone time. I’m the kind of person that needs time to myself to recharge. I can usually get this during nap times or early bed times but otherwise I either go on a walk, a drive, or send Jonathan and Addie on an errand.

3. Rainy Days

One of the main goals with tiny living is to take advantage of the big big world outside. So it really doesn’t feel so tiny when you spend so much time outside. But when there are lots of rainy days in a row and aren’t getting outside as much, it can start feeling really small and tends to get much messier.

Things We Love About Tiny Living

1. Everything has its place

A big part is the minimalism! There is a lot of peace of mind knowing that everything you have in your home has a purpose and a place. Now, this isn’t saying you’re never going to lose things. Because I thought that and we somehow have still lost some things. But they usually turn up pretty quick. I love the order and the simplicity this lifestyle brings.

2. Spending lots of time together

I know what you’re thinking, “this should be on the cons list.” Haha but I’m going to tell you why this has been awesome for us! When you live in such a small place, it forces you to talk, hang out, and interact. I’ve noticed that Jonathan and I argue less and talk more. We both are extremely involved with Addie and we co-parent so much better which has eased a lot of stress. I've noticed that Jonathan and Addie's relationship has grown since we began living tiny. It also makes watching Addie so much easier because no matter what you’re doing, you can check on her. It’s awesome!

3. More time outside

I mentioned this on number 3 in my other list, but one of the things I feel like people forget when they think of Tiny Living is that it encourages more time spent outside! I’ve noticed a palpable difference in our lives. Our living space got smaller and our world got bigger. We take advantage of so many more things outside the home than we ever have. We go to libraries, parks, lookouts, beaches, trails, play places, and so much more! We spend so much time outside that when we do spend a day at home it feels like a privilege.

Is Tiny Living for everyone? Nope, definitely not. But despite the few things we don’t like, the things we do enjoy make up for it. The transition to tiny living was much easier than anticipated. It’s amazing how adaptable to our living spaces and situations we really can be. You never realize how little you actually do need until you try it out.

Have you ever considered tiny living?

5 Best Features in our Airstream Renovation

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 04:23:48 GMT

During our Airstream Renovation we added 5 features that have made living tiny that much easier!

1. Self-Cleaning Vacuum

We have a little hidden cubby where we keep our Deebot (googly eyes not included). This almost didn’t happen and I am SO glad it did. I learned within one day how dirty our floors get. It’s awesome to run the little robot vacuum while we are gone or asleep or packing up and have it do all the work.

2. Hidden Dog Bowls

We had just a little bit of space here and we decided to add in a drawer for our puppy dog’s food and water bowls. I noticed many tiny living people with dogs had their bowls out on the floor and they mentioned how they were constantly tripping over them. Adding this drawer has been a great way to have a specific spot for his bowls and it also comes in handy when the toddler is on the loose.

3. Eyelets for bungee cords

Adding these eyelets was literally a last minute Home Depot run the day before we left in our Airstream. I’m so grateful we added these because it makes securing our table and our fridge so much easier and faster.

4. Baby Nook

I love how our daughter’s bed and storage turned out! We put a lot of thought into her space and it is amazing. I love that her bed is accessible during the day. It opens up the area completely and gives more space for playing or diaper changes during the day. We use a retract-a-gate for the siding of her bed when she’s sleeping and it tucks away so neatly.

5. Towel hanger from IKEA

We got this about a month in and it was so necessary. Rather than just having hooks for single towels, we have these rods that can extend. We use these for our towels, swimsuits, and clothes that need to air dry. We placed it on the edge of the shower so that way these items will drip into the shower and can be tucked away and out of the way.

Thousand Trails - Pacific City

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 15:26:41 GMT

Pacific City RV resort is right next to Cape Kiwanda right along the Oregon Coast!

Pacific City RV Resort had so many amenities and the biggest, most private campsites we've ever had! It's across the street from the beach and lives in the beautiful small coastal town of Pacific City, Oregon.

Things we did not love:

1. No service/internet

If there’s no service or data then it will always make the “things I did not love” list. I’ve mentioned before that we work online and I attend school online, so to not be connected at the campground can be real challenging. We have both Verizon & T-Mobile devices and neither got service, but also everyone we talked to also said they didn't get service there. But I also wanted to mention that the lodge has Wi-Fi but it was extremely slow. We talked to staff about this and they say they are trying to get some cell boosters for the campground. So hopefully this won’t be an issue for long.

2. Skinny roads

This RV resort is HUGE! The biggest I’ve ever seen. Navigating it can be tough, especially with a trailer in tow. You just pray you don’t come across another car or trailer going down the same road as you. Or that you don’t accidentally go down a one way. (May have happened to us.)

Things we loved

1. Large spots

This campground had the LARGEST and most PRIVATE spots we had ever seen! The pictures can speak for themselves at how large they were. It was very private and we couldn’t see any of our neighbors except the ones across the street. I love big and private spots and this was the first campground I felt like got it just right.

2. Location

This campground is literally within walking distance to the beach. And these beaches are so nice and not crowed. Some spots in the campground even have overlooks to the ocean. It’s so beautiful. You’re also 3min away far away little town of Pacific City.

3. Kids area in the lodge & indoor pool

I’ve gotta mention this because this was the first campground lodge we have seen with a separate room with children toys and books. We went there a few times to let Addie get out and play with some new toys and friends. Pacific City RV resort also has an indoor pool! Which, if you know anything about Oregon, it’s that the weather can be very unpredictable! So having an indoor pool is a great amenity!

Thousand Trails - Russian River

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 17:46:14 GMT

Russian River was our in-between park to split up the drive between Yosemite and the Redwoods. The highlight of this RV resort was the river!

The Thousand Trails campground, Russian River was just a half way stop near Santa Rosa, CA and we were pleasantly surprised with what this RV campground had to offer!

Things We Did Not Love

1. The location

This place was in the middle of nowhere. Cloverdale has a gas station, a Taco Bell, a Starbucks, and maybe a few other businesses. Oh and there’s a grocery store a way in too. But there’s just not much to do. Santa Rosa is about 30 min away.

2. Lack of staff and activities

We were only here 3 nights but we only saw staff at the front gate and just didn’t see much of a community effect. Which was just a big difference coming from Yosemite where they had a large staff and a lot going on all the time. So, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing since we were looking to just get work done here, but that’s something you may be looking for in your campground. Although I did see a signup sheet for weddings and vow renewals so… ;)

Things We Loved

1. The river!

We went to the river every day we were there! The water is a refreshingly cold temp and has lots of rocky shores to play on. We went tubing down the river a lot and that was definitely my favorite part about our stay. I think the pictures speak for themselves about how much we enjoyed tubing down the river.

2. The lodge

This was the first lodge we have seen with a pool table and tons of toys and games! They have an outdoor area with a grill and also has movie nights there on the weekends. It was pretty nice and we enjoyed spending an evening playing games and letting Addie play with the toys. They have a little store and a place where you can rent tubes.

