This week held so many different versions of life on the road and marked the end of our first month as a full-time traveling family.

There were golden hour walks, animal-filled campsites, 25-cent carousel rides, tearful airport reunions and goodbyes, and one unforgettable boat ride straight into the mist of Niagara Falls.

There were also rainy days stuck inside the camper, middle-of-the-night wake ups, water rushing through our back door, and storms strong enough to physically shake our entire home.

But more than anything, this week was about slowing down long enough to soak up time with Nana and Pop Pop, finding the magic within the chaos, and being reminded that familiar faces meeting us on the road are the best little pieces of home.

Golden Hour Goodbyes 🤍

Before pulling away from the farm, there were plenty of hugs for Mrs. Dee & Cutter plus lots of extra love for Ernest.

The girls had grown pretty attached to all of them, and leaving was harder than we expected. That seems to happen surprisingly often on this journey. We arrive somewhere thinking it’s simply a place to park, then leave feeling like we’re saying goodbye to people and animals who have somehow become part of our story.

Ashlee | Family Travel Advisor

Get ready for the novel 🤣 We thought traveling full-time would teach our kids about the world. We didn’t realize how much it would teach us about them... and how many family crises could be caused by snacks, seat assignments, and the wrong color cup. They are more adaptable than we realized, and somehow far less adaptable when the wrong color cup is involved. They don’t need nearly as much stuff as we thought. They do, however, need approximately 47 snacks to survive a 2 hour drive. One child wants to know the entire plan and is following along the truck screen’s map the entire ride. The other is already barefoot, holding a cat (or two), and has already asked “are we there yet?” twenty times. We’re learning that adventure looks different to each of them. One feels safest knowing what comes next. The other feels most alive when she has no idea. They’re also still impatient, even in some of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen. They don’t suddenly love walking just because the trail leads somewhere epic, and John usually ends up carrying a child on his shoulders while questioning every decision that brought us there. Sometimes we’ll ask about their favorite part of an incredible destination, only to hear the name of the movie they watched in the camper that night. But then they’ll stop us to say how beautiful the sunset is and name every color they can see. Those are the moments that remind us they’re taking it all in, even if it doesn’t always look the way we imagined. Homeschooling on the road has taught us that learning doesn’t always look like sitting quietly with a worksheet. Sometimes it’s math at the grocery store. Sometimes it’s sitting where history happened, science on a hiking trail, or geography unfolding outside the truck window. And sometimes it’s everyone crying over a lesson we thought would take 15 minutes. They notice what we rush past. A dandelion. A corn field. An animal sighting. The fact that Dad said we were leaving “in five minutes” 30 minutes ago. (Continued in comments)

♬ original sound - Ashlee | Family Travel Advisor - Ashlee | Family Travel Advisor

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Our next stop was a quick Harvest Hosts overnight in North Collins, New York.

After getting parked, we headed to Cabana Sam’s for dinner with a view, followed by a walk along the beach with ice cream during golden hour. Back at camp, we spent the rest of the evening outside petting our host's emus and visiting the peacocks, chickens, and ducks.

Just another completely normal evening when your home has wheels.

Nana and Pop Pop Finally Arrive ❤️

The girls woke up the next morning asking how much longer it would be until we saw Nana and Pop Pop (let's be honest... they'd been doing this for days already!).

Their first flight was delayed, and for a little while we worried they might miss their connection. Thankfully, they made it, and the moment they pulled up in the taxi to meet us just outside the Buffalo airport, the girls were ready with lots of hugs.

Then came the real adventure: fitting six humans and four animals into Dad’s truck while hauling the camper.

Luckily, it was only a quick drive to our campsite in Appleton, New York. We got the camper parked and unloaded while Nana and Pop Pop checked into their cabin, then headed out to explore Olcott Beach.

We ate lobster rolls from Olcott Lobster Company with a ferris wheel right outside before walking past the lighthouse and exploring the colorful little shops along the water.

Our favorite discovery was Olcott Beach Carousel Park, where the rides still cost just 25 cents (yes, you read that right!).

The girls could have stayed for hours. Dad played skee-ball while I found the vintage arcade’s old music machine and fortune teller. It felt like stepping into another time, one where a pocketful of quarters could still create an entire afternoon of fun.

We ended the night around the campfire watching a beautiful sunset and naming every color we could see in the sky. These are my favorite kinds of nights.

