Cracker Barrel Classroom, a Festive RV, and Tennessee

We are into October already!  It’s crazy to think about how this whole adventure started. I remember mentioning it to Ron and being apprehensive. There were so many logical reasons to stay home. Real estate was just picking back up after Covid, we’re building a new home, and online learning with the kids is a lot of work. It wasn’t until we had a long Face Time with my mom and dad that we finally decided to go for it. They reminded us this was a once in a lifetime moment and reassured us we could manage all the challenges that came with it. I am so glad we took their advice to dive in.  

It’s been a learning curve, especially keeping track of homework assignments and class zoom meetings, but I think all families are feeling like this. Our latest challenge is managing our cell service to make sure we can hotspot from my phone. Verizon let me know today that I’ve maxed out my hotspot allowance, so the speed of my hotspot has dramatically reduced.  We plan to try to fix this problem this weekend.

Oh, and Ron and I have realized we might not be one of those couples that rocks the Amazing Race. We laugh that our marriage would surely end from the stress of navigating with maps. There have been times juggling driving and helping the kids with Zoom meetings and Google map and GPS—let me say it’s not sunshine and rainbows. I am thankful that Ron and I can look at each other and agree that we love each other and it’s ok regardless of my navigation skills. He is learning to be more prepared, though! 

Here’s how our morning started today. The love that Ron has for Remi and Maggie grows deeper by the day, and it was especially deep and fuzzy at 5:30 this morning when we awoke to hear Remi barking from his crate in the truck. Ron got out to let both the pups pee and put them back to bed. Remi at this point was jazzed to wake up and play so kept barking.  It took some stern “NOs” and he finally went back to bed. I giggle every time Ron says Da$% Dogs!! 

We all went back to bed and tried to get some shut eye for another couple of hours. After we all woke up and had breakfast, we were off to the Great Smoky Mountains. The kids had a full day of school and homework in the morning to make up for what they missed yesterday while we were off exploring. Again, I was so proud of the kids for loving school and trying so hard. 

On the other hand, they love it so much that they’re getting a little possessive over their school screens. They each get upset when the other one looks at what they’re doing, so we’ve implemented a point system for the trip like the one we have at home. They earn points and lose points based on their behaviour. At this point we are not too sure if this system is working or not. I will have to keep you posted.  

We finally crossed into Tennessee, and I was so happy. I have always wanted to see this region of the US and I have been playing Bluegrass music all day to get the family in the spirit. The kids have protested this music but I have held strong. Wyatt keeps requesting hard rock but I just can’t do it. His godfather John would be so proud of his music choice. 

Perhaps it was the excitement of getting to Tennessee or the Bluegrass music, but Ron wanted to stop at Cracker Barrel for lunch. Now I have eaten at this chain restaurant once before. They serve a lot of food and it’s not always in tune with my culinary tastes, but we embraced it. Wyatt did his last class zoom meeting from the restaurant and was a champ about it.  We all left the restaurant completely stuffed (especially Ron). I think his Cracker Barrel needs have been satisfied for a while now (at least I hope so). 

We finally arrived at our KOA campsite. This is a very pretty campground. It’s also a busy one, probably because we are camping here over the weekend and also because everyone wants to be here in the fall. The crisp nights and warm days are wonderful. We were directed to our campsite and Tim (KOA staff) helped Ron back in. If you’ve ever listened to couples shout at each other about which way to turn as they try to back in their RV, you’ll understand how hard that job is. We’ve tried hard not to be that couple and we were thankful for Tim’s help tonight.  

As soon as we were set up the kids were off to the playground. It was filled with kids and I could hear them all screaming with joy at the game they were playing.  Wyatt and Ariel made so many friends. Ron and I got the pups set up and then took a walk to the river which is right beside our campground. Next time we camp here we are going to try to get a river site because they’re all so beautiful. I am envious of the homes across the river too—both the homes and the riverside patios look pretty wonderful. 

We are also trying to get our RV and campsite ready for Canadian Thanksgiving and Halloween. We have some cozy accents for the RV and we put out our Halloween tablecloth tonight. I am loving how exciting it all feels. We are adding to our festive feel each week to remind the kids that just because we aren’t at home doesn’t mean special times go away. On that note, do you all think I could cook a turkey in our RV oven? I’m not sure even I am up for that challenge. Ron assures me that Arkansas will do something for Canadian Thanksgiving. That would be great but I want to have a good back up plan. What do you think?  

Ariel and Wyatt played at the playground most of the night and came back to camp only briefly to fuel up with dinner. This reminds me of the days when my family used to camp with the McGrath’s. My sister and I used to play at the playground with Sean and JR (McGrath) as much as we could and we had so much fun. While the kiddos grabbed a quick bite, Ron ate all his leftovers from Cracker Barrel. I enjoyed some delicious potato soup from our great friend Leslie who shared a batch before we left. I was smart and froze two dinners worth to enjoy along this trip. Thank you Leslie. I loved it and it made me happy because I thought of you and Greg and Adeline back home. We miss you guys! 

The kids have worn themselves out and have called it a night. Ron and I are about to get cozy with the pups around the fire. He has a few real estate calls to make and I’m just enjoying a quiet moment (with all the insects of course singing their songs) around the fire. I am so excited to be here and can’t wait to explore and relax over the next 3 days.  

Good night from Tennessee!