This summer, one of the best parts of RV living has been being so close to my sister Kristy and her family. She lives about 20 minutes away, and we’ve had so much fun spending time together. The highlight? Games. When we get together for games, we get serious about them, and SkyJo quickly became the reigning favorite of the summer. I honestly think it’s my favorite game ever—it’s just that good.
We laughed, we yelled, and we let our competitive sides shine. Even Kristy’s youngest got in on the action. One time, she scolded us for playing the game wrong, only to admit later she’d been cheating the entire time. How hilarious is that? Watching her kids grow, form their own opinions, and bring their unique personalities to our time together has been so special.
Backyard Bliss
We’ve spent countless hours in Kristy’s backyard, cooling off in the sprinklers while Murphy and Ozzie learned what it means to coexist with ducks. Let’s just say it took them a while to figure out that chasing the ducks wasn’t an option. By the end of the summer, they’d finally learned to admire the ducks from a safe distance behind the fence.
One night stands out as one of my favorite memories: the trampoline under the stars. It was me, Kristy, and her two girls all snuggled up, pointing out the North Star and spotting satellites as they crossed the sky.
It was pure magic—a moment of connection and wonder. Meanwhile, I was battling a load of laundry that refused to dry, which somehow made the night even more memorable. It’s funny how the little frustrations become part of the charm in these moments.
The Magic of the Garden
Another highlight of the summer was Kristy’s garden. It was thriving, beautiful, and magical. I loved being part of it—collecting raspberry leaves, drying chamomile, and marveling at the giant mullein plant that took center stage.
This mullein plant had such a presence, constantly calling to me. I’d find myself drawn to it every time I visited, captivated by its energy. Harvesting the plant felt so purposeful and grounding. I’ve since used it for clearing sinuses, supporting my lungs, and incorporating it into spiritual practices. It was such a magical experience to connect with a plant on such a deep level and to take a piece of it with me.
Almost every time I visited Kristy’s, I’d make my way to the garden, checking on the mullein and admiring the other plants while Murphy and Ozzie played in the backyard.
The Fourth of July: Family & Fireworks
This summer, we had family come up to celebrate the Fourth of July, and it was exactly what I needed during the first few weeks of our RV adventure. We spent the day soaking in all the holiday fun—attending the local parade, watching fireworks, enjoying a barbecue, and spending time at Rigby Lake, which is always a family favorite.
The combination of good food, beautiful weather, and great company made for the perfect day. It’s always such a joy to watch the grandkids grow and get to know each of them as they evolve into their own unique paths.
But I have to admit, this gathering came at a time when I was feeling completely overwhelmed. Just a week into this new RV lifestyle, I was seriously questioning if we’d made the right decision. Was this adventure crazy? Would it ever start to feel easier? Being surrounded by my family and their grounding energy helped me begin to come to grips with this massive life change. It reminded me why we made this choice and gave me the strength to keep moving forward, even in moments of doubt.
Creating Memories: The T-Shirt Blanket
One of the most special parts of this summer was the time I spent with Kristy making a T-shirt blanket for Kurtis. I’d been collecting T-shirts from different phases of his life, each one representing a story, a moment, or a memory. Kurtis jokes that he’s lived many lives within this one lifetime, and honestly, it’s so true. This blanket was a way to honor those moments.
Kristy was incredible—she taught me how to patch the fabric together, sew it, and even add the yarn to keep the batting in place. She was so patient and made the entire process fun and meaningful. I couldn’t have done it without her.
By the end of it, we’d created something truly special. I know this blanket will be something Kurtis cherishes forever, not just for the memories stitched into it but also because of the love and time that went into making it. Spending those hours with Kristy, working on something so personal, was such a highlight of the summer.
Gratitude for the Simple Joys
This summer was full of laughter, connection, and unexpected moments of magic. Whether it was battling over a SkyJo card, sitting under the stars, or harvesting chamomile in the garden, these moments reminded me how special it is to slow down and savor the simple joys.
It’s not always easy, and yes, I’ve questioned whether or not we’re crazy, but the magic of these moments makes it all worth it. And with every memory we create—whether it’s sitting by the lake, crafting something meaningful, or just being together—I’m reminded that this journey is about so much more than just RV living. It’s about connection, growth, and fully embracing the beauty of this messy, imperfect life.