3. Cellular Service

For people who work and go to school completely online, this is always a big plus! We had great service with both Verizon and T-Mobile at our campsite and was able to get a lot of work done while we were here.

Thousand Trails - Yosemite Lakes

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 17:19:04 GMT

We thought we loved all our campgrounds until we came here. We loved it so much that we extended our stay!

The Yosemite Lakes campground was actually the one that got us interested in a Thousand Trails to begin with. This campground is chuck full of amenities in the campground itself, and it’s 10 min away from the Yosemite National Park entrance. And I’m apologizing in advance, we were enjoying it so much that we forgot to take pictures until we left! So I only have a few but hopefully it’s better than nothing.

Things We Did Not Love

1. Close together

Now, I think every campground has their spots really close to together. My ideal campground would be where you can’t even see your neighbors, but obviously that’s not practical. But these spots were great length-wise but just felt tight. It feels like you’re sharing every meal and conversation with your neighbors. But thankfully for us we made some great friends with our neighbors! And by neighbors I mean, but parked next to us and a few down! Haha So we ended up sharing meals together and having great conversations! So maybe being close together isn’t a bad thing if you like the people you’re next to.

2. Poor Wi-Fi

I don’t have much that I didn’t love about this place so that’s the only reason this is making the list. They offer complimentary Wi-Fi at the lodge but you can pay for Wi-Fi to have at your own spot. It was $5.49 for a day and $10.95 for the week. Given this Wi-Fi is not great, not good enough to stream anything really. It works better at the lodge because that’s where the booster is, and there I was able to take a proctored test using the paid Wi-Fi.

Things We Loved

2. Customer Service

The staff here was amazing! The best way I can explain it is by sharing an experience. Every morning and evening I would go to the lodge to work on school. I was particularly stressed one morning because it was a big week with lots of assignments and a big exam due. I had brought my own yogurt to eat while studying. Donna came up and asked if I was finished with my yogurt cup. I kept my dirty spoon and handed her the empty cup with a thank you. She then offers to take my dirty spoon and wash it for me!!! I said that’s okay but she insisted and so she WASHED MY SPOON! If that isn’t a reflection of customer service, I don’t know what it is. They were super helpful in getting us an extension to stay for 3 more days too.

3. Activities, amenities, and location

They had lots of activities going on throughout the week. They sold cupcakes, had a Sunday breakfast, and BBQ nights. There are big areas with horseshoes and tether-ball, and mini golf! The lodge is big with a big TV and puzzles and a kid area. The park itself offers a little county store that actually had quite a lot of food options and supplies. They also have a gas station. The closest town was Groveland, which is 20 min away and is a pretty small town. The biggest town that had a Walmart and lower gas prices was Sonora and that was an hour away. It’s 10 min away from the Yosemite National Park Entrance but keep in mind that it’s about an hour away to Yosemite Valley. But the drive is BEAUTIFUL!

Thousand Trails - Rancho Oso

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 16:45:13 GMT

Thousand Trails in the mountains of Los Padres California

Our first mistake with our stay in Rancho Oso is that it wasn’t long enough. This stop was an in-between stop to break up driving days. So after they tell us about the fun rodeos, activities, horseback riding, and more they were doing this weekend we looked at each other and wished our stay was longer.

3 Things We Did Not Love

1. The drive up

The drive up, while gorgeous, is difficult towing a trailer. There are lots of curves alongside cliffs and some very narrow roads. On the way in we ran across a big fifth wheel going down. We had to back up our Airstream until we could get far enough off the road to let them go by. I was grateful we didn’t run into anyone when we were leaving because those roads are tight.

2. Activities

The only reason why this is showing up on things we did not love list is because we wish there was at least one activity to do during the week. We heard this from a few other families too that was looking for activities to do during the week. We didn't stay through the weekend but all the activities over the weekend sounded fun.

3. Weather & Distance

I’m only putting weather because it was in the triple digits when we were there early June. So just a heads up for anyone going without AC. Rancho Oso is the Thousand Trails closest to Santa Barbra and is right in the Los Padres National Forest up on a mountain, you’re about a half hour away from any cities and stores. We realized this once we ran out of diapers and had to head to the nearest Target. So unless you’re sticking to activities and amenities offered in the campsite or hiking trails in the mountains, you’ll need to drive out to do anything.

3 Things We Loved

1. The Campground

When you drive into the park you are welcomed with the sight of beautiful horses grazing in pastures. The campsite is large and beautiful! They have these themed cabins you can stay in or in hand covered wagons! If you’re hooking a camper up they have rows of campers that are on a hill. So it gives you a view over your neighbors to the south. And the views of surrounding mountains is not a bad one.

2. Pools & hot tub

Yup, you heard me right. Pools, plural. Rancho Oso has 2 pools and 1 hot tub. As I mentioned before it was in the triple digits so we spent a lot of time at the pool staying cool.

3. Wildlife

Besides pastures of horses, there are lots more animals! They have a barn area that you can walk around and see all sorts of farm animals! Super fun to take kids to. There are also wild turkeys walking around everywhere. This campground does offer horseback riding but they were all booked out and Addie was too young, but definitely something to look into if you are booking ahead.

Service & Signal:

We have Verizon and T-Mobile devices and we weren’t able to receive signal at our campsite. However, they do have a cellular booster in the lodge that worked great! We were able to even do some video calls that’s how quick the internet was in there.

Disneyland Max Pass + Child Swap!

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 19:53:43 GMT

Tips & Tricks for combining the Max Pass and Child Swap! Plus a campground within walking distance!

If you haven’t been to Disneyland lately then well, you gotta go! So much has changed and that includes how the Fast Pass system works. I’ll go through and share all about the Max Pass, Disneyland app, and Child Swap.

Disneyland Max Pass

Max Pass is the new faster way to get Fast Passes and it’s in conjunction with your photo pass too. You can buy it with your tickets for $10 dollars per paying ticket (ages 3+) per day. Or $15 if you buy it separately. The Max Pass goes right along with your Disneyland app. It allows you to get Fast Passes all on the app, versus running to different rides as soon as your time is up. We’ve all been there right? Just me? #youngestchild It also works as a Photo Pass! So all of those pictures you would get taken by the Disney photographers and never see again? Now you get a digital copy almost instantly.

One big change is the Fast Pass time window. Beforehand they wouldn’t care when you came as long as it was after the start time. But now the end time matters. So you have one hour to use your Fast Pass. If a ride closes during the time you have a Fast Pass it allows you to use it as a Fast Pass for any other ride.

Tips we learned: set a timer for when you can sign up for another Fast Pass. Set your QR code for your photo pass as your lock screen on your phone that way you don’t have to go digging for it every time you get a picture taken.

