We loved the chance to spend time together in a way that was out of our daily routine and be reminded of one major thing: we’re our truest, happiest selves when we pursue adventure. What we found on the road was the inescapable feeling that we were meant to thrive in unfamiliar places, try new foods, lose ourselves down trails, and see long-distance friends and family.

My husband is my best friend (even after being in a van together for 10 months). And away from what can be the monotony of a routine, we were especially reminded not to take the joy of our life together for granted. Because life with him is amazing.

And if our van didn’t break down for the final time, giving us the only option but to abandon it at a shop in the middle of nowhere Montana, then we would probably still be on the road today.

Now, as we begin to expand our family, we intend to keep this adventurous spirit alive as we show our son the very things we fell in love with: life on the road, exploring new places.