Launching the Journey

We are about ready to go. We are on the cusp of our year long family of six immersion across the country in a 35 foot travel trailer. I have registered with the state to home school and we are taking that deep breath that goes before plunging into unknown waters. The boys have camps in north central Nebraska this week. Kane is doing an advanced robotics camp, and Kolton and Karson are going to Treasure Hunter camp in which they will be geocaching and scavenger hunting along the Dismal River (I hope their experiences aren't "dismal"!)

Ken, Kalista and I will be nearby in the RV while the boys are camping, and then we head north and west, with intentions of spending time in Yellowstone before it gets too cold and snowy up there (at this point, I would welcome some cold and snow, as we have been experiencing drought and 100*+ temperatures in Omaha for the past few weeks with no relief in sight.)

I have to admit that getting to this point has not been without some fear and major panic attacks. Detaching from routines and school were difficult for me. Trying to decide what to do with the house has been another struggle. (At this point we're keeping it, because the market is so bad). The idea of home schooling was very scary a few months ago. I cried on the last day of school, but now have completely embraced it, organizing curricula for the boys, and I have even begun teaching four year old Kalista to read - which is so fun and exciting! Looking back, I realize that we have actually been "home schooling" all along with the kids since our family began.

Whenever we tell people of our plans to go adventuring, the first thing they ask about is school and how we will educate the kids. My answer to that now has evolved to, "They're always learning. We just have to get out of their way, let them learn and provide some structure and guidance along the way."

So, here we go adventuring!