Disneyland App

This app should’ve happened FOREVER ago! These are 5 reasons why I love it:

1. Accurate wait times!

2. Shows all the places to eat and allows you to make reservations

3. Mobile pick up for snacks (Dole whip anyone?!)

4. Gives show times for all shows in BOTH parks

5. Works as a map. No more shuffling around a piece of paper.

6. It’s FREE

I added a bonus reason because I love the app so much.

Child Swap

Now if you’re like most people headed to the happiest place on earth you’ll be going there with little kiddos that don’t quite reach up to the height stick on the big rides. Two of our friends joined us at Disneyland and we are SO grateful they did. Not only did they add to the fun in every way, they also helped out with Addie during child swap. So here is how it works. Say you want to go on Guardians of the Galaxy Escape ride but your little nugget is too small for the ride. You have two options, either group A goes through the stand by line or goes through fast pass if you got a fast pass for the ride. You will only need two Fast pass though because then, group B comes with group A to the Cast Member at the entrance of the line and asks for a child swap while group A goes on the ride. The cast member will scan Group B’s park tickets that will give them a “Fast Pass” for an hour. So while group A is screaming their hearts out, Group B can go take the kiddo on another kid friendly ride and then once group A comes off then they take the kid and group B then goes and gets dropped in an elevator.

So a little hack we learned is that we could split up our Fast Passes so half of us would have a fast pass for Toy Story and the other for Soar’n Over California and then we get child swaps for the other half. Doing this, in combination with utilizing the MaxPass, we maybe waited in a standby line 4 or 5 times. And that was only if they were 20min or less. Plus, we saved time and both groups got to experience the little kid rides with Addie.

A great way to utilize the Max Pass with Child Swap is only having two people buy the Max Pass and using the Child swap passes for the other two people. It’s an easy way to save $30 bucks.

Where We Camped

Thousand Trails - Pio Pico Campground

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:46:29 GMT

Our first Thousand Trails Campground near San Diego at Pio Pico

Pio Pico was the first Thousand Trails campground we stayed at after getting our membership. We wanted a little bit of down time to really enjoy one of our favorite areas of southern California, so we stayed here for 10 days. This campground is very secluded in the foothills of Otay Lakes. It’s about a half hour away from the beach, and 15 min away from town. The seclusion of the campground is very nice; however, it comes at a cost.

3 Things We Loved

1. We loved the area! We backed into our spot and were under the shade of a large tree with an empty ditch behind us where we could play and chase wild bunnies. There’s a picnic bench for each site as well that we would go eat dinner at ours most nights.

2. The proximity – this location was really nice for what we wanted to do in San Diego. There’s a beautiful park just 10 min away that we spent a lot of time at. It’s 30 min away from several beaches. And so many kid friendly facilities and restaurants in Chula Vista.

3. Wasn’t too crowded. When you read below you will see that we arrived the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. So it was very crowded at first. But by Tuesday we didn’t have neighbors until the last three days. Ideally if you book a Thousand Trails campground you will want to come during the week so you can have more options for choosing your spot.

3 Things We Did Not

1. Our first night here was a terrible experience. There was a misunderstanding from the moment we got here and we didn’t feel like we were treated with a lot of respect in the beginning. Like I mentioned above we arrived on the Sunday before Memorial Day. So we were expecting it to be crowded and were already planning on changing spots once things cleared up. What we weren’t expecting was to park, get hooked up, and then have our power go out while we are cooking dinner. Moving and resetting up after a long drive and with a tired toddler is the last thing we wanted to do. We moved to a different spot for the night with power and then the next morning once people were leaving we finally moved to a spot we loved. We also didn’t have any more negative experiences with the management after that. The staff were friendly and helpful.

2. No sewer hookups for 2 of the campground areas. There’s one main campground area that is next to the ranger station with the nice playground and the swimming pool. This campground has sewer hookups. Across the street are two more lots and these do not have sewer hookups, but do have a dump station.

3. No service. By day three we were really loving this campground and our spot. But every conversation we had was, “I love this campground, but I wish it had service.” Or “I could totally stay here longer, if it had service.” If you’re looking to disconnect during your stay, then this is the place! But if you work from the road full-time (like us) or just like your Netflix (like me), it can make it very difficult.

5 Kid Friendly Activities in San Diego for FREE (or close to it)

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:19:48 GMT

Family friendly activities to do in San Diego that aren't Seaworld or the Zoo

We love the San Diego area and that is why we couldn’t wait to come back! We spent our babymoon before Addie was born in San Diego, and were so excited to bring Addie back here and explore more. Here are the 6 toddler friendly things we did in San Diego! This was just scratching the surface, there was still so much more we could’ve done.

1. Mormon Battalion & Old Town - FREE

San Diego has a rich Mexican and pioneer history. This is so clearly captured in Old Town San Diego at the Fiesta De Reyes and the Mormon Battalion . The Mormon Battalion is a free historical site where you go on a 45 min tour and learn all about the history. This tour is so fun and kid friendly and you learn a lot about how San Diego was settled. And at the end you get a free old timey photo as well as a bunch of activities. We loved panning for gold!

Old Town is an entire block of culture and history! There are so many neat stores, museum sites, places to eat, and live entertainment all in one area. We loved eating the street tacos and watching the dancers perform traditional Mexican dances.

2. La Jolla - FREE

3. Downtown San Diego & Cabrillo National Monument – FREE with National Park Pass

We went to the famous El Indio Mexican restaurant , that was super authentic and very yummy. After lunch we headed to Cabrillo National Monument . We got in free with our National park annual pass. The entire area is out on a peninsula and is gorgeous everywhere you look. You have a really great view of the military instillation. The drive there takes you by a huge veteran’s cemetery that feels very sacred to walk on those grounds and read the headstones and the monuments.

The National Monument has tide pools and a light house, along with lots of trails to explore. Addie had fallen asleep in the car so we mostly drove around and enjoyed the beautiful views. Once she woke up we headed down to the tide pools just to learn they were closing at 4:30. We headed up to the lighthouse and had a half hour before it closed at 5. So our exploring part of our stay felt very rushed. We weren’t quite ready to leave San Diego so we headed to the marina where the USS Midway and the kissing statue are. We didn’t have a lot of time before needing to head back home for dinner and bed, so we just walked around and admired the massive ship.

4. Chula Vista – $12

As I mentioned, we didn’t have service at our campground. So we needed to find places we could connect to our MiFi (see all the ways we connect on the road here ) and have Addie be entertained. We were so fortunate to find and be so close to Play City ! It’s a huge indoor playground for kids with a dedicated closed off huge toddler area! Plus, comfy couches for the adults. It was a win win win! We spent two days here and Addie had a blast and we got a lot of work done. We noticed the entire area had tons of kid friendly places around, like a little artist shop, a trampoline center, and more! There were lots of beautiful parks nearby with tons of grassy areas. We had so many positive experiences in Chula Vista that we added it to our list of places we could live in once we settle down.

