Two Boys, Two Weeks, and a House on Wheels

Designing the perfect family vacation can be a daunting task. Add in a husband who hates crowds, a man-sized teenager who doesn’t love the beach, and an opinionated tween who thinks anything his mom suggests is “so weird,” and you’ve got quite the challenge. Then consider that your teenager has just a few years left where the family can force attendance on summer vacations and your job as planner seems impossible.

So where to begin?

First…after spending every summer at the beach, I knew I did NOT want to return. The heat, the humidity, the sand, the humidity, the “sameness” from going every summer, and…THE HUMIDITY, made the beach a definite “no-go.”

Second…we decided to forgo the boys’ two-week summer camp session for an “amazing family vacation” we could all spend together. (I better make it worth it.)

Third…the boys are finally old enough for any and all vacation experiences to be etched into their memories forever! (Making memories that didn’t require a future therapist was essential.)

So I decided to be a little selfish. I’ve always wanted an RV. The idea of traveling the country with your “house” in tow seemed amazing. And… I am NOT a fan of hotels. The moving in and out, packing and unpacking, the stray hair in the shower, those “How Clean is your Hotel Room” news stories, bed bugs, and so on…make my skin crawl! I wanted my own “traveling room,” to go where I pleased. But after discussing/pestering the hubby, we decided it made sense to rent one first before buying.

We settled on Outdoorsy.com, one of several sites where RV owners can rent out their motor homes. We lucked into a 2018 Coachmen Freelander Micro that was recently purchased by a friendly couple and was practically brand new. Papers were signed and we were on our way.

I sat at the computer one afternoon mapping out our route and reserving sites at campgrounds. Tips from friends and fellow RV-ers were a huge help. It was a little overwhelming but very exciting!

We loaded the RV that our tween affectionately named “Vanessa” and headed out June 13. But our start wasn’t as smooth as I’d hoped. I had to have at least one “Griswold memory.”

Since I’m a photographer, I envisioned a clever photo of the boys holding me sideways in front of the RV for our departure image. The problem is, in my mind, I’m still a 20-something, 120-pound woman. When my 40-ish, “a few pounds heavier” body jumped sideways for my husband to catch, my timing was off and his back was unprepared for the sudden, jolting load. His back popped and my husband spent the next two days in excruiating back pain. Can you say, “oopsie daisy?!” (insert cheesy, apologetic grin)

But the back healed and the trip was a success! In fact, it was the best trip we’ve ever taken as a family. We’re ready to get back on the road. And I think there could be an RV purchase in our future!

So here’s a photo essay of our travels. And please call if you need any tips for your own family adventure. I’d love to share! Enjoy!

FIRST STOP…NATURAL BRIDGE, VIRGINIA (one night only)

Lexington/Natural Bridge KOA

SECOND STOP – HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA (two nights)

Hershey/Jonestown KOA

Side note:

Jonestown is the PA city.

(There were no glasses of Kool-Aid served or cult-like behavior observed.)

Our campsite view by the river

KOA campground owner driving the free shuttle to Hershey Park with his own, informative tour of the city. He was so kind and we were his only family that day.)

HERSHEY PARK and Chocolate World

He’s a Twizzler.

BACK AT THE CAMPGROUND

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Side Note:

The abundance of cubes (they’re not all Rubix) is due to the tween’s current obsession. The cubes will make an appearance at every stop. If the tween is looking down, he’s “cubing.”

This is the teen. His current obsession is Wi-Fi and making sure every campground has service.