First off, I am going to start with the mouse… I woke up at 1:30 a.m. to go potty. I screamed and woke up Craig (poor Craig, he already had to get up at 5:30 to go to golf and I woke him up). I told him I saw something big run across the floor. After we hunted, he told me it was probably just the cat and to go back to sleep. I laid there for 30 min wondering if I was losing it. After finally going back to sleep, the cat woke us up another 30 min later with a loud ruckus. We both jumped up… she had a mouse in her mouth… yep. I thought the mouse was already beyond help so we were trying to get it from the cat. She kept growling, like a dog. Do cats really growl??? What was this?? We finally got the cat to let go and the mouse ran under a cabinet, we have not seen the mouse since (hoping it got out and decided this was a bad RV to come into). This is where I gained a different type of respect and love for this cat. Just FYI, a week later from this and the cat no longer sleeps with me. She stays on guard on the floor, all night. It is insane to watch, but I do appreciate it.

Santa Fe is exactly how I pictured New Mexico. This is also where masks were being required (even at office check in, the office was closed, they had a window to check in from with plexiglass, they wore a mask and made us put on masks while we were outside talking to them). When we went to Meow Wolf, they kept people in specific time groups and announced to each line that anyone 3 and up whose nose showed while inside would have entire party escorted out. Up until now, most places were no masks enforced or vaccinated people could remove. Also, Santa Fe still had some places just starting to open. We also saw two teenagers leaving the skate park behind a playground on skateboards – they were by themselves and outside a ways away from skate park and both still had masks on. I watched 2 people (one worker and one random person) pull up in car to port o let by playground and both got out of vehicles with masks on and went into pet o let with them on. (Separate times – neither even saw the other). It was just bizarre to watch.

Since it was the day after Memorial Day, we took them to Santa Fe National Cemetery to talk about the importance of those who served.

Plaza, playground and surrounding area

Meow Wolf – an eclectic, interactive art exhibit. I don’t know how to even describe except if you are ever near one, go and plan to spend a couple hours.

This one was designed as a house for the main part. You are encouraged to open things. The refrigerator, fireplace and one of the closets were all secret passage ways to other areas. There were hidden doors and just so much to explore! There was a bus standing straight up where you could drive from the ground (literally sitting on the back and standing straight up, but built into the exhibit – so crazy and fun!

We stayed at Santa Fe Skies RV park. Every morning we would see multiple bunnies (and apparently mice). They had a trail around with different sculptures and vehicle collections.

Count – possibly increased by 1 mouse. (Hopefully not)

Amarillo, TX was just a quick overnight. You would think that was uneventful, but… we stayed here years ago and did the same 80s/90s limo to The Big Texan. We keep the cat locked in the bedroom/bath and bunk half of the RV. We also separated the screen door from the regular one so in case cat was out, we would make certain she couldn’t jump out when one of us opened the door. And, yet – here we are… We return from dinner. Cat was locked in back – so we thought, but Kenzie did go back in so could she have come to front part?? We spent 45 minutes hunting for her. Could she have somehow gotten to front part when K went in and then escaped without us actually seeing as the door opened? After searching inside, I started looking outside, under RVs near us, then I made Craig open engine and generator. No luck. Walk back in and there she was…. Where was she hiding?!?! Well, we wouldn’t find out quite yet so, I will make you wait to know.

Angel Fire, NM – Hail, mountains, cool air, taking a 3 year old horseback riding

I had no idea that not all of New Mexico was desert. I loved Angel Fire. The weather was actually cold, which was insane to my brain because it was the very last few days of May. The weather ranged around upper 30s-60s for the most part. The bad weather followed us (TX we were under tornado watch), here it was just bad storms and hail. Thankfully, the hail was small, it looked like snow and it took forever to melt since it was so cold out. We did manage to do a horseback ride before the weather turned. Also, some super nice campers allowed the girls and Connor to learn pickle ball. They were so sweet with the kids and Zoe has a new favorite sport.

Where was the cat?!?!