5. Ocean Beach - FREE

Ocean Beach was one of our favorites when we came here on our babymoon and was the first beach we came to on this trip. Ocean Beach has a portion of it that allows dogs! We took Finnick and had a blast playing in the water and playing with other dogs. It’s definitely not a beach you sit and relax on, because dogs will come up to you and your stuff constantly. But very fun for you and your furry friends. The rest of Ocean Beach is really nice and has the longest pier in California that you can walk out to and eat at their little café. There is a lot of free parking right by the beach too!

6. Strawberry Farm - $14-$22

The Carlsbad Strawberry Farm was a little way out of San Diego but well worth it! We stopped by here on our way to Anaheim. It was a bit pricier than what we were expecting. We chose the large $22 dollar bucket that included all three of us to go pick strawberries. But it was well worth the money. We spent over an hour picking strawberries and snapping pictures. I can’t emphasize how much fun we had picking and eating fresh strawberries! We saw several other families there as well with kids of all ages participating in this fun adventure!

Check out our blog post all about Disneyland and where we camped within walking distance of the park!

Zion National Park

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 23:04:24 GMT

Ways we explored Zion National Park with a toddler!

Growing up in Utah, I had visited Zion National Park twice. I’ve hiked the infamous Angel’s Landing and trekked through the Narrows. I’ve had such great experiences at this park and was excited to take my family.

We met up with my sister and her family on their Spring Break vacation where they were visiting 4 national parks with their fourth grader. Since we had their kids and Addie we stuck to the smaller hikes. Unlike the Grand Canyon there are loads of hikes for all schedules and all experience.

Lower Emerald Pools

The first hike we did was to the Lower Emerald Pools. The upper pools were closed at the time but were also more difficult so we stuck with the Lower Pools. The hike was super easy and took us to a beautiful waterfall where the trail takes you behind the waterfall. The hike is very short and easy. Addie was 16 months at the time and walked most of it.

Weeping Rock

We decided to do Weeping Rock last minute. The shuttle bus dropped us off right at the trail head and this hike was maybe a half mile. You can see the waterfall and the weeping rocks almost the entire way, but the trail head takes you behind the water. Also a beautiful little hike.

Shuttle Buses

The shuttle buses at Zion National Park were great! There is very little wait time between buses and they are super easy to navigate. It’s a very convenient way to get to the trails, and in a lot of cases the only way to get to some trails. The bus driver will point out different landmarks and share stories and history. They also would point out wildlife and rock climbers. We enjoyed the shuttle so much that we rode the bus the entire route just to see and hear more about Zion National Park.

Next Time

We are already planning a trip back to Zion National Park to hike through the Narrows. We are hoping to invite cousins and friends to join us and get a babysitter for Addie. The Narrows was my favorite hike when I came as a teenager and have been wanting to do it again ever since. Maybe one day I can convince Jon to go to Angel’s landing too. We’ll see. ;)

First Stop, The Grand Canyon

Mon, 13 May 2019 00:31:02 GMT

The Grand Canyon was our First Big Stop on our Full-Time Travel Adventures!

There was only one place we could imagine to properly begin our travels as a full-time family. That place was the Grand Canyon. We knew this place wouldn’t disappoint, it’s in the name. It also helped that my sister’s family was heading there as part of their spring break.

Once we had a date to actually be at the Grand Canyon I hit the internet to find a campground. Since we were booking with only a week’s notice a lot of places were booked. But we found a spot at a close place with decent prices.

The best part of the Grand Canyon Camper Village was the location. It’s super close to the National Park and in a little town with lots of restaurants. The RV park doesn’t offer any special amenities, just a table next to your spot. The showers cost, which what I hear is common in campgrounds around the Grand Canyon. But everything else was pretty standard for a campground.

There have been very few sights I’ve seen that have literally stopped me in my tracks and taken my breath away. The first time I saw the Grand Canyon was one of those places. The morning we went to the Grand Canyon we brought our daughter and our dog. We spent about 2 hours on the South Rim trail. This trail is the only pet friendly trail in the park. The entire trail is paved and every single view was jaw dropping! We went back to the Airstream to let Addie take a nap and eat lunch and get some work done. A few hours later we met up with my sister’s family at the visitor’s center. This time with no dog. We headed on the South Rim Trail in the opposite direction and enjoyed the rock museum and many more sights. Again, every single view is absolutely stunning.

The next day when we were leaving we spent almost an extra hour pulling over at each overlook. Every. Single. Stop. Was AMAZING! We just couldn’t stop looking at the Grand Canyon and taking pictures.

Tips for your trip:

Book ahead! There are lots of great campgrounds and some are even inside of the park. But they book up fast!

If you only have a day to spend at the Grand Canyon or are not big on hiking, I would stick to the South Rim Trail. Any other hike is long and difficult. And a lot of the good ones also require permits. If you are doing any hike down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, it is not recommended at all to do this in one day.

When we come back I would love to do the 3 days or 7 days’ river rafting trip. Who wants to join us?

Have you been to the Grand Canyon? Where did you stay?

If you haven't been to the Grand Canyon what would you like to do when you go?

Working from the Road

Fri, 10 May 2019 06:41:55 GMT

How we make a living from the road so we can travel full-time

One of the most frequently asked questions we get is ”How can you afford to travel full-time?”

Well, I’m going to tell you!

Our Story

Once we decided to travel full-time, we knew we had to figure out how to work from the road.

At the time I was employed at a hospital working as a surgical technologist in the operating room. I enjoyed what I did but also wanted to stay at home with my daughter Addie. I originally started to look into traveling scrub tech positions. And while that’s not the direction I went in, it’s still something I would like to do in the future.

I also have always loved writing and have done little writing gigs in the past so I explored ways to do jobs that I could take on the road.

Jonathan was working for a marketing company that allowed him to have fairly flexible hours. We started talking with his manager about working in a position that would allow him to work from the road.

Then that all changed.

Unexpectedly on February 13, 2018, Jonathan was called by his manager and HR rep. The call was to inform him that not only he but his entire department was being let go. While we were devastated at first, this was the exact push we needed to get our plan in motion.

Jonathan has always had a dream to create his own business. He knew the marketing field extremely well and more importantly, knew how to do it better than the companies he had worked for.

Two months later Adify Marketing was born.

That sentence makes it sound really easy, but the reality of that sentence was not easy at all. There were struggles and sacrifices that only we’ll remember. But today, in hindsight, it has become just one sentence in our entire success story.

Our Business

Adify Marketing is an online marketing company that offers SEO, Websites, Social Media, Branding & more. I am so proud of this business and so grateful that we can do everything online from the road.

We work with and try to hire other full-time traveling families to help allow others to work from the road and fulfill their dreams as well.

I have loved helping others turn their dreams into businesses. I’ve been so fortunate to meet many insightful people that have inspired me.

It is such a privilege to help other people with their businesses and aid them in being successful.

Working from the Airstream

One challenge we knew we would have while working from our Airstream on the road was Wi-Fi. We MUST be connected to the Internet to serve our clients so it is a major priority for us. While we have a system worked out right now, I know this will change and hopefully improve as we continue to work and see what works best for us.

