One Year, One Family, 350 Sq Ft

Today, we’ll be wrapping up the most unforgettable chapter of our lives — a year of living, learning, and adventuring together in 350 square feet. What began as a bold leap into the unknown became a season of deep growth, belly laughs, big moments, and the kind of memories that will live with us forever.

We traveled across the U.S. and into western Canada, following the winding roads that led us from towering red rocks to glacier-fed lakes, from tiny mountain towns to bustling cities full of history and diversity. Every stop along the way had a story to tell — and so did we. We were writing our family’s story with every hike, every mishap, every breathtaking sunrise, and every s’mores-filled night under the stars.

Our Favorite Parks and Places

It’s nearly impossible to choose favorites, but there are places that stand out like pins on the map of our hearts.

Banff National Park (Alberta, Canada) felt like stepping into a postcard. The turquoise lakes, massive peaks, and quiet trails made us feel small in the best way. Hiking around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake was surreal, and the kids loved spotting wildlife and skipping rocks in glacier-fed waters. https://www.rollinroadshow.com/national-parks/banff-the-beautiful

https://www.rollinroadshow.com/national-parks/moraine-lake-lake-louise

Yoho National Park (British Columbia, Canada) was one of our most surprising favorites. Less crowded than Banff but just as stunning, it offered towering waterfalls, emerald lakes, and peaceful moments of awe. Canoeing across its glassy waters as a family was unforgettable — a quiet, unhurried adventure that let us take in the beauty from a new perspective. We felt like we had discovered a hidden gem that gave us the space and stillness to truly soak it all in. https://www.rollinroadshow.com/national-parks/yoho-national-park

Glacier National Park (Montana) gave us adventure at every turn — we hiked, we spotted endless wildlife, and we drove the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road with wide eyes and full hearts. The alpine views and pristine lakes are forever etched in our memories. https://www.rollinroadshow.com/national-parks/glacier-national-park

Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado) welcomed us with crisp air, clear skies, and mountains still bursting with vibrant summer greens. We hiked high above the treeline, taking in breathtaking alpine views and watching elk roam peacefully through open meadows. The park’s towering peaks and quiet valleys offered a kind of majesty that stirred the soul and reminded us exactly why the mountains call to us. It was nature at its finest — wild, serene, and absolutely unforgettable. https://www.rollinroadshow.com/national-parks/the-rockies

Door County, Wisconsin surprised us with its coastal charm, crisp apples, winding roads, and small-town magic. We picked apples, had fish boils, watched the leaves change, and made some of our favorite fall memories surrounded by beauty and coziness. https://www.rollinroadshow.com/our-stays/door-co

Mackinac Island (Michigan) felt like stepping back in time — no cars, just bikes and horses, with fudge shops and lake breezes everywhere. Our kids still talk about the ferry ride and biking the island, and we loved the peaceful, unplugged pace of it all. https://www.rollinroadshow.com/our-stays/upper-penisula-mi

Charleston, South Carolina wrapped us in history, cobblestone streets, and pastel buildings. The food, the charm, and the Southern hospitality made us want to stay forever. It was one of those places where every corner was picture-perfect and full of story. https://www.rollinroadshow.com/our-stays/charleston-sc

30A, Florida gave us rest, beauty, and joy in a season we really needed it. Each town along the stretch had its own personality, and we soaked in the sunsets, danced at The Big Chill, and filled our days with sand, peace, and family connection. https://www.rollinroadshow.com/our-stays/the-beauty-of-30a

Lake Tahoe (California/Nevada) offered the clearest water we’ve ever seen and mountains that rose like giants from its shores. We hiked, we swam, and we picnicked by and on the lake (in kayaks), constantly amazed by the scenery that felt both wild and peaceful. https://www.rollinroadshow.com/our-stays/laketahoe

Olympic National Park (Washington) gave us so much in one place — lush rainforests, rugged coastline, alpine lakes, and snowy peaks. It felt like three parks in one, and each hike brought us something new. It was one of our most diverse and awe-inspiring stops. https://www.rollinroadshow.com/national-parks/olympic-national-park

New York City (NY) After catching the train from Philadelphia, we dove headfirst into the nonstop energy of New York City — and squeezed a whole lot of magic into just 40 hours. It was fast, loud, iconic, and everything you’d expect from the city that never sleeps. From towering skyscrapers to street-side pretzels, every moment was big, bold, and buzzing with life. https://www.rollinroadshow.com/our-stays/nyc-the-big-apple

Washington DC was packed with history, wonder, and wide-eyed moments as we explored iconic monuments, powerful museums, and the heart of our nation’s story. From standing beneath the Lincoln Memorial to seeing the Constitution up close, it was an unforgettable hands-on history lesson for the whole family. https://www.rollinroadshow.com/our-stays/washington-dc

These places aren’t just dots on a map — they’re pages in our family story. Each one left its mark in a different way, and they’ll always be part of why we love the road, the wild, and this journey we’re on together.

