Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Gettin' Out of Dodge......

Here I go...
this is the post where I tell you that this family below is going to jump in an RV and travel the US.

WHEW..........

There!

I said it!


Now just send all negative or judgmental comments to
THIS IS OUR LIFE, Anywhere, USA.

If you want to send love, I'm all ears! ha.

We always kind of joked about this kind of trip, but it never seemed it could be a reality.
Well now we see a window and we are going to jump!
If all goes wrong we will cry uncle and come back.

The kids are very excited!!!
We have been in touch with families like the The Ark tour.
and plan on doing other types of ministry while on the road too.
I am so excited to "road school" I know we will all learn so much!
This is a once in a lifetime adventure.

Yes, we will miss our family and friends SO much.
We will be sure to keep in touch with all of you!
I'd love to share with you as we travel. I will be posting from all the different places we go. I hope you will follow along on our adventure.....

73 comments:

Shannon Hartz said...

Oh Bridget, I just have to smile. What an amazing time this will be for you all:) We traveled from Florda to New York City then back across to Cali when we just has two kiddos in our RV. It was a wonderful crazy time, and we all loved it. I'm so excited for you guys. Your kids will have so much fun... and what an awesome opportuity for learning:)

Jennifer said...

Can I tell you just how jealous I am of you!?! You and your family are about to take on my "Dream". I have always wanted to pack up my family and travel to every state, spend quality time in that state learning as much as we can and then move on to the next state. I read about Lisa ???(Facts of Life girl) doing this with her family and how much the grew as a family and in the Lord. I cannot wait to read all about your travels. Enjoy!!!

Nicholle said...

Wow! how amazing. I remember you posting about this a long time ago. You are so fortunate to take all your kids across the US during the school year. They will learn so much and it will be something they will never forget! Let me know when you get back, I think we need to get together again :) HAVE FUN!

Cecilia said...

How crazy fun and amazing that's going to be! What a growth in the Lord and with eachother. Funny, Tim and I have joked to do the same. I don't feel as brave as you. Will be praying during this new adventure! I will follow it:)
Psalm 18:29-33

Anonymous said...

I think it's awesome. Less house for you to clean too. lol. I don't see why not to do it, especially since you home school.

Lauren said...

This sounds so amazing!! What a wonderful experience this trip will be! And isn't it nice that you can take homeschooling on the road with you?

I hope you guys have a fabulous time seeing all sorts of interesting places. And...if you find yourself in GA, be sure to drop us a line!! :)

Anonymous said...

Oh I'm so jealous!!!!!!!! SOOOO JEALOUS. I don't even know you, but if you plan on coming to New England, let's do lunch! :)

Unknown said...

LOVES IT!! Can't wait to hear and see all about it!!!

Heather said...

This is awesome!! I also remember you mentioning that you wanted to do this, and now you ARE! What an awesome learning experience for your kids...and quality time together with your family!! I can't wait to hear about all the adventures...and if you ever make it to South Carolina you can stop by =) Although we might not be here much longer (military). Have fun...and travel safe!! =)

P.S....Who cares what other people think!!! It's your life and your family! =)

tammy Kay said...

Bridget, you go girl!
I think it is wonderful!
Listen, if you ever make it to Charleston SC let me know and I really want to meet up!
Excited to join you on your journey here!

Anonymous said...

OH MY HEART... YOU REALLY ARE DOING IT!!! NO JUST REMEMBER IF YOU START SELLING MARY KAY AND GIVING MAKEOVERS I AM GOING TO SAY I TOLD YOU SO!!!!! BUT SERIOUSLY ENJOY YOUR TRAVELS AND DONT FORGET MADDIE'S SNOW GLOBE AND BROOKLYN'S FAN COLLECTION!!! XOXOXOX **MUAH**
LOVE, JEN
P.S. ALL THAT TIME ON YOUR HANDS CAN CREATE A BABY, REMEMBER THAT :) LOL

Janene said...

How absolutely amazing!!! I've always harbored a secret desire in my heart to do something similar--who knows, maybe some day our family will. Enjoy and blessings to you and the family. I can not wait to hear of your adventures!!!!

Jen@Scrapingirl said...

I am sooooo jealous of you. I have always wnted to do that. If, for some odd reason, you make your way over to Michigan, look me up!!! I'd love to meet. you.

Jennifer Riddle said...

