About our Family

Mom to Ava and Hazel, partner to Dan. Commercial operations leader. Passionate about gardening. Likes a good policy debate. History nerd. Appreciates good design (my husband would say I tend to prioritize form over function...). Excited about this year, and about our national park system, America's "best idea" according to writer Wallace Stegnar.

This trip might best be summed up by our 26th President's father, Theodore Roosevelt Sr, who said... "Get action. Seize the moment. Man was never intended to become an oyster."

Here's to not being an oyster!

Hi! My name is Ava, and I am 13 years old and in the 8th grade. I have many hobbies and interests, such as baking, climbing trees, reading and hanging out with friends! I love nature, friends, family, chocolate, bacon and ice cream (I mean, who doesn’t??) I am kind, smart and adventurous and am so excited to start this new exciting chapter in my life. : )

I’m the Dad in this wonderful, although somewhat nutty family. After spending ten years active duty in the Air Force I went to graduate school at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and picked up a couple advanced degrees. I then spent the next 15 years in the corporate world running various technology organizations. Throughout it all I was fortunate to be able to travel all over the world. But because it was generally for work, I rarely got to stay and “see” the places I visited. I can’t tell you how excited I am to spend this time with my family and explore our amazing country.

My name is Hazel.

I love my family and I like playing video games (Minecraft, Fortnite). I am a bit of a tomboy. I have a best friend named Evie. I'm really nervous/excited to go on our RV trip. I argue with my sister Ava a lot so that could be a problem in a cramped car/house for a year. I'm going to be homeschooled for fifth grade. Crazy!