Home-school Road Trip!

Ohio to Colorado

Packed in but fully equipped with all they need!

Our first lesson for the school year was a lesson of faith and it wasn't just for the kids.  We left Cleveland with $112 in our account and a full tank of gas.  We talked in a parking lot before we left with the family in joyful tears.  It was still a mystery at this point weather we would head west or south but trusted we would get a nudge if we just started moving. Within minutes we were headed west and the step was almost instantly encouraged by phone calls, texts and gifts of money from friends all over the world!  We knew then this trip would be lead by these angels.

In Illinois we stopped to put our foot in the Mississippi and
ended up in Laclaire...can anyone say...American Pickers! 

Once settled in we began the school year.  We dove into our home-school box and created a curriculum in minutes for the next few weeks.  We gave the girls their binders equipped with the tools to learn about each state we traveled through.  We felt we would kick off the new year with review of writing their letters and numbers and introduce some simple geography and history.  Each state page they entered the date and time we crossed the state line as well as noted the state motto. Then we would stop at the first visitor center to ask question or gather materials to complete each cover page.  As we traveled through the state we would point our geological formations, crops and fun facts.  It has been extremely fun and the girls are doing so well.

Arches Museum in Nebraska!

We left Ohio late and had to make our first stop a hotel in Illinois. Thanks to coaching perks we ended up in a king suit with a back door I could  grill hamburgers out of while the kids hit the pool.
Next we took a short trip to Iowa to stay with our Aunt Darr. This is the 5th time the Dashers 6! have trekked across the country and each time we were less in number but always welcomed by Brain, Aunt Darr and their dogs! On this trip Buddy and Sammy entertained our little man and our girls learned how to knit. Thanks Aunt Darr...they are still knitting away as we travel.
2 days later we decided to do a long day...13 hours..  We left at 5am and made a great stop in Nebraska at Archway Museum to learn about the 4 pioneer trails to the west, Oregon, Morman, California and the Pony Express. It was rad!  Just before dinner we arrived in Denver at Staci's good friend, Heather's home.  They have known each other since Niah's age and we have also stayed with them each time we made this trek.  Their 3 year old Miah was thrilled to see her new friends and it wasn't long before our kids disappeared into her little world. Doolie, their pit bull, was again our little man's friend and I enjoyed good music and food with Brian, the man of the house.
The next day we hopped over to Auntcous ZZ and Uncous James' house to meet their new baby Libby. It was such a great time and hope to see them again soon.


We look forward to Utah, Idaho and especially Oregon, but you will have to wait to hear those stories.  Thanks to those who read these!  We love you and hope to hear back from you soon.