West MIch. Family sells their home for Life on the Road!
Wed Nov 18, 2009
Source: WZZM News
GRAND HAVEN, Michigan (WZZM) - Meet the Parrents, mother and father Danielle and Craig, 8 year-old Morgan, 6 year-old Ryann and 3 year-old Jaxon.
Mom, Dad and the kids get along well- surprsingly well after living in an RV.
"We went from living in 5 thousand sq.ft. to 350 for it wasn't only a nine month trip, we lived on it before and afterwards so we lived on it for over a year," said Craig Parrent.
The family SWAPPED Their luxury home in ada for a used recreational vehicle. While many Americans downsized reluctantly this year, the Parrents sold their construction business and everything they owned.
"For us to be able to walk away, to have no income and to just leave everything, I think is astounding," said Craig.
For Danielle, there wasn't much convincing. "I was all for it." So began the family adventure.
"I liked Las Vegas and Florida a lot," said Morgan.
Sister Ryann listed just a few of the 36 states they visited in 9 months, "We went to New Orleans, that was really fun, New York, Washington D.C. that was fun seeing the White House and stuff."
The Parrents then travelled down the eastern sea-board, and headed west.
"That was Galviston Texas.The Devastation from Hurricane Ike," said Danielle, sharing vacation photos on the family lap top.
Danielle says for her, the trip was a time to be with her husband and three kids. She says between the business and school, the family never spent any time together and they were working to support a lifestyle that afforded them every luxury except time together.
On the road, not only did they learn life lessons the Parrents visited dozens of museums and the girls were home schooled.
"We never got a time off except when we get to places," said Ryann.
In the end, Craig and Danielle decided this was the best thing for their family.
"If we really do want to be good parents and to enjoy these years. Craig has three heart conditions and I knew life isn't forever," said Danielle.
The Parrents Celebrated every holiday, and ate out only on special occasions like birthdays.
"We've worked very hard we're not asking for anything. we can't collect unemployment we're not asking for handouts we're doing this all on our own," said Craig.
Back in Michigan now, the Parrents are renting a house in Grand Haven, Craig is back to work and the girls back in school. Come summer time they're off again, this time on a boat they purchased.
"It's not about making money and living in a big house or driving new cars," said Craig.
He says it's about his family and the time they spend together, wherever that may be.