OMG...! How can one of the sweetest persons I've ever met be so brave? You and your family are truely an inspiration. I think everyone has invisioned living life on the road and the world truely being our oyster. Congrats to you and Justin living another one of your dreams. Please keep us all updated!

Rochelle Ax said...

yaeee yaeee yaee yaee!! Phew! FINALLY! lol... I am so blessed and excited to see God work in you guys all the steps necessary to move you and your family around... but i swear, if you don't come back i'm huntin' you down girl! lol... I told you, close your eyes when you come to the country houses with wrap around porches, picket fences, acres and acres and rolling hills with no smog... JUST THINK... who will take my pics? lol.. then you come back home to me OKAYEEEE! :)
lol... well, yes- i will miss you! but Gosh, i cannot wait to hear about the trips and see the pics. . . especially the christmas place!! AHHHH.. lol.

Janine Swenson said...

Negative comments?? The only one I can think of is...We're going to miss THE RYAN family!!!!

Very, very exciting and such the way to go. I wish we could jump on board and join you. How about this, once you guys go as far as you can and decide you want to come back, let us know. We'll hit the road and head East while you head West and we will meet up somewhere in the middle.

We've always considered this too after seeing the movie "RV". It'd be such a wealth of memories for the kids and hands-on learning is #1 in my book.

Love you guys; if you need support, prayers, or just want to know what's happening at church, call me. God Bless you and I pray that He provides everything to make it happen.

GrOwTh SpUrTs said...

I am so jealous!!! I think it's an awesome idea!! And I agree with Tammy Kay (we are best friends of 17 years by the way!) that if you come through St. Louis tell me and we can meet for lunch or something!! What a great opportunity for your family! Enjoy!

Ice Queen said...

You rock! This is a chance of a lifetime! You go girl! God be with you all!

Ice Queen said...

You rock! This is a chance of a lifetime! You go girl! God bless you on this next chapter of your life!

kristina16marie said...

I'm jealous!!! Never mind the haters - you guys rock! Come visit us in the Alamo City, just take the 10 Freeway and head East. Lots of learning to do here in San Antonio. =)

audrey said...

I'm crazy jealous. I've always dreamed of doing something like this. Can't wait to read about all your travels!

Anonymous said...

How Cool!! You guys will have so much fun!!! I would love to take my family across the country!! Praying for you!

Shannon said...

I can't convince my husband to do this, but we have talked about it... now we are so settled in our home... but I sometimes wish we weren't. Can't wait to see all the places you go. I guess this means a jpb change for hubby!! Very interesting... I am totally envying the less space to clean issue, too. When we go on vacation I always find myself thinking that I wish that small amount of space was all I had to clean. Embrace it! Let me know if you head to Southeast Texas...

Anonymous said...

Wow Bridget this is wonderful news...( and I had a feeling) :-);

be sure to stop by Lake Arrowhead on your way out...hahaha, lots to learn on hwy 18 and 138 on your wa out!!!

Look forward to "hearing" "reading" about our adventures.

Will be praying for you EVERYDAY!!!!

When will this adventure begin!!!!

Jennifer said...

How exciting!! I have always wanted to do something like that, but we're tied down with the military at the moment. Maybe when my husband retires.....

Adrienne said...

How wonderful!!! Enjoy your time together.

Jackie Piddington said...

Bridget, I really feel this is an awesome opportunity for your family. As an educator, I know that there are learning opportunities around every corner. So many kids don't have life experiences like your kids will have. Good for you all! : ) Jackie

Jackie Piddington said...

Bridget, I really feel this is an awesome opportunity for your family. As an educator, I know that there are learning opportunities around every corner. So many kids don't have life experiences like your kids will have. Good for you all! : ) Jackie

2boymommy said...

sounds awesome! i have some friends that did that for a whole year and their family loved every second!!!

ps... thanks so much for the monkey costume. we got it in the mail today and it is adorable! i'll make sure to post pics on my blog after halloween :)

katie said...

What an amazing opportunity! How long do you think you guys will be gone? Do you have a route you have already chosen or are you just gonna "wing it" =) Wow, such a great idea! I can't wait to read about your journey!

~1/2 a dozen~ said...

The Mejia Family will definitely be following along with you. Can't wait to see the exciting places you visit and things you'll get to see. Keep posting!

Michael, Trisha, Grace, and Anna said...

Jealous here too! We have been wanting to do this for the past 2yrs.,but our house won't sell! :-( so excited for all of you. It doesn't matter what others think or say, you and your husband are held accountable,by God, for your children. Only you will answer to Him,not others. Can't wait to hear all the exciting things God has in store!!

