🚐 Launch Delayed no more… 🚀

Off to Infinity & Yonder!

Well, we were supposed to be somewhere in Colorado by now… or maybe wandering a forested trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Or perhaps arguing over which gas station has cleaner bathrooms, Buc-ees or anyone else. Instead, here we are—still here. Still packing. Still stalling. But in the best possible way.

Life, as it turns out, has a wonderful sense of humor.

First up in the 'Delay Parade' was Ollie. Our sweet, ever-faithful, ever-sniffing sidekick needed a minor surgery. Nothing serious, but enough to remind us that launching a new life on the road should definitely not begin with a cone of shame and an embarrassed dog trying to wedge himself under the dinette. He’s healing like a champ though, and we’re pretty sure the vet gave him extra treats for bravery (and for not eating the office fern).

Then came the Fourth of July. What was meant to be a quick “we’ll catch the parade and go” turned into an all-out hometown bonanza. There were parades and floats and more red-white-and-blue plastic beads than any one town should own. There were sticky-faced children, fireworks and enough cotton candy to put us all into a brief but enthusiastic sugar coma.

But the real kicker—the event that truly earned this delay its gold medal—was an engagement party for two incredible kids just starting out on their grand adventure. Watching our oldest and his sweet, soon-to-be bride beam under strings of backyard lights, surrounded by the familiar faces of our launchpad community, reminded us: beginnings come in all shapes. Some happen with a map in your hand. Others, with a ring on your finger.

To the friends who hosted, cooked, decorated, cheered, and let us steal hugs between trips to the cooler—you are the real MVPs. Seriously. You could plan the Olympics and still have time to make it all feel like home.

So, yes. We’re perpetually behind schedule, even when there truly is no schedule. Our “drive into the sunset” moment has been more “nap in the lawn chair.” But sometimes, a little delay is just the universe giving you a better send-off.

That said… the laundry’s finally done (well, mostly), Ollie’s cleared for travel (minus one slightly shaved patch), and the goodbyes have been cried through (again and again and again). The RV is humming, the fridge is humming louder, and we’re pointing ourselves toward cooler air, open roads, curious people, and—dare we say—new laundromats. (If you know, you know.)

So here it is: our actual departure. Chapter Two. Page One. Rolling out with hearts full of gratitude, a trunk full of road-trip snacks, and just enough gas to make it to the next Buc-ees.

Pray for us. And if you see a slightly confused couple, an enthusiastic and mischievous service dog, and a boy peering wide-eyed out the window at the world - honk, wave, or say hi.

Adventure awaits. Finally. 💫