Right now, we have the following:

Verizon MiFi Unlimited

The Wi-Fi we mainly use when we are working from the Airstream.

Verizon Hum

This gives Wi-fi while we drive

I love this option because I can get a lot of work done on driving days. And at times when we may not get a signal at our campsite, we can drive somewhere and work from our car.

T-Mobile Hotspot from a tablet

We also have a tablet for work that has a hotspot.

T-Mobile phones

Currently, we’re with T-Mobile and have limited data. This will change because we quickly discovered that we run out of that data so fast.

We may stay with T-Mobile but we’re also looking into AT&T so we have a wide range of Wi-fi options as we travel around the country.

So you want to earn money on the road:

My biggest advice is to get creative! There’re so many needs in the world and you can make a living from doing so many things. Figure out what YOUR skills are and how you can apply those from the road.

The second bit of advice is, take the leap. I am the kind of person that likes knowing where my next paycheck is coming from and how much it is. Starting a business was terrifying for me!

But as we went along, I was surprised that it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. We work around the clock, but when we need to have family time, we can do that! The payout is so worth getting up early and staying up late to get work done.

I heard this thought from somewhere and I’ll try to summarize it the best I can:

Many people are scared to work for themselves because they’re worried about the source of income. It may feel safer to work for one company and receive that steady paycheck. But what they don’t realize is that when you work for yourself, you have several companies or people you are receiving a paycheck from. So if you get fired from one company, you still have several others supporting your income.

I hope anyone who reads this, can gain one extra ounce of courage to go for their dreams and love what you do each day of your lives.

Check out this blog post at Air-streaming.com

Airstream Mini Projects

Fri, 10 May 2019 06:20:13 GMT

The unflattering mini projects in the Airstream Renovation

After the floors were in and before we could put the walls up, there was a bunch of little things to do. It was a rough stage because there was no satisfaction and we hit a major rut in our motivation.

But during this stage we repainted the emblems, organized and fixed the electric, sealed leaks, and so much more. So many little things that you don't see on Pinterest but need to be done when renovating.

To repaint the emblems we removed the paint with a paint stripper. We applied Vaseline to the areas where we didn't want the paint to stick. Then we spray painted the areas their appropriate colors and then wiped off the Vaseline areas to get the clean finish.

Another mini project we did was replace all of the lights on the exterior of the Airstream

So many little projects. Fixing the AC, spray painting all exterior pieces, removing the antenna, patches, and sealing leaks.

Our Tiny Living Story - Part 2

Fri, 10 May 2019 05:37:16 GMT

Our Journey to Tiny Living in a Trailer

Over the next several weeks we began looking into everything about living in an RV with kids. I was shocked to see so many people who did this full-time with not just one kid but sometimes several! I reached out to so many families on Instagram and asked questions. I read blogs. I joined Facebook groups. Slowly the idea started seeming a little less crazy.

There were still several things that needed to be figured out. Doing this would literally mean changing our entire lives! We needed to find an RV to live in. We needed to find work that we could do from the road. We needed to learn all about traveling the nation full-time. It was incredibly overwhelming but we took it one step at a time. Read more about the feelings of taking this leap HERE.

Before completely agreeing I wanted to go look at RVs and see if there was a way we could live in one full-time. I had never even stepped foot in an RV before we headed to some lots to look at some. All I could see was BROWN! Why are RV’s so brown? I hated all of them.

But I was still warming up to the idea and wanted to give it an honest effort so we kept shopping around. We went to an RV show and several lots around the state. We finally found one that we loved but it was really pricey.

Through many reasons I won’t bore you with, we decided to move to Colorado. It would allow us to save some money, downsize our things, and give ourselves two months to get ready to move into an RV and hit the road.

Then during a trip back out to Utah for a wedding is when we noticed an Airstream sitting in storage out in a field and everything changed.

Read about how we got our Airstream HERE

The Leap

Fri, 10 May 2019 05:21:50 GMT

The feeling of leaping into an unsure phase in life

I stand with two feet planted firmly atop a steep cliff. The view up here is divine. I can see the cliffs and valleys go on into the horizon. Everywhere I look is a destination.

I have with me a large backpack, and my arms are heavy from a large load I’m carrying.

At the edge of the cliff, I can now see below, where before all saw was across and out. Down below I see a blue river striding along a careless path. It looks like a stroke of paint across a brown canvas. I see vibrant green trees hugging the mountainsides and traces of speckled wildflowers. I’ve never seen so much color and beauty. All I had ever focused on was the scenery in front of me, but now I’m being drawn to this oasis below me.

But how do I get there? At first, it feels impossible, not even worth entertaining the thought. The view around me is beautiful, and I am safe, and I have all of my stuff. I try to dismiss the , but I can’t help but look down and study the thrilling foreign scenery. I’ve only seen pictures and heard stories before, but now I want to experience it. Well, I could jump. Jump and hope I make it safely and that the best of my belongings won't escape my grip in the fall. While the jump sounds exhilarating, the rest of the logic ends about right there too.

I start looking more closely at the decent. I notice cliffs stepping nearly all the way down. The distances differ from each cliff to the next. With a lot of hesitation, I leap. I leap downward toward the closest cliff, just 2 feet below me. I land with a thud, and all my stuff clatters at the impact but stays secure in my tight grip.

I look up at where I was, still within reach. I look down below, still very out of reach but is now feeling more attainable just two feet closer. I look around and find another cliff about the same distance as the last. I leap once more. This time as I land, one of the items in my arms slips away. I don’t even recognize what it is as it crashes and clangs along the rocks.

The decent carries along in this pattern. Jump then look back at the top to ensure it’s still there and easy enough to get back to if needed. As I get deeper into the canyon, the jumps are getting bigger and further apart. The beginning is barely in sight, and while I can now see details of the trees and the crests in the river, it still is far away. Did I make a big mistake? If I go back, I would have to lose all of my belongings, and if I keep going down, I might not make it. I almost sit down in defeat but instead rid my arms of the last remaining Knick knacks and jump down to the next cliff. It felt good to watch all that stuff disappear, and I feel lighter and more confident. I continue leaping step by step until I get to the bottom. My feet land onto long squishy grass. I can feel the mushy wet strands between my toes and water trickling over my feet with each step. I step into the river and feel the ice-cold water run past my ankles, not even flinching at my human resistance. These feelings and experiences are just the beginning. There is so much to explore and discover. I look up towards the sky and see the cliffs above me. I’m sure I’ll be able to climb back up one of those cliffs one day, but for now, I’m going to wander and see what is meant for me right here, right now.

Our Tiny Living Story - Part 1

Fri, 10 May 2019 05:14:08 GMT

Our Journey to Tiny Living

Jon and I have lived in Utah while we were dating and through over a year of our marriage. We had just had our baby girl and apparently that wasn’t a big enough change because we were feeling antsy for something more. We both felt like there was something that we were supposed to be doing but couldn’t quite put a finger on it. As the weeks and months wore on the anxious feelings got worse.