The bed… but, it is crazy. I looked everywhere around our bed. Turns out there are two open slots behind the mattress on both sides where the nightstands are. Handy spot to keep something hidden, but in TX there was no cat. I opened up under Ed storage (such a handy feature) and there was no cat. Looked on the sides, felt the wood under the bottom… no cat. NM, happen to catch her because she meowed. Turns out there is a small slit that runs right below the under bed storage but above the wood panel at the bottom that I felt. I guess there are some type of mechanical stuff under there – related to the slide out or bed, what do I know… but there was a cat!!! Also, when I went to lift the bed to show the storage in a photo, the cat decided to get under the mattress that was up a little.

Count to date – 6 states, 8 stops, 5 people, still one crazy cat and one RV – with the addition of a few stuffed animals…

People ask about RV’ing with kids and what it is like. It is mostly crazy with some beautiful moments tucked in. You have to be there for those moments to make it worth it because sometimes the crazy… well, it’s just crazy.

During our 2 month trips, we move around. Usually, we stay in one location no more than 3-4 days and there are often overnight stops thrown in. This can drive any person stir crazy, especially ones with tons of energy. The bottled up energy can then drive any person crazy, especially ones who want quiet. Then, you add in more kids than adults and no way to give them one on one attention or alone time they need (or you). That sometimes makes for a perfect storm. (In addition to the crazy storm that was literal outside). And, that is exactly what happened. We had one pack up to leave us. As she was leaving, I explained I didn’t want her to leave the family, but understood if she needed to and asked if she had a plan (she then repacked, adding her water – hey, that was smart!) After she made it to the picnic bench, across the street, I went over and explained I would love for her to come back. She was feeling overwhelmed by the amount of kids, lack of attention, and just being in a confined space, at that time.

RVing is not just the smiles and fun you see. There absolutely are insanely gorgeous moments of bonding between different kids or people, as you are forced into smaller space with everyone. There are also more moments of disagreements, frustration, being tired, or stir crazy. My goal is that their (and my) memories stay more positive as a whole from our experiences so they can always look back on their time in the RV with their mom, dad, siblings, and crazy cat and smile.

Ozarks Luxury RV Resort, AR – I loved when we did the golf cart tour at The Top of the Rock (Ozarks) and ate at the college (Keeter) so when Craig asked if we wanted to go back, it was an easy yes.

We played in Branson. We did the Butterfly Palace. Connor actually loved the butterflies more than anyone. Zoe and Kenzie loved the mirror maze inside. Kenzie wanted to do The Track, a set of places that have different rides and things. She was left unimpressed and realized some things sound better than they are. (Great life lesson). Though, they were both happy they could squirt us from their boats. We let the kids decide if they wanted to do an aquarium or the drive they/walk zoo. To our surprise, the girls both begged to do the Titanic replica. Kenzie said she has read so many books on it, she really wanted to see it. The girls did ok with it, but Connor (3) was too little and it was slightly annoying trying to keep him with us. You were not allowed to take any photos inside. It is 1/2 the size of the real one, but they spent 1 million to replicate the grand staircase. You could see what the rooms looked like and touch the water at the temp it was that night. Non-covid times they have life rafts so you can sit on and listen to different stories. Each person gets a card with a name and age on it. You can look it up at end to see if survived or not. The kids people all survived, but Craig and mine both lost their lives. Mine also had her husband and 4 month old pass away in it. Really sad.

Top of the Rock golf cart tour

We came in July 2017. I HAD to recreate some photos… sorry kids. I will get those out of the way first. Oh, and the cat still likes me; however, we are not really besties anymore. I am not sure why, I don’t torment her with photos as much as I do the rest of the family.

Top of the Rock views, Chapel of the Ozarks

Sadly, the College of the Ozarks – Keeter restaurant was booked through 2 weeks after we were leaving. if you ever go this way on vacation, schedule a meal there. It is farm to table and all done by college kids from growing to serving and cooking. It is also delicious!

The cat still likes me, though we aren’t besties anymore. She still hangs with me a good amount. Will it last?? Stay tuned…

Side note – anyone remember my story of trying to drive our RV??

When we got the first RV (2010), I was determined to learn to drive it. My grandmother always stressed the importance of it. I left Craig’s office. He had me get in right lane and I did. Then, he yelled that we were scraping the tree and to get back over. Well, that’s all it took. I freaked out, made it across the street and found a safe place to pull over. I was done. Fast forward to this trip. I followed Craig (rv) in rental car to a small airport to return it. I laughed the entire drive and couldn’t wait to snap these photos. He didn’t laugh as hard as I did when I pointed it out.

