How The Lohans Left Seattle

Well, we finally did it — after eight years in Seattle, we’ve packed up our lives, hugged the coffee shops goodbye, and set out on a new adventure. Australia is the end goal, but we figured: why go straight home when we can take the long way? A few weeks in an RV across the US, a journey south through Mexico and Central America, and then finally home to Australia by December. It’s not the fastest route, but it promises to be the most memorable.

Leaving Seattle

Seattle has been good to us. We came here for opportunity, adventure, and maybe just a little coffee snobbery. In those eight years, we built a life, made friends who feel like family, and discovered the joy of summer evenings on Green Lake after months of drizzle. Packing up was bittersweet — the boxes held not just our belongings, but eight years of birthdays, school art projects, barbecues, and campouts. It’s hard to say goodbye, but exciting to know a new chapter awaits.

Why Now?

So why leave? It’s a mix of reasons, really. We want to be closer to family. We want the kids to start high school in Australia and eventually make their way into university there. And we just feel the timing is right — Seattle has been wonderful, but home has been calling for a while.

Meet the Travelers

For anyone reading who doesn’t already know us, here’s the crew:

• Ryan (44): Driver of the RV, map-reader (sometimes correctly), and occasional storyteller.
• Sandra (45): The real project manager of this adventure, ensuring things actually happen.
• James (13): Tall, sarcastic, and ready to explore — though preferably from the front seat.
• Henry (11): Our chief comedian, curious about everything from mileage to snack inventory.
• Charlotte (7): The youngest, but already the self-appointed leader of the group.

The Adventure Ahead

We’ve started in Phoenix, with a couple of days of rest, relaxation and water slides (!) at a resort here. Tomorrow we will pick up our RV, and will be winding our way through some of America’s most spectacular landscapes: the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley, Moab, and Colorado are all on the list. From there, we’ll head south to Mexico, Costa Rica, and beyond before finally landing in Australia.

What to Expect

This blog will be our way of sharing the adventure with you — our friends, family, and anyone curious enough to follow along. Expect plenty of photos, reflections, and stories from the road. There will be challenges, no doubt, but mostly we’re hoping for moments of wonder, laughter, and the kind of memories that stick with you forever.

So, goodbye Seattle — thank you for eight incredible years. And hello adventure — we’re ready for the road ahead.