Too Many Kids In The Bathtub said...

Oh YAYYYY!!!!! This is so awesome!!! Email me where you are going, we are planning on taking a few road trips this year...maybe we can meet up!!!! If you go ANYWHERE in Texas, you HAVE TO LET ME KNOW!!!!!!

heather@it'stwinsanity said...

I am jealous! I've always wanted to do that too! Well, come to DC and I'll show you around!

Kristen Beqari said...

I had a feling that this announcement was coming...
I am so excited for you and your family. You are going to make so many wonderful memories - I am glad you are taking this opportunity.
But... You will be missed here for sure. We should try to get together before y'all leave. The boys want to meet you :o)

Hollie said...

bridget this is totally awesome and i think it's a wonderful idea!!!! what a great learning experience for your kids! you guys are gonna have such great memories. my only request, head on over to the southeast my friend!! you can hook up to our house! hahaa! or...we can meet ya'll somewhere in our tinkywink camper and park beside your what i'm assuming is a mack daddy rv!

Laura said...

This is awesome news!!! I remember you had mentioned the idea before and I thought this is the route you all might go. My prayers are with you and I'll be excited to follow your journey!

Melissa said...

Good for you... Have a WONDERFUL time!

Celee said...

Bridget I would say it sounds like fun, but I have a little experience with camping with a travel trailer and I have to admit I'm not jealous. I am, however, going to enjoy following along with you on your adventures. In other words, better you than me:) The Duggars make it look like such fun, but we're ready to burn all our clothes after 3 or 4 nights, so I can't imagine long term! More power to you! I hope it's a time where you and your family draw closer to one another!

Laura said...

Not exactly jealous over here, but super excited for you, your kids and all that you'll learn together! My secret dream is to live with my family on a moshav in Israel for a year... just don't tell my husband =).

Dana said...

We have only been on the road for a week, but we are LOVING it!!! Even my older kids who were a little hesitant are thinking that we could do this for a really long time before settling down again! We are having a ball meeting new friends and seeing new sites! Welcome on board, and maybe we'll see you somewhere on the road!

Kaylyn said...

so very jealous of this trip you are taking!!! Wish we would do it too!

Christy said...

Sounds fun!! Have a great time and your kids are going to learn so much!! They will get to learn new and exciting and heck maybe even boring (lol) things about every state! They are getting an awesome chance that not many will ever have! Here's to making a lot of memories!! GOD has some awesome things in store for you and your family!

Jennifer said...

How fun! I can't wait to read about your adventures!

Danielle said...

Wow! That is so awesome. I have told my husband the last three yrs that I wanted to do this. Our business is great cause we can do it anywhere. We just need a aircard and a cell phone. I think it will bring on some of the best memories for your family. And think of all the places you can show and teach your kids about in person, not just from a book. I am hoping to start off next summer with a trial run and see how it goes. I am looking forward to seeing how it goes for your family! God bless you, I will be praying for your family!!

the shoppe owner said...

I am so excited for you!!!

I pray that you will all have the very best time. Enjoy memory hunting together, sweetheart :O)

Blessings, Susan

Emily said...

What an AMAZING opportunity!!!! We are so excited for you and we will keep all of you in our prayers for safe travel!

We would LOVE to meet all of you, SO if you get close to the creation museum, we live right around the corner!!!

We look forward to hearing about all of your adventures as well as what God reveals to you!

Anonymous said...

Good Luck.
I will pray for you.
WalMart's parking lots are free!

Anonymous said...

Today's my first day to visit your blog. I've heard great things about you though and look forward to following your upcoming adventure.

How awesome to know you are listening to God and answering his call.

Stephanie @ dirtandlace.com said...

WOW. What a great adventure you all will have. I would love to do something similar some day. I think it will be a truly wonderful experience for you all, and the kids will learn so much. I can't wait to follow along on your journey!

Jessikah said...

yay!! :) I have to say Im not jealous me and RV's for longer then a week NO THANK you ;) but Im excited for you guys its going to be such an AMAZING time for your family! cant wait to following along with you guys!!!

~jenna said...

SOOOOO cool! can't wait to see the posts and all you get to see and learn with your family!! if you make it to new england, park in our driveway for awhile!!

Megs said...