It has been a while since a real trip. 3 kids has definitely been overwhelming for me, but it was time for some new adventures and memories.

Forsyth KOA, GA for quick overnight (May 16)

Not much to this stop, kids played and mined. Cat has become like a best friend, but (since I already know the next 3 weeks), it doesn’t stick.

Margaritaville, Lake Lanier – where they will deliver drinks by golf cart to your RV site and kids could fall off the cliff

We were so excited that Aunt JuJu (Julie) and Uncle Scott came to stay a night in the resort and play with us. We rented a boat and enjoyed our time together.

We were lucky to have all incredible neighbors. They each were making our kids and family feel so loved and special. One direct neighbor was from Jacksonville and the husband went to Bishop Kenny (Craig’s school – though a bit before him). They had their grandkids one day and my kids had a blast playing with them. Another neighbor lived in the area and was sharing drinks with us and ice cream for the kids. Our last neighbor was a retired cop from NY. He and his wife were so nice. They gave the kids lots of packets that would change the color of the campfire. I tried to convince them to move to Florida. This is one of my favorite parts of camping. All the neat people and stories you get to hear along the way.

Tupelo, Mississippi – the birth place of Elvis and Little Rock, Arkansas

Both stops were quick overnights. The campground at Barnes Crossing (Tupelo) was cute. Lots of trees, birds (and of course squirrels eating the bird food). Kept the cat quite entertained as there was a feeder outside our windshield.

Little Rock – Burns Park. Last time we stayed at the Downtown Riverside RV park and it was nice to see the lit up bridges. They were full (camping has changed over the last 10 years where you really need to book ahead now – so no more sitting in the passenger seat figuring out the next stop).

We managed to make it 6 weeks, 11 States (only counting ones we stayed overnight, minimum) and countless memories with 3 kids and returning with 3 kids – no more, no less.  I would count that as a success.  For all the meltdowns (so many), stir craziness, and losing our minds – there were also moments of pure joy, bonding, and love.   Three is definitely everything I feared but I also realize how incredibly lucky and blessed we are and it certainly helps that the girls are beyond obsessed with their brother.

Stone Mountain – I always forget how stressful their RV park is.  Tight to get through gate and tight to back into a space.  But, once you are there, easy to catch the shuttle to head to the park and pretty peaceful inside the rv area, with lots of trees and always unique neighbors.  We were fortunate enough to have Aunt JuJu and Uncle Scott come on Saturday to the park with us and were able to spend entire day with them and part of Sunday.  The girls are already plotting against them, I mean planning, for when they can go to their new home and spend the month (I mean week… ok, night).

At Stone Mountain, the girls were finally tall enough to do the big obstacle course (technically, Kenzie was and Zoe was close but guy said they could both do it as he asked if they were twins since pretty close in height). Zoe was hesitant and wanted to practice on the smaller course so Craig took Kenzie and I took Zoe and Connor.  As Zoe practiced, I finally saw Kenzie walking up on course and went to get a photo.  She RAN and all I could get was Craig.  Turns out, it was a little overwhelming and frightening so she wanted off course and quit after that.  We then spent the next two days convincing Zoe not to try it.  They still had the dinosaur exhibit from last year and the girls still have zero interest in dinosaurs.  It was fun to watch Craig and Uncle Scott throwing balls at the girls (and I) in the play area.  I tried to get them back…   For dinner, we found a neat little place called Sweet Potatoes, which was tasty.

Kenzie got a black eye – after losing a fight with a metal, stationary object. Here is the object and the next few days of how it looks (today is Day 3, photo next to red “deadly” object haha)

Ice bag immediately after

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

See red object above – though I tell everyone it was really saving the family from a dinosaur

We headed different directions with Aunt JuJu and Uncle Scott and went to Savannah.  We found an RV park, Red Gate, that is 10 miles from downtown, has a deal with the Trolley to pick you up from there and the park has 400 acres – including animals and venues for reuions, weddings, etc.  Zoe fell in love with the goats and Kenzie stalked everywhere looking for bunnies.