The Fastest Trip Abroad Ever 🇨🇦

The next morning, Lizzie and Pop Pop came to wake us up in the camper while Lowina somehow remained completely knocked out.

After a lazy start, we headed toward Niagara Falls for what may have been our fastest international trip ever (and that's saying something after years ago, John and I literally flew to Russia just for a few hour visit).

The wait to cross the Rainbow Bridge into Canada was almost longer than the amount of time we planned to spend there, but everyone says the views are better from the Canadian side, and it gave us a good excuse to visit our friendly neighbors to the north!

We ate lunch at Secret Garden and wandered along the riverside path through Queen Victoria Park, taking in our first views of the falls. Even after seeing Niagara Falls in pictures countless times, it’s difficult to understand the sheer size and power of it until you’re standing there. The sound, the mist, and the amount of water constantly rushing over the edge are almost impossible to put into words.

After our very quick Canadian adventure, we crossed back into the United States for an experience none of us will forget.

Ashlee | Family Travel Advisor

The best way to experience Niagara Falls isn’t from an overlook, it’s from inside the mist. 💦 If you’re visiting the U.S. side, take Maid of the Mist themaidofthemist . If you’re visiting the Canadian side, take Niagara City Cruises niagaracruises . Both offer a very similar experience, bringing you past the American and Bridal Veil Falls before heading toward the base of Horseshoe Falls. There’s no need to cross the border just to choose one over the other. Book the boat that departs from the side where you’re already spending the day. Maid of the Mist is known for its blue ponchos, while Niagara City Cruises gives guests red ponchos. Either way, expect to get wet, especially if you stand near the front or sides! A few tips before you go: 💦 Wear shoes and clothing that dry quickly. 🎟️ Book ahead during busy summer weekends. 📱 Protect your phone, even with the complimentary poncho. 🚢 Arrive early so you aren’t rushing to find the departure point and incase of lines during busy times. 🌈 Look for rainbows in the mist! Yes, it’s one of the most popular attractions at Niagara Falls, but this is one touristy experience that absolutely deserves the hype. Seeing the falls is impressive. Feeling their power from the water is unforgettable. If you’re new here, I’m Ashlee: a family travel advisor, mom and full-time RV traveler helping families explore the world with less stress and create memories that last long after the trip ends. Follow along for honest family travel tips, destination inspiration and a look at our adventures on the road. 🚐✈️🌎 Save this for your Niagara Falls trip, and whatever you do, get on the boat.

♬ original sound - Ashlee | Family Travel Advisor - Ashlee | Family Travel Advisor

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Full Send at Niagara Falls 🌈

​Maid of the Mist may be one of the most touristy things you can do at Niagara Falls, but it was also one of the most epic experiences we’ve had on this trip so far.

They give everyone ponchos before boarding, and thank goodness they do. The ride started calmly, with beautiful views of the falls and just enough mist to make everything feel exciting.

Then we got closer. Our front row “view” quickly became an intense wall of water spraying directly into our faces. Lowina went full send... mouth wide open, screaming, and absolutely loving life.

Ellie had the opposite reaction. She pulled her poncho completely over her face and refused to come out until the boat finally turned around. Connie and I were beginning to wonder if we would ever turn!

As we pulled away from the falls, the sun appeared and created the most beautiful double rainbow. Ellie finally emerged from her poncho shell, completely thrilled by what she saw.

It was chaotic, hilarious, slightly terrifying, and absolutely unforgettable.

We returned to the campground for dinner, another campfire, and another colorful sunset together.

See You Soon, Nana and Pop Pop ✈️

Rain greeted us the next morning, so we stayed cozy with Camp Rock 3 and crafts with Nana and Pop Pop before heading back into Buffalo.

Of course, we couldn’t leave Buffalo without eating wings, so we stopped at Anchor Bar, the home of the original Buffalo wing, before doing a little shopping and making our way to the airport.

There were plenty of tears when it was time for Nana and Pop Pop to leave.

One of the hardest parts of traveling full-time is being farther away from the people we love. Visits like this make our time together feel even more special, but they also make the goodbyes harder.

So we didn’t say goodbye. Just lots of “see you soon.”

The Rainiest Day on the Road (or so we thought) 🌧️

The next morning brought an early wake-up call for the girls’ Global Entry appointments in Niagara Falls.

