After growing up in Arizona, Kristy spent time in Texas, Colorado and California before moving to Minnesota to further her career and lower her cost of living. Ben was raised in Colorado, and moved to Minnesota in 2006 for improved career opportunities as well. Fate brought Ben and Kristy together in 2012. Both of us had worked at Best Buy / Geek Squad in both Colorado and Minnesota, but our paths had never crossed. Once we got in the same room together, it was pretty much love at first sight and we were engaged and married within the next few years. The wedding ceremony was held outdoors in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado…in March. The snow let up just in time to complete the short hike out to the dock on a frozen lake for a beautiful outdoor ceremony. Thus began our love affair with the National Parks. 

Born a few years later, Owen makes every day more interesting and brings his own uniquely adventurous spirit to the family. He has taught us patience, love and kindness in ways we never considered. He continues to bring fresh energy and joy to our family every day.

In 2015 Ben was gifted a book from his brother that eventually led him to discover the concept of FIRE (Financial Independence / Retire Early)  through the likes of The Mad Fientist  and Mr. Money Mustache. More on FIRE in the the Wait, but how? (FIRE) post, but suffice it to say, this approach to personal finance set us on a path less traveled.

Some time in 2017 we started talking about doing an RV road trip to visit all the National Parks in the United States. We set an audacious goal for both of us to “retire” from full time corporate work before Ben turned 40 in 2020 and leave on a 12-18 month journey. A few short years later, and much to our own surprise, we executed that plan!

As I write this in June of 2020, we are just beginning our epic RV Adventure. 2020 threw us a few curve balls, and we delayed and amended some of our plans, but we are officially on the road, and loving it so far. This story is just getting started, so stick around to find out how it unfolds!

Kristy, Ben & Owen