For Savannah, we did the Childre’s Museum, which was all outside and attached to the railroad museum.  I think it cost us $25 or so to go, and was a fun experience for the kids.  They had an old push rail car you could do down one track so the girls and a Craig (mostly Craig) did it.  I used the old “I have a baby excuse” to not do manual labor in 91 degree heat.  Then, we got off trolley at Forsyth and took a photo in front of the famous fountain and let the kids play.  After that, we did River Street but not much as we ran out of time.  We had to be back by 4 at visitor center so we could be taken to our RV.

Our last day was beyond crazy, hot, stormy night the night before and the last night, and we had one meltdown after another.  But, we made it through with a little bit of fun and will be heading home in the morning.  Grammie (my mom) will fortunately be meeting us so that Craig and I can try to unpack the Rav, without kid interference.  Can’t wait to feel human again and get a nice, long shower!! Oh, and seriously – no extra kids coming home with us this trip!!

Craig had some FSU functions in highlands, NC that we attend most years.  This was the first time we took the RV.  We found a private RV park (only holds 5 RVs) at the top of the mountain.  The owner was nice enough to tell us the way to come in with a large RV (so stayed a night in GA from IN to come back into NC and then leave NC for GA trip – whew). Poor Craig, driving those windy, narrow roads! I am sure he is ready to sell the RV (or the family – not sure which yet).

The weather was great!  We were able to walk everywhere and always had something to do.  When Craig did his outings, I took the girls to the library, the Nature Center, toy store and of course, for ice cream.  Their Nature Center was impressive.  Lots of hands on activities, microscopes and animals for kids and gorgeous botanical gardens outside.  Kenzie found a painted rock at the library (even though Zoe is holding it – that became a fight…).  And everyone had fun reading and playing games inside the children’s area of the library.

We made reservations for a very nice restaurant and got all dressed up.  It actually went pretty smoothly, minus Connor being tired but he quickly fell asleep.  Back on the RV, we ordered Clue Jr and a puzzle for Connor and received from Amazon, which the girls thought was beyond cool.  We played hangman and some other games.  We also purchased a pen and stencil tattoo set, which has been a favorite and kept the girls busy several hours and multiple days!!  We went to a “duck pond” or so we were told.  Turned out to be geese that don’t move even when right on top of them and tons of land mines. We saw deer walking right in front of us and I found a funny sign that made me laugh. We had a lot of fun and I loved everything being walkable.

We only passed through IL for the night. Indiana we were able to get two nights at Camp Rudolph but had to move spots in order to do so. (Places really do book up for the summer). We had to wait on the people to leave in order to move and go over to the theme park. You really need 2 (or more) days to do this park. When you purchase the ticket, it gives you access to Holiday World and Splashin Safari. We went to the water park first, based on other reviews that say it is too crowded in afternoon. The first water ride took the girls and Craig one hour. (Waterloo). But, they loved it so much! They did a slide, where you ride down on a mat – I kept watching Zoe dance at the top before her turn. Then, I saw Craig trying to help her on the mat and the lifeguard stepping in. Turns out, she had changed her mind and didn’t want to do it… but… down she came and then quickly into my arms crying. She quickly cheered up at the splash park and then they all did one more water tube ride. I ripped my bathing suit trying to feed Connor – so I stayed dry and just changed. That is a side note to all the moms still nursing.

Holiday World – this is separated into 4 areas. Christmas, Halloween, 4th of July and Thanksgiving. They measured the girls at the beginning and put them both at 42″ – zoe was actually under (according to them) and Kenzie was only 44-45″. Strange considering zoe was 42″ at Nickelodeon Universe and Kenzie was 48″. So, Kenzie was very sad not to be able to do the Raven roller coaster. We went to Thanksgiving after the water park. Zoe wanted to do the Turkey Whirl and then quickly regretted while we were on. She kept her eyes closed, which I am sure makes it worse but Craig says makes it better. The lady doing the ride asked if she was ok during it and I said yes. Poor Zoe, she wished I said no. You would think that would be the last time for these spin type rides but she still loves them. Ugh! We shot some turkeys on another ride and had Thanksgiving dinner for lunch, which was actually really good. We saw Halloween cat and took photos but skipped that area, since girls could only do 2 rides and they didn’t want either. Christmas and 4th of July had plenty for them and Kenzie decided she HAD to do the revolution – a crazy spinning ride that you stand up on and it turns sideways, while spinning super fast – you know the one from the fair. We tried to talk her out of it, made her watch it in advance and she still insisted. Watching her face on that ride broke my heart. So happy she didn’t get sick, but she definitely didn’t look good and had a death grip on the sides. I took a video but it is so fast, even slowed down it is blurry to zoom in on her. I ran to the exit and quickly grabbed her in my arms and she just started crying saying she was trying to be strong during the ride (and she was).