Jon was working a 9-5 job that included some travel and I was working weird hours at the hospital. During one of Jon’s lunch breaks he surprised me by coming home and taking Addie and me to grab lunch and go for a drive. With our lunch in sacks on our laps, Jon turned to me and asked, “Up or down?” I chose down and off he drove.

A few minutes later we arrived at Utah lake. This had become a favorite spot of ours to take Finnick on a walk and let him play in the water. We parked the car and faced the large reflective waters.

We sat in silence for some time then Jon asked, “What are we supposed to do?”

“I don’t know.” I replied, “but we are supposed to be doing something.”

For the thousandth time we talked about just packing up and leaving this town and traveling the country. As we watched the wide open waters it seemed almost possible to do the impossible.

With a long sigh the reality weighed back on us. We both had good stable jobs. We lived close to family. We had a decent apartment, if you dismiss the upstairs neighbors playing piano at 5:30am. It just didn’t seem to make any sense to throw all of that away.

“I wish we could do something like that.” Jon said as he pointed to a tiny house parked in the campground. “I’m going to go talk to them.”

“What? You can’t just go knock on some random stranger’s door and ask to see their house.”

But I am so glad he did. We ended up meeting Stacy who was lives in a tiny house with her husband and 3 sons. She raved about tiny living and how much they loved it. I never thought tiny living was doable with a family but she showed us that it wasn’t just doable, it was extremely enjoyable.

As we drove back home there was a palpable change in our spirits. It wasn’t just a feeling of hope, but it was also a sense of direction.

Within just a few weeks we met with a few other tiny house families, met a contractor, designed our own home, and applied for a loan, and told our parents. Everything fell into place and we were excited to start this new adventure.

I was walking to my car after work when I got the text. “We didn’t get the loan.” I was shocked, confused, and discouraged. I felt like everything was pointing us in this direction and now it all fell apart. For the next couple of weeks, I was in a funk. I felt like we were right back to where we started but now I was even more confused and discouraged.

Before heading to work one day, Jon told me he had a surprise that would cheer me up when I got home. Upon my return, he sat me down in front of the computer and told me that I couldn’t say anything until he was done. He then proceeded to show me a slideshow. I SO wish I had it saved but I can't find it. It was very thoughtfully done.

As I sat through the slideshow, the whole time I was thinking how impossible and crazy this all was and how this would never happen. But Jon was so excited and put so much effort into his PowerPoint, that I didn’t think I could crush his sweet little spirit so quickly, so instead I said I would think about it.

The Hidden Colorado Gem of Canon City

Fri, 10 May 2019 04:53:25 GMT

Have you ever stumbled upon a town that you had no idea was

so cool?

That was Canon City. We have lived in the southern Colorado

area for some time but never explored the city of Canon City. We were given a

great opportunity to work with the government of Canon City and visit their

best tourist attractions.

Here’s everything we did:

Personal tour of main street
Half day jeep tour with Colorado Jeep Tours
Tour of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
We were going to do a helicopter ride through the gorge but it was too windy so when we go back we will be sure to do that!

Tour of Main Street

We met up with two other social media influencer groups and two people from the Canon City government for breakfast. Teek eatery on Main Street provided us with a delicious breakfast. The people were so considerate and genuine of all of our requests. They have such a unique ambiance with cool quirky traditions, like their collection of salt and pepper shakers. Upstairs is this large historic ballroom that is used for events.

After breakfast we toured Main Street Canon City. This Main Street is the longest main street in Colorado and was in the top 6 to be considered for the Small Business Revolution Season 4 TV show on Hulu. Canon City has gained most of the recognition as a prison town. Many people in this town work day and night to keep all of us safe by guarding and working for

these federal and state prisons. One shop in particular on Main Street is The Cell House . Prisoners are given opportunities to learn skills such as, wood working, welding, and sewing while incarcerated. The Cell House gives these prisoners opportunities to sell their creations and the money can go to provide for their families. How neat is that?

Main Street is also home to the famous historic Hotel St. Cloud. The hotel was just recently purchased by a company to go through a massive renovation and open again as a full functioning hotel on Main Street!

Canon City Main Street was filled with many gems and I feel like we barely scratched the surface!

Colorado Jeep Tours

Next we loaded up in a big jeep provided by Colorado Jeep Tours . These guys do tours all around Canon City and the surrounding trails and canyons. If you’re looking for a real authentic Colorado experience, Colorado

Jeep Tours is the way to go!

The Jeep Tours took us all around to interesting sites and shared so much Native American history, paleontology, and the history of the city.

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

My favorite part of our tourist experience was the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park ! If you’ve never been, you need to go! This bridge is HUGE! It is the highest suspension in North America. I can talk about it all day but you won’t know the experience until you see it in person and walk across the bridge yourself.

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park has so much to do too! Zip lining, gondola rides, and a swing are just a few ways to experience the Royal Gorge. Opening in May 2019 will be a Via Ferrata course! Can’t wait to go back and try it out! A mile below the gorge is the Arkansas River which is famous for river rafting and the Royal Gorge Route Railroad that follows the Arkansas River through the canyon.

When We Come Back

Next time we are in Colorado we are excited to ride the helicopter through the Royal Gorge and ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad! And if we can summon the courage, of course do the new Via Ferrata! So when you visit Colorado, don’t miss out on Colorado's hidden gem, Canon City!

Follow Canon City attractions on Instagram!

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park @royalgorgebridge

Colorado Jeep Tours @coloradojeeptours

Canon City Government @canoncitygov

Cruising With a Baby

Fri, 10 May 2019 03:57:58 GMT

Taking a baby on a cruise? This post will answer all of your questions!

As soon as our cruise was booked I took to the world wide web for some help on how to cruise with a one-year-old. I was shocked at the lack of info there was! So I decided to put my two cents into the world in hopes to help somebody else wanting to take a cruise with a young kid.

A few details: We went on a Royal Caribbean Cruise in October with my parents. Our daughter, Addie was one year and one day old the day we disembarked. She was nursing three times a day and taking one nap. She was a steady walker and a fairly good sleeper. At home, we are reasonably strict about bedtimes and sleep training. But full disclosure, her “schedule” was completely thrown, and she adjusted to our week of fun and late bedtimes, and she rocked it!

I’ll go over 5 points that I hope helps you feel ready to take your baby on a cruise and not feel like you’re being held back from an awesome vacation.

Late Night Shows
Naps and Bedtime
Eating on the ship and on the islands
Babysitting
Transportation & Activities

Late Night Shows

This question was the big unanswered question that nobody on the internet answered! One of the best parts of a cruise is the entertainment! The morning of the cruise we met a couple with a two-year-old who cruised the year before and they gave the best advice. We followed it, and it was awesome, so here it is! After dinner, go change your little one into their pajamas and grab any bedtime gear. For us, it was her “lovey” and a pacifier and sometimes a blanket. Before and during the show we gave her the opportunity to sleep and about half of the time, she would fall asleep during the show. The other times she was tired and calm enough that she would sit and watch.

