Keeping it simple

Chores are part of the Life

Minion Two: "Dad, you said that this is our home away from home..."

Me: "You are right sweetie, this is our home away from home."

Minion Two: "No Dad, I think our other home is our home away from home"

Me: Smiles


That was one of the conversations I had tonight after a long frustrating day at work. But my little minion #2 is correct. We all feel that our camper (Arakkis) is really our home. We love being on the road. Sure, there are struggles, things are not as convenient, but it does feel like we gel as a family so much better.

Over coffee, my wife had a similar conversation. It feels so much more like home. I think simplicity has its advantages. We have a lot less distractions in our life when you have 300+ square feet to live out of. Things have to have a place, you have to be organized. You have to be happy with less.

The advantages and freedom to explore is tangible. We have great views, plenty to do and see, and a lot less headaches. Now, flushing tanks, LP gas refills, camper stabilizing  is not part of a 'normal' life for people, but for us, it is just part of the package. We have parks and playground equipment in our front yard. Our backyard is filled with scenic views of the Wabash. Battlegrounds, historical locations, and fun places await us.

Willie Says...."On the Road Again"

As promised... that crazy family from Indiana is back on the road...

This past winter has been a tough one. We felt the draw to come back home and spend the holidays with family. We didn't know that it would mean that it was the last holiday we got to spend with Jen's dad. However, we got to spend the holidays with family. Got to share great food and warm company.

However, it wasn't too long before the road began to call to us. We had to get some work done on the Arrakis which seemed to take forever. However, most of it was covered by warranty and I am so happy how Basden RV in Evansville has treated us and taken care of our camper! A few hiccups and we were ready to get the camper and head off to new adventure.

Family doing burpees together during a pit stop

What we didn't know was how much we actually packed in order to hit the road. Is it just me, or does it take forever to load everything you need? We did make some modifications to the camper. We added two new beds to the kids room. One is a fold out bed, the other is a toddler bed. It is about the perfect conversion to the kids room so that everyone has a nice comfortable place to sleep. We took out the kitchen table and chairs and added the couch from the kids room. This allows for more comfortable sitting areas for everyone.

So, my client has me in Lafayette, Indiana. Our first night was very cold. We weathered it well. While I was off to work the next morning, Jen and the kids started unpacking, organizing, having school, and getting to know the surroundings. We are located right on the Wabash River with tons of scenic views!

So, a new year of adventure begins. We are ready and excited to see what adventures our travels bring! See y'all on the road!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Twas the year of adventure for the Barnes family six,

RVing, new friends, even snakes in the mix,

Camping by Rivers, Cities and Lakes

Keeping family together, doing what it takes;

Children sleeping, on bunks, floor, and couch,

Happily together, even when dad is a grouch;

A tight little kitchen so we often grill,

Our time together helps us be real.

We homeschooled again for year number two.

Math, reading, and science were given their due.

But there’s more to learn than what’s in a book,

at museums and parks we took a closer look.

To be a junior ranger was our first quest:

We hiked over dunes with hardly a rest;

saw fur traders' cabins,and learned about glaciers,

historic farms, and lizards called racers.

Then came a chance for a family vacation.

South Dakota was our destination.

Red, blue, and green bonnets on girls heads,

came with fun at Laura Ingalls Wilders' homestead

Then westward we went to see Mount Rushmore.

Rattlesnakes and dinos were also in store.

A fatal game of Go Fish with Wild Bill Hickok,

A bus through the needles, Crazy Horse from a rock.

After great times in Hammond and Indy,

we are now at home since it is windy.

In the winter chill we try to get rest,

but this is the season we hurry the best:

Now music lessons, now church, now big family dinners.

Now homeschool groups, now 5k runs and big fitness goals.

On light company, on time with friends, on snowy commutes.

On spartan races, on home repairs and spring soccer fun.

Back to our rv we will return before June.

So dear family and friends, let's visit soon.

Don't forget our savior by whom we've been blessed

Merry Christmas to all, may you have peace and rest.

By Jennifer, Jeff, and Evie Barnes.  Adventures shared by Jayelle, J.J., and Tayla.