After she got off, we tried to get her to look at what she had done. We both tried to talk her out of it and Craig made her watch it one time before going. Poor kiddo – so scared and not feeling great but

I don’t think we would drive to IN, just to go to this theme park, but if anywhere close – it is worth seeing. They do give free Pepsi drinks, Gatorade and water and free sunblock. The lockers were neat, you rent one for day by getting a wristband (and can get whatever number of bands you need) then stick band up to scan and it pops one open for you. No need to remember locker number!! And they had ample family restrooms. Next time I would spend way more time in the water park.

Camp Rudolph. They have lots of activity but, a lot will cost you a fee. Girls got glitter tattoos for $5 each… they have their own splash park (seems small) and a few water slides but they do charge you for these. They did not charge for the regular pool. They did have a free shuttle bus to and from Holiday World. Also, you can rent a golf cart. They nearest thing was the golf cart parade they do at 8:30. I wish I could have taken photos of them at night but my phone died. One looked like a boat. A lot had lights on them and there were so many – over 50 probably. One had Santa on the back, another the Grinch. One threw out candy. Some would yell Marco (and crowd would say Polo – or whoever they passed by), it was energetic and fun to watch!! Here a couple of the carts during the day. This campground had cabins you could rent, rv spaces and spaces for tents.

I will also mention we found Connor’s favorite toy, at Holiday World.  Both girls got one of these balls and he is beyond obsessed.  Luckily, they think he is cute and don’t mind sharing.

MN does have a lot of lakes; however, they call every man made pond a lake to make it to their land of 10,000 lakes. I feel that is a little bit of cheating. We call them retention ponds, unless your house is the one on it, then for resale value and our own sanity, we call it a lake. We lived on a lake in our last house. In the RV, we were next to a few lakes and a casino. The lights below were from the casino at night.

My brother and his family came in from China to MN, so that was our reason for going again this year!! The cousins had only met when Kenzie was 6 months old and then they moved. We felt incredibly excited and blessed to spend a week and a half there. During that time, we went to several different playgrounds, all of which were very cool and unique. We went to a few beaches including one that made you exit the water for 10 minutes every hour for safety break (and after the first one, they switched to 15 minute breaks due to heat index). We did mall of America (both with cousins and again on our own one day as it was our kids favorite from last year’s trip) and I discovered microfiber towels are the way to go – thanks April! You buy them in different colors so each person knows which is theirs, they don’t hold sand, they are super easy to pack – a lot fit in a little space, they have cool little straps and they dry quickly. Why did I never think to do this as pool/beach towels??? (You can find them on amazon – you are welcome to all the husbands who say their wives shop too much).

We were very sad to leave them but they were headed to Canada 🇨🇦 and we were headed to Illinois and Indiana.

Had planned on Grand Canyon but after reading how crowded South Rjm (where we would be) is – thought better with 3 kids. Craig’s nephew is stationed in Colorado Springs so we got as close as we could. We (and Chad) called at least 30 parks daily hoping for a cancellation. They were having a tough time with all the fires going on and taking people in. We finally found a place and the cousins got to be together, like they were never apart. Oh and it was a jellystone Park (Yogi Bear and Boo Boo – so many cute activities for kids there!). It was so sweet to watch and so much fun! We went to Garden of the Gods (look up photos on google – it is gorgeous. Due to kids, heat and crowds, we didn’t get out and just drove through so hard to get photos). But, definitely worth taking a day trip here, if around at all!!! We did Manitou Springs – where they have 11 (or so) fountains of “healing water”. I tried one, and that was my limit. Kids had a blast though. Lots of shops and two t-Rex 🦖 past us on the street (those parents are winning!!). Our last day we went to the North Pole amusement park (you know if it is obscure- I am there!) and to our family’s house. I felt terrible having to leave them and wish we had more time to spend together. We have been gone from there a few days now, and Kenzie has already mailed her cousins letters.