One Week Until We Hit the Road
Are you all ready? It’s the big question that everybody has for me these days and I honestly don’t know how to answer that. Can you truly ever feel “ready” to embark on a trip around the United States in a motorhome with four kids for seven months? I’m coming to the realization that the answer is no.
We pull out of our Arizona driveway in one week. We’ll head the six hours up to Lake Powell for our first stop. Our RV spots are all booked for two months and we have some basic ideas of what we might do in each area, so that’s “ready” I guess.
Our motorhome has been making its rounds to various mechanics and handymen ever since Keith drove it back from Florida. She needed a new windshield, the suspension fixed, a propane tank installed in the “basement,” towing contraptions put on, Direct TV satellite installed and today it is still with the handyman doing small touch ups on the inside.
So not one thing has actually made it’s way inside the motorhome yet. She hasn’t actually stayed put long enough for me to get in there and do anything. Piles are stacked up all over the house and garage awaiting delivery into their new home on wheels. There’s the plasticware pile in the kitchen. The kids clothes in the guest room. The road school pile of books, history movies, audio books and even Rosetta Stone’s spanish DVDs in the laundry room. I’m starting to feel prepared, but I’m not sure if I’ll ever actually be ready.
I keep telling myself, whatever gets packed will be sufficient and what we find we’re missing we can just pick up along the way. Normally, I pride myself on my packing skills and my ability to usually remember everything we might possibly need. But, this trip is quite different. I don’t really know exactly what we’re going to need and my Type A self doesn’t like that feeling. We’ve never camped per say and I really have to be mindful of what I’m bringing as to not weigh down the coach.
I’m a little overwhelmed with the feeding people portion of this adventure too. I assume I will fall into some great routine between my crockpot and the grill. In the meantime, I’ve loaded up on Herbalife shakes and bars for now to get us through until I can navigate my way around that little strip of a kitchen.
The road schooling part can take me to a place of anxiety quickly too. I want to have some solid plan for the kids, but yet I want to free us all from the burden of too much schooling. I will do some math program online, but honestly school just let out and I’m not there yet. Although, when these kids want to sit and watch tv and play on electronics during every drive, it’s going to make us nuts, so I know I need an educational plan. I’ll work on it.
I’m a little baffled by what to bring clothing-wise as well. We really have to be minimal in this area which is exciting, yet tough at the same time. We do have a little washer and dryer in our motorhome, so I should be able to wash whenever we are parked.
I’m letting go. What will be will be. What I forget to pack, Walmart will most likely carry. So, I guess the answer is yes, I’m almost ready!
Your RV needs a name, as you’ve jusy been saying “she.” Rhoda. On the road with rhoda. Or Ruby?? 🙂 xo
I know you are right!! I think we are going to call her Ally B because she is an Allegro Bus, but we haven’t confirmed this as a family yet. But, we will soon! XO
Ally B is cute! Oh my. Amy you are in for a gran adventure. It’s a good reminder that you’ll never be too far from what you need, but you will probably come to realize that there isn’t much we really NEED. I love the “road schooling” name. What an amazing gift you are giving to the kids, your marriage and your family as a whole. Blessings on your tour of the States!
Best wishes for safe travels! I’m so excited for all of you and looking forward to reading all about it! 🙂
You sound like you’re ready to go, Amy.
You’re right, you’ll never be fully ready – there will always be a list of things you’d like to do before you leave. But the big stuff is done, the other stuff can be cobbled together and you will never regret packing light. As for the clothes, layers layers layers. And plenty of socks – underwear is easy enough to wash out and dry, but socks take longer. Label the kids’ clothes like they’re going to camp.
Godspeed!
Hi Amy and family….I seen your bus as our family is driving along I-17N headed to see part if the Grand Canyon. What a wonderful opportunity for you and your family.
We are here on vacation from South Dakota. I do hope our beautiful state will be a stop for you. We live in a small community of Piedmont, SD just outside Rapid City. Lots of fun sightseeing and history around.
Best of luck on your travels! Be safe and travel safe.
Sincerely,
Marlene
Hey Amy! We’ll miss you guys, but are so excited for you and your family! What an amazing adventure, one that none of you will ever forget!
This is so exciting!! All I know is I AM ready to read all about your adventures 🙂