I have to say I am jealous too! Matthew and I have already said we would like to do that when he retires, but what a great opportunity for you guys to be able to do that now with the kids. So you had better plan on coming up this way to visit us:) I will be hurt if you don't!
Love ya!

Anonymous said...

Hi Bridget,
I left a comment yesterday it did not appear?

Hope I did not say anything to offend ( I don't hink I did).

Will keep you in my prayers!!!

Safe travels and God Speed....

Karla said...

Bridget, what a WONDERFUL opportunity! I am so happy for you and your family and can't wait to follow along. (I hope you'll blog often!) The first I had heard of this was when Lisa Whelchel (Blair on "Facts of Life") did this with her family a few years ago.

Please let me know if you'll be in the Northeast!

Anonymous said...

Congrats to you and your family! It will be such an awesome experience and adventure traveling together!!

I wish you the best! No judgement here. Only God knows whats best for you and your family!

People sometimes think I'm crazy because I am an army wife. They say how do you do that? Wow. But it's God's will and it's an adventure with the man I love and our family.

Goodluck and have fun!!

Loni's World said...

YAY!!!!! I knew it!!!! That is what I thought you were working on... So happy for you and the family :)
Have a great time and keep us posted on your trips.

Good luck!

Aleta said...

How very cool - I will be praying for your sanity! LOL!

Cassidy said...

I cannot wait to read about every single adventure!!!!!!!

CarolinaGirl said...

How do you do it? You are super woman!!! Have a blast and please keep us updated!

ragamuffinbeauties said...

AWESOME! If you ever make it through Waco, Texas...lemme know & you are welcome to hook up for free. We homeschool, too so I think it would be a blast!

SoCalLynn said...

Bridget,

I think our trip sounds so exciting, it's something I've always wanted to do! Although I will miss seeing you and your beautiful family at the park and such, I can't wait to read all about your adventures!

Lynn

Kate @ Bliss and That said...

What a wonderful adventure for your family! We too always talk about doing that! The learning possibilities will be endless... How fun! Are the kids beside themselves with excitement!? :)

Forget the navigation at home... You will have THE Navigator by your side the whole way! :)

Blessings!

Kristie said...

WOW! I'm impressed. God is really speaking to you and you're listening... not many people do that!

You'll definitely have to stop by Fremont, OH; we're home to The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center with the first presidential library! We also have awesome teachers in Ohio (I can think of at least 2!) and other neat sites such as Fort Meigs (Battle of 1812) and Cedar Point (home to some of the world's tallest and fastest coasters)!

Kimberly @ RaisingOlives said...

Amazing! How wonderful.

If you are coming through Tennessee let us know. We'd love to meet you all.

Blessings,
Kimberly

:corinne: said...

How Exciting! So much fun and beautiful memories you'll make. Love that you'll be doing ministry too. I'm looking forward to seeing what the Lord will bring about on your journies.
PS My in laws are trying to sell their motorhome, it's a beautiful coach. Email me if you're interested.

Unknown said...

Think you have room for 4 more? I would LOVE to do this with my kids, but my hubby isn't up for it :( I think my kids and I should just hitch a ride with you! Since we homeschool as well it would be prefect! Another person to share cleaning & schooling with plus new kids for everyone to play with!!

My 4 flowers said...

Wow Bridget, I am so happy for you guys. We have been talking about one day doing that. I do believe it will be a very wonderful learning experience for you all. I do wish we will some day do the same. Enjoy the trip and say hello to the Duggers for me if you stop in Arkansas LOL. Do keep us all posted on your wonderful adventure with your family. We will be praying for your safe trip and return.

Damaris said...

What an awesome opportunity! Can't wait to "tag along" on this wonderful journey! Fun! Fun! Fun!

rottylover79 said...

Wow, what an opportunity!!! Not only for yourself but your children. May God watch over your travels. Enjoy the ride!!!

p.s. Indianapolis, Indiana is a great place to visit! :)

Sarah said...

hahaha! I love it! You are crazy people! :) I'm so glad you blog so I can follow along on the adventure!

Yay! What a wonderful adventure!!

Susie said...

Bridget- If you wind up in Ohio, you are welcome to come over for dinner and a play date :) Many blessings on your great adventure :)

Twisted Cinderella said...

I have been caught up in my crazy life and never went back through your archives after our move in October when I got my internet hooked back up in December. I missed this post and when I came today, I had to go back through and read it. I think you are on an exciting trip and would do the same in a heartbeat if I could. Have a wonderful time, I look forward to reading more about it as you share!