1. Why?

After 16 years in Los Angeles, it’s time to move back to Ohio. It’s a decision 5 years in the making. 

We feel so fortunate to have such happy memories in Los Angeles – TJ & I came here with no jobs & no plans of where we’d land – we were just following adventure. California was a lifelong dream for us both, & something just felt right about it in 2007. We packed our Honda Element & hit the road with our pup Maizey. Fast-forward 16 years, and we couldn’t feel more fortunate to have grown careers, friendships, and a family in the city. 

We had our dream home – a midcentury modern open floorplan that we could update ourselves. And that’s just what we did – for the past 12 years. We touched every inch of that house & yard (more on that in another post). Everything we needed we could walk to nearby in Calabasas. We were part of a wonderful homeschool network, & we had families we were friends with the entire time. 

…but seeing our friends with their extended families made us realize – we were lonely for our family. Even though our kids are incredibly close to our family 2,500 miles away, we decided we wanted more. 

Our house went on the market just before Christmas, & by mid-January we were in escrow. Our plan was to take our time driving back across the country. To roam. We have no home waiting for us in Ohio, & TJ is a freelance animator who has worked remotely for 12 years. We’re homeschoolers. When better to explore the US than now? Our cousins here joked about us borrowing their RV for our roam back to Ohio…& that planted a seed.

Within the course of two weeks, that seed grew from us borrowing a Class C motorhome for a 1-month trip to us buying a truck & 5th wheel the size of a semi and embarking on a new life we knew nothing about with no end date in sight. But why something 14 feet tall & 40 feet long?

With an almost-13-year-old daughter & 10-year-old son, we wanted them to each have some space of their own. We eventually decided on the Grand Design Solitude 3550BH, which meant the rear of the 5th wheel is a bunkhouse. Each kid gets a queen-sized bed with 2 windows. For the time being, our 5th wheel IS our home. We hoped that by going bigger we could roam longer. 

Go big and go roam!

11 thoughts on “1. Why?”

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  1. This is going to be fun to follow!!! Ashleigh, you are a wonderful writer… Your stories are easy to read and you make me feel as if I am right there with you!
    I’m looking forward to being a part of this journey. I love being at the final stretch of your destination! You, TJ, Sofina and Chase will be welcomed to your new home with love, warmth and open arms!!! Meanwhile, let the excitement begin!!!

    O-H…

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  2. You’re so inspiring! I remember you from horizon hills and I always admired your perspective on raising kids.

    I’m homeschooling my oldest next year and I’m praying and hoping to move where my entire family resides (AZ) in the summer.

    I look forward to more posts and blogs!

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  4. Just read your blog. As Trish said you are a wonderful writer. Made me get teary eyed. This will remind us of when you both ventured across Europe and our only connection to you both was your blog and beautiful pics. Then you came back and told us you were going to CA but for only 2 years but 2 turned into 16. We are so proud of all you have accomplished as in your careers and as parents. Your kids are very fortunate to be able to experience all that you have shown and taught them. I know it was bitter sweet in leaving but this is a new chapter in your book. What an adventure and praying God will watch over all your travels across the great USA. Love Mom and Dad🙏🏼💕

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  6. The Grand Design is a great rig! We’ve had an Imagine travel trailer for 4 years and love it! Congrats and have fun!

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