While we were there, we walked around Freedom Park and admired the beautiful murals honoring important people and stories from the Underground Railroad. It became another one of those unexpected homeschool moments where the world around us turned into the classroom.

From there, we stopped at Frankie’s Donuts, a little hole-in-the-wall spot that has been around for 43 years. We grabbed breakfast sandwiches and donuts to go before squeezing in a quick, rainy walk along the rim trail at Devil’s Hole State Park.

Then the rain really settled in. It was our rainiest day on the road so far, and we spent the rest of it feeling increasingly antsy inside the camper. There were a few meltdowns, lots of restless energy, and two parents attempting to catch up on work.

Not every day of full-time travel is filled with beautiful views and bucket list adventures. Sometimes it’s simply four people and four animals trying not to lose their minds inside a small space while the rain refuses to stop.

A Back-to-School Market Night 🍎

By the following afternoon, everyone desperately needed to get out.

After more work catch-up for Mom and Dad and a return to our homeschool rhythm, we squeezed in a quick swim at the beach so the girls could burn off some of the energy left over from being cooped up the day before.

That evening, we visited the Wilson Community Farmers Market for its back-to-school night.

The girls spun to win some handpicked school supplies and a $2 coupon to spend with one of their vendors. They both immediately put theirs toward handmade axolotl stuffies, which felt like a very important "educational" purchase.

We also made dinner out of the market. The girls chose homemade mac and cheese, with pulled pork added on top of Lowina’s. I had homemade tamales and tacos (yum!!), while John ordered a cheesesteak that he declared his favorite meal on the road so far.

We somehow left with all of that, plus two little wooden pumpkins for fall decorating; bacon, kielbasa, sausage, and steak; fresh corn, tomatoes, and zucchini; flavored honey sticks; and a loaf of homemade jalapeño-cheddar sourdough bread, all for only $142.

It was such a cute community market and the perfect way to reenter the world after our rainiest camper day yet.

And Then the Storm Rolled In ⛈️

Our last full day in Appleton WAS A DAY.

It started with a rough night with the girls, which often happens when they are missing their Nana & Pop Pop after a fun time together. They both woke up, which eventually led to all three of us sleeping on the couch. I somehow made it back to our bed at some point…only to be woken up abruptly to our entire camper shaking in a storm.

We had forgotten to put the back porch up before the storm, so I stood there holding the glass doors while we waited for the storm to calm down enough for John to go outside. Then water started gushing in through the door, so he finally made a run for it and got completely soaked putting everything up.

Another old travel flashback... it immediately reminded me of the hurricane we experienced in a treehouse in Tulum a few years back. Apparently dramatic storms have a way of finding us in unusual places.

Of course, sleeping on the couch instead of in their bedroom meant the girls also had an early wake-up-call. Then, of course about 15 minutes later, the rain completely stopped.

And we thought we’d already experienced our rainiest day on the road…

We settled into our homeschool rhythm and, once the weather cleared a little around midday, John took the girls to the playground and pool to burn off some pent up energy.

Then we got another storm notice. This time, we were going to be more prepared because it looked just as bad as this morning but much bigger. We watched the dark clouds rolling in, John from outside and me from the camper window. Then it hit.

The wind was insane, the rain came down hard, and we received an alert that a waterspout had been spotted just down the lakeshore from us. For 10 or 15 minutes, everything outside felt completely wild.

Then, almost as quickly as it arrived, the worst of it passed and the radar changed. We kept waiting for another round, but thankfully, it never came.

Until Next Time… 🤍

August carried us 1,522 miles through eight states, nine new places we called home, three National Parks, and even one quick international border crossing.

Along the way, there were golden hour beach walks, new animal friends, unexpected homeschool lessons, reunions with people we love, double rainbows, tearful goodbyes, rainy day meltdowns, and storms strong enough to shake us in more ways than one.

This month reminded us that life on the road isn’t always easy or picture perfect. Sometimes it’s magical. Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes it’s sleeping on a couch while the camper shakes around us.

But through all of it, we’re learning to take each day as it comes, laugh when we can, hold tightly to the people we love, and remain grateful for every mile, every lesson, and every memory we get to experience together.

Thanks for riding along with us this week, and for letting our travels inspire your own. Your next adventure is closer than you think.🤍

Until the next stop,

The Wagner Family