Naps & Bedtime

We traveled two hours ahead so the first couple of days it took us all some time to adjust to Eastern Time. Every day we were at sea we made it a priority to go back to our room to let her nap. When we were out on the island, we would try to give her the opportunity to sleep whenever we were driving, walking in the stroller, or playing at the beach.

For bedtime, we typically went to the earliest showtime and then after the show put her to bed. If she slept during the show, we would let her wander around the ship for a bit to let her get tired again and then take her to bed.

The best advice I got from the Internet was to bring magnets. (These are the ones we got click here ) The ceilings are metal, and so we were able to use extra sheets to create a room around her pack-n-play. Also, if possible I would recommend a balcony room. We had an ocean balcony, and it was the BEST! The two of us would go out and play games or read while enjoying the view during her naps or after her bedtime. I also really enjoyed nursing her every morning on the balcony!

Eating on the Ship & Islands

We had cruised before, so I knew the large variety of food that is offered on the ship. You have no reason to be concerned about how to feed your child on the ship. (If your child isn’t on solid foods, be sure to call Royal Caribbean beforehand and they can have baby food available.) We had a scheduled 5:30 dinner and it was perfect. Our waiters were SO good with Addie. Every time we got to dinner, the waiters would already have her favorite fruits ready for her when we got there. Anybody that eats out with a child knows how huge this is!

Our ports were, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and Labadee, Haiti. In St. Maarten we met up with friends who took us to a delicious restaurant by the coast. We brought some fruit for Addie in a ziplock bag, but she wasn’t too interested. She ended up eating a lot of the same things we did, and she did just fine. We were only in Puerto Rico for half a day, and so we did our excursion in the morning and then went back to the ship for lunch. In Labadee, Royal Caribbean provides lunch on the island, so we were well taken care of.

Babysitting

A big question we had was child care. On Royal Caribbean, they offer a child care program called Royal Babies and Tots. This program is for children six months to three years. (To learn more about this service, check out the Royal Caribbean blog post here .) We took advantage of this program once on the last day to watch the matinee show of Grease! Her grandparents watched her for one evening and during one of her naps. Otherwise, we really enjoyed having her with us and doing activities with her. You can go onto the islands with your child in childcare, but the phone that they give you doesn’t work off the ship. We personally didn’t feel comfortable with that, but it is an option.

TRANSPORTATION AND ACTIVITIES

We brought a baby carrier ( Wildbird ring sling ) and an umbrella stroller. I wore her through all of the boarding process, which was nice because she sleeps better in her sling than she does in a stroller. So she slept through the whole boring process. Although, I must admit, security wasn’t too pleased with it and I was wanded and had to hold her away from me while going through the metal detector. Luckily she stayed asleep though. I thought I would wear her more but it was so flipp’n hot on the islands that I mostly kept her in the stroller.

While in St. Maarten, we rented a car at a place right near the port. They had car seats you could rent out as well, but they were all pretty trashed. We ended up borrowing our friend’s, and even that was barely anything for her age. I’m not even going to share a picture to keep from the world judging me. But, in my defense, it was better than nothing at all! Which, no law requires kids in car seats on St. Maarten. But with the low-speed limits and prayers, we were just fine. ��

Lastly, I want to share a few activities we enjoyed with Addie. We loved the splash pad! Addie could play on at the splash pad all day if we let her. And we loved it because we met a lot of young families with kids the same age. Keep note that all kids in diapers are not allowed to go in the swimming pools or the larger splash pad with the bigger kids.

Other activities included, Addie doing Zumba with me, the carousel (she loved it…until it started moving. haha) and she LOVED to explore. I’m really grateful she could walk because she was happy just walking around and exploring the ship. And it’s a massive ship, so she had a lot to explore! They also have an under 3 play area near the child care that is filled with age-appropriate toys. The first time we took Addie she loved it so much that she cried when we had to go. Whenever we had a spare minute we would let Addie play there.

For our excursions, we were kind of forced to be a little more low-key. Most adventure excursions offered by Royal Caribbean don’t allow young kids. Last time we cruised, we did a lot of high adventure stuff, and this year we had to be more laid back. St. Maarten, as mentioned before, we rented a car, and our friends showed us around the island. For Puerto Rico, we did a bus tour, and that wore all of us out, and it was only a 3-hour excursion. Labadee, we rented shaded beach loungers, and it was worth every penny. It gave us privacy and an area for Addie to play and sleep that was out of the sun.

Well, I hope something in here helped you feel more prepared to take your baby on a cruise with you. We had a total blast and will definitely do it again! If you have more questions, we would love to help!

Have you taken kids on a cruise? What advice would you give?

Check out this blog on Parenthood4ever and be sure to follow them on Instagram as well for more tips for traveling with kids

Airstream Layout

Fri, 10 May 2019 02:09:28 GMT

Tape outline of our renovation layout

As soon as the floors were finished we collected our many layout sketches and the blue tape and went to the Airstream.

We taped out the layout the best we could to get an idea of how everything would feel. For the first time, we started seeing the final project.

To read about how we rebuilt our sub-floor click here!

We are still deciding if we want a half fridge or full length. If we do go with half then we will keep the top as counter space.

We plan on having overhead storage over everything except the desk and playspace and where the fireplace will be.

Eventually, we also want to create a platform that will be under our couch/bed to give extra storage space for shoes and such.

Obviously, this may very easily change as we start framing but so far this is the layout we are working for!

Replacing the Sub-floor

Fri, 10 May 2019 00:55:08 GMT

Ripping out and replacing the Sub-floor

The decision to rip out all the floors wasn’t easy. While the middle sections were all in good shape the two panels in the front and back were soft. We debated just replacing the soft areas but figured if we were going to do that we might as well do the entire floor. To read our demolition story click here.

The two rusted beams in the bathroom came out with ease. We found a steel shop where we bought square metal tubing. Before replacing the floors, we welded the two beams back into place.

While the metal frame and the underbelly were exposed we took some time to do some maintenance on them and the tanks. Since we are planning to use a compost toilet, we sealed off the black tank with Epoxy and turned it into a second grey water tank. We cleaned both the back tanks and also took out the fresh water tank from underneath and will be replacing it later on. We wire-brushed the rust off the metal frame. Next, we used XO Rust from True Value (similar to Rustolium, but we prefer this because it’s cheaper and lasts longer and we were very impressed by it.) to seal in the rust we couldn’t remove and to prevent more rust.

Next came insulation!