Lessons We Didn’t Know We Needed

This year taught us to live slower. To notice the sky. To say “yes” more. To be okay when plans fall apart (they often did). And to laugh when someone accidentally dumps a whole bin of Legos just as we’re trying to make dinner on a countertop the size of a placemat.

We learned that the more tightly packed our living space was, the closer we became as people. There was no escaping each other — and as it turns out, we never wanted to. Our kids bonded like never before. They became teammates, co-adventurers, bunkmates, and best friends. That might be the greatest treasure of all.

We met people from every walk of life — other full-time families, locals with stories to tell, new friends from different cultures and backgrounds who opened our eyes to things we wouldn’t have encountered back home. Every conversation and shared campfire expanded our world just a little more.

We learned to find joy in simplicity — in dinners around a picnic table, in sunrise hikes, in tiny town coffee shops, and in quiet nights under the stars. Living with less gave us more space to notice the things that matter.

We gained a deeper appreciation for God’s creation. From thundering waterfalls to silent forests, from sunrise on a mountaintop to tidepools teeming with life, we saw His handiwork on full display. Traveling became a form of worship — a way to stand in awe of the Creator and say, "Thank You."

We learned that education is everywhere. That learning doesn’t just happen at a desk — it happens in ranger talks, in reading maps, in asking questions at museums, and in navigating large cities and trails. Our children’s curiosity deepened, and so did our own.

We learned that home is not a place — it’s a feeling. It’s the five of us together, no matter what state, site, or season we’re in. Whether we were parked beside a river or boondocking in a national park, the RV was our home because we were in it together.

We learned to release control, trust God's timing, and lean into the unknown. We learned to give grace, take turns, and say sorry. We learned that growth is sometimes messy, often uncomfortable, but always worth it.

These lessons, shaped by the road and rooted in love, are what we carry forward — even as our wheels slow and our journey takes a new shape.

Living the Best Life — Even When It Was Hard

Don’t get us wrong — it wasn’t all epic hikes and scenic vistas. Sometimes it was cold showers, cramped beds, muddy floors, or wondering why the WiFi cut out again during a school Zoom or work call. It was learning how to fix things we didn’t know existed before owning an RV, dealing with weather we hadn’t planned for, and occasionally wondering what on earth we were doing. But even in those hard and humbling moments, we were together — choosing presence over perfection, joy over convenience.

We were living fully, in every messy, magical, beautiful bit of it. We were showing our kids that adventure doesn’t mean flawless — it means faithful. That courage isn’t always bold, sometimes it’s just quietly moving forward even when it's hard. We found that when the comforts are stripped away, you discover what really matters: faith, family, resilience, and the deep kind of laughter that only comes after a long day and a shared struggle.

This year was never just about the places — it was about the people in our rig. It was about growing closer in 350 square feet, about inside jokes and bunk bed whispers, about learning how to listen, forgive, and support one another. The bonds between us grew deeper with every mile. These lessons — the ones we couldn't have found in a textbook — became the heart of our journey.

We set out to show our kids the beauty of this world, and in doing so, we helped them find their place in it — not just geographically, but emotionally and spiritually. And maybe, just maybe, we found a little more of ours, too.

What Comes Next?

From the Road to Roots

What began as a bold decision to spend one year traveling the U.S. and Canada in our RV turned into something far more meaningful than we ever imagined. We set out to see the beauty of this country, but what we found went deeper than scenic views and national park checklists. We discovered what it truly means to live simply, stay present, lean into faith, and grow together as a family.

For a full year, 350 square feet was home. Every winding road, mountaintop, beach, and muddy campsite became part of our family’s story. We laughed a lot. We learned a lot. And we experienced the richness of life together — both in breathtaking places and in the messy middle of everyday RV life. This journey grounded us in gratitude, strengthened our connection, and helped us see God's hand in everything from glacier-fed lakes to quiet campfire nights.

And now… today, we return to Texas.
Back to our home base & community.
In the coming month, to our careers, house and routines that feel both familiar and new.

But while our season of full-time RV life is ending, the adventure is not. Our hearts are still wired for wonder. We're still road-tripping, still exploring, still chasing sunsets and slow mornings — even if we’re doing it from a more rooted rhythm. This blog will continue to be our space to share what we discover — the parks, the campgrounds, the hikes, the meals, and the heart lessons that come with them.

This year gave us more than a highlight reel — it gave us courage to say yes, flexibility to pivot when plans fell apart, and the joy of laughing through the chaos. We return with more dirt on our boots, more stamps in our National Park passports, and a deeper appreciation for what matters most.

To anyone dreaming of something different — do it. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You don’t need a big rig or a flawless plan. Just a willing heart, a bit of bravery, and the desire to live your story well.

From our little home on wheels to yours — here’s to the road behind, the road ahead, and the beauty of embracing it all.

Reflections on a Year of Full-Time Travel