Abbotsford – Becoming a family of 14 is unimaginable to most let alone living with that size a family in an RV for 80 percent of the year. But the Kelloggs, who are coming to TRADEX to speak at the Snowbird RV Show & Sale from September 22 to 25, say it’s the best family decision they ever made.
“Before 2012, when we decided to put our home on wheels and road-school our kids, we never even travelled as a family, really, until we went out in the RV,” says mom, coach and teacher Susie Kellogg.
Their 36-foot Georgie Boy Cruise Air Master they purchased in 2012 has served them well, explains Kellogg, who raves about its reliable diesel engine. “Sure we’ve had to do some cosmetic upgrades over the years, but the important details like the engine, which is diesel, just lasts forever, has never let us down.”
Kellogg maintains her children, who range in age from three to 22, are very close and enjoy being together all the time even at the end of the day when bedtime is the last item on the agenda. “We’re outside all day. The kids, big and small, are exhausted by the time bedtime rolls around,” she says.
As for family disputes, Kellogg openly admits her clan is not immune. To ensure everyone can resolve their issues, family members have learned how to discuss disagreements and negotiate solutions. “There’s no running away (in an RV). There’s no hiding or slamming a bedroom door,” says Kellogg. As a result, “they’ve learned how to deal with it – how to settle things,” she adds. Despite their close proximity, Kellogg says she would not trade the RV lifestyle for a more conventional one.
“From the beginning of the day to the end of the day, we’re together all the time and to me, that’s what life is all about,” says the happy-go- lucky North American-bound RV’er. Susie’s husband Dan is an independent software engineer and life coach who works from the RV to finance their journey while Susie writes blogs for various outlets including their own website, kelloggshow.com. She works alongside Dan as a life coach as well as teaches her children lessons in reading, writing and math. The rest of the group’s learning comes from their travel journey and the places they visit, explains Kellogg.
“Our kids are always stepping outside their comfort zone, and they’re also learning that life is not to be lived in a cubicle,” said Kellogg.
This year’s visit to British Columbia and The Snowbird TRADEX RV Show will be a first for the family and one they are very excited about, says Kellogg. To ensure they make the most of the experience, they are coming early and planning their visit to the Kootenay town of Skookumchuck right after the show.
Visit the Snowbird RV Show & Sale from September 22 to the 25 to meet this inspirational family and check out all the amazing displays and exhibitors.