Back in the day Airstreams were built with insulation that was thinner and was sandwiched between the metal support and the subfloor. Modern insulation is much thicker and so we needed to find a way to keep it off the metal underbelly in order to keep that pocket. We used a combination of wiring and stapling. Places, where we could wire across we, would build a wire bed for the insulation to lay on. In the other places where that wasn’t possible, we used a “wacky” stapler (my new favorite tool) to staple the insulation to the bottom of the new sub-floor.

The insulation is in and then come the floors! We wrote down measurements and cut the wood to fit the borders. The trickiest section was the bathroom where we had to cut the wood to the curve. It was also trickiest because it was the only area of the original sub-floor that had rotted underneath the frame. We created a template by piecing together cardboard to follow the curve and get the correct size. Once each section was measured and cut we placed it down to make sure it was the correct fit.

Thankfully it fit! It only took 3 attempts and Jon was incredibly thrilled when it finally worked.

Time to put the floors in!

We screwed wood scraps underneath the original wood border that stuck out for us to screw the new floor in to create a seam and offer support. Once those were placed it was time to screw down the floors. We went section by section and I would draw the lines where the metal beams underneath us were. Then Jon would drill and I would follow him and screw it down to the metal frame. Four trips to the hardware store, six drill bits, and two boxes of wood to metal screws later… the floors were DONE!

Demolition

Thu, 09 May 2019 23:40:19 GMT

Gutting out the Airstream

Demolition day began the day after we brought our Airstream home. After getting her parked in the backyard by the garage, we got a fair share of “before” pictures and then got to work.

We invited the missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to come to help us rip out the insides. The Elders helped speed up our first demolition day so much!

To check out the before pictures click here!

We saved as much wood as we deemed reusable in the future build. At first, we held onto a lot of the original pieces and parts in hopes to resell them to those looking to restore vintage airstreams. But we did some research and talked to other renovators and the consensus was that it wasn’t worth the time and effort. So off to the dump it all goes.

After all her guts were out we found that the subfloor was in pretty good shape. The only exceptions were the front, under where the couch was, and the bathroom floor was also SUPER soft. We came to the decision to rip out all the floors anyways that way we can have a fresh sturdy floor with a long life ahead.

Underneath the subfloors, we found mice nests in the insulation. We also found that two beams underneath the bathroom had completely rusted out. Overall we are very grateful we replaced the insulation and the subfloor in order to find and fix those problems. To learn how we replaced our floors click here!

To sum up, demolition didn’t take us as long as we thought it would. From start to finish it took about 2 weeks. Keep in mind we work full time and have a baby we can’t leave alone. So hour-wise we would guess it took about 20 hours of labor. Jon would often get up early and work for a couple hours before it got hot. And then we would both work all day on Saturdays.

Airstream Before Pictures

Thu, 09 May 2019 23:13:11 GMT

Pictures taken before we began our Airstream renovation

Cleopatra is a 27′ 1976 Airstream Land Yacht. She came to us in fairly good condition. Framing was great, all the electric worked, sub-floor was mostly good, heat and AC worked, brand new tires and axles, and double pane windows. A few downsides were mice had gotten in the insulation of the floors and walls, with that came an awful smell, two soft spots in the front and rear sub-floors, two exterior dents, bubbled windows, and a few more things that came up along the way.

Overall she was a great find! For our first Airstream purchase, I still think we did a great job!

To read our story about how we found our Airstream click here !

Exterior

Interior

The Story of Our Airstream

Thu, 09 May 2019 22:52:08 GMT

The story of how we found and purchased our vintage Airstream

We had been going RV shopping for a couple of months and had an idea of what we wanted. When Jon first pitched the idea of traveling full-time, our first plan was an Airstream. One google search later and a look at the cost and we put that plan aside. We just couldn’t quite find exactly what we wanted within our budget.

We drove out to Utah for Jonathan’s sister’s wedding up in the beautiful mountains. As we drove up for the rehearsal we passed by an Airstream sitting majestically in a field. “I would love to buy that Airstream.” Jon said off-handedly.

The next day we enjoyed the wedding celebration with the beautiful Utah mountains in the background. I was nursing Addie in the bridal room and asked Jon to run to the car to grab a blanket for her. Time passed, and Jon still hadn’t returned. About 20min later he comes back with the blanket in hand and a big grin on his face. He tells me he has exciting news.

On his way to the car, he bumped into an older gentleman named Darryl. Darryl was the owner of the venue and a lot of the property around it. It turns out he also owned the Airstream in the field! What are the odds of that? Well, he dropped that little piece of information and then asked Jon what our plans in life were. “Well, funny you mention it…” haha he then told him our plans to live full-time in a *cough* airstream *cough* trailer and travel the country. Without even a second thought he invited us to come to look at it the next day.

We originally were going to drive home the next day but decided it could wait. All we knew about the trailer was that it was an Airstream. We didn’t know the length, the condition, the year, or really any other important details. That night we researched all there was about Airstreams and renovating. The next day we went back and checked it out. It was my first time inside an Airstream. It had been sitting in this field for some time and was a bit neglected.

View all of the before pictures HERE

His first asking price was $12,000. He had put some money into it to replace the carpet with flooring and replaced the tires and axels and he didn’t want to lose out on any money. We told him we could only do $8,000. He met us in the middle at $10,000, and we left to sleep on it. After a lot of talking, we decided that we needed to stay at $8,000. We called him up and told him that we couldn’t do it but appreciated his time in letting us come to look at it. I sat outside on the steps wondering if we made the right decision when Jon came out, still on the phone, and said that he was willing to do $8,000! We told him we would like to look at it one more time (we had done a bit more research on what to look for) before we made the deal.

We headed up the canyon in our Honda Pilot hoping to make it back with an Airstream in tow. Aren’t we so adorable thinking we could tow it in our Pilot? Haha!

We spent about an hour and a half going over everything again and again and asking a lot more questions. Even as we headed to the bank to get the money, we kept asking each other if we were crazy to buy a vintage Airstream and renovate it. The answer is still yes to this day.

But we made the deal and got the keys and (after an hour of trying to get it hitched up) we were on our way!

As you could’ve guessed, our Pilot did not do so well towing a 27’ Airstream. Halfway down the canyon, we had to pull over and call a friend with a truck. I hesitate to share the picture I took of us on the side of the road because it looks SO bad! But hey, maybe someone is creating a collection of “How Not to Tow” pictures and can add ours to the mix.

We got her back to my parent’s house where we were staying. Our next pickle was how to get her to Colorado. After weighing all the options, the cheapest one was to pay to have Jon’s dad come out and tow it back in his big suburban. It was a LONG trip back and so stressful but also super exciting watching our Airstream travel down the interstate. It felt so good to pull up in our place in Colorado with no damage or any other crazy thing that my imagination came up with.

On the way back home to Colorado, we listened to the song Cleopatra by the Lumineers. With our trailer in tow in front of us, we knew that was her name. If anyone has seen the music video for Cleopatra too, it just adds to the reasons why. Plus, if you haven’t noticed, we love the Lumineers. ��