Meet The Winters

Gary, Kristen, Madelyn, and August Winter – plus puppy Lilly Belle – are living in their humble traveling homestead, on a mission to experience all 50 beautiful United States together.

“Ordinary Family. Extraordinary Adventure.”

Our tagline says it all— We’re an ordinary family, determined to live an extraordinary life. Even if it means taking a renegade path. And we believe it does!

We are most passionate about family connection, natural beauty, fabulous food, fun and challenging adventures, Disney parks, and a patriotic love of the U.S.A.

We have a tendency to challenge the status quo, the “shoulds,” and the “right way.” What if our lives could be a spectacular, never-ending adventure?! – fun, exciting, and full of opportunities for experiencing life and learning new things in out-of-the-box ways. In sharing our journey, we hope to inspire others to find the courage to pursue their own big dreams, even in the face of fears and uncertainty.

We live in a great country and deeply appreciate our freedom and the work and sacrifices given to secure it. We want to intimately experience as well as showcase for others the beauty and goodness of the United States of America – in both the spectacular, iconic places as well as the quirky, hidden gems.

Join us on this renegade journey as we learn and grow and discover together that many of our dreams and most treasured experiences lie just on the other side of the Comfort Zone.

Gary

Renegade Dad. The Man with the Ideas. Hilarious Introvert. Patriotic. Loyal. Visionary.

The crazy notion that we should all go on a year-long road trip across the USA first popped up in Gary’s head. Dad is a self-proclaimed “idea man,” preferring to let someone else make them work. While he places a high value on personal education, Gary learned at a young age that formal schooling is not the only path to success. We’re proud of how he has forged a rewarding career and life on his own terms. Gary dearly appreciates solitude, but makes an exception to enjoy the company of his “profound, mystical connection” soulmate and their super-cool children. Don’t misconstrue his introversion as aptathetic or boring – Gary is extremely goofy, funny, smart, and loving.

Fun facts about Gary:

• Loves ice cream, especially Rocky Road; despises mushrooms & hard-boiled eggs
• Leader of the Winter family Disney-mania, he’s happiest when planning our next Disney vacation!
• Devoted patriot who studies and honors the founding and rich history of our great nation
• Proposed to Kristen on stage in Las Vegas in front of 5,000 people

Kristen

Renegade Mom. The Woman with the Plan. Creative Problem-solver. Optimist. Adventurer.

While the idea for this year-long road trip sprang from Dad’s brain, Mom dedicated her renowned organizational skills to turn the idea into a plan. Kristen loves everything about travel: the beauty, new experiences and cultures, and enjoying dedicated time with her favorite people. She is definitely ready to do more traveling to match her passion for it. Another thing Kristen is passionate about is being an entrepreneur. After operating award-winning women’s fitness clubs for over a decade, she is pleased that her current business as a financial advisor can come along on this family adventure. But her biggest passion lies in striving to raise kind, brilliant, happy kids. Above all else, she loves Madelyn, August, and her best friend Gary.

Fun facts about Kristen:

• She gave birth to her two babies at home
• Loves to keep fit and runs road and obstacle races for fun
• Devoted Simpsons Nerdfan since 1989
• Tokyo and Havasupai top her list of “most wonderful places”…so far

Madelyn

Renegade Daughter. Artist. Animal-Lover. Bookworm. Sarcastic Joker.

Madelyn has already shown great artistic talent in drawing, painting, and writing. Her current passions include The Office, Harry Potter, Stranger Things, and of course Disney & Pixar films. Like her Dad, Madelyn is an introvert who prefers the company of her close friends and family (but puts up with crowds at Disney parks, of course). While her new “teenager-y” personality begins to emerge, we’re grateful that she can still be silly, agreeable, and caring most of the time.

Fun facts about Madelyn:

• Model student who never needs reminders to do her homework
• Likes to stick to the rules
• Loves animals, especially Lilly Belle
• Happiest when playing with cool pens, markers, and paints

August

Renegade Son. Minecraft Master. Puppy Fanatic. Pasta-Roni Addict. ATV Pro.

August is an expert Minecraft builder and loves to impress Mom with the complexities of engineering and programming involved. But he has remarkable imagination and talents outside of virtual worlds as well. He’s acquired a taste for the farm life being “Grandpa’s helper,” and loves to work with him around the property. He drives an ATV by himself and can’t wait until we let him drive a car (insisting that he’s old enough already). As long as we’re stocked up on Mickey Eggo Waffles and Shells & White Cheddar Pasta Roni, he’ll be a happy camper.

Fun facts about August:

• His middle name is Lincoln, in honor of the great President Abe
• If he had a million dollars, he would buy a mansion full of puppies
• He knows how to work a log splitter
• Broke his left humerus at the same spot twice within 18 months (but only rode in the ambulance the first time)

Lilly Belle

Renegade Pupper. Snuggle-bug. Furball of Energy. Super Sprinter. Toy Destructor.

Lilly Belle is the latest addition to the Renegade Winters. A surprise Christmas gift filled with canine paraphernalia revealed to Madelyn and August that a Brittany pup born Thanksgiving Eve would soon join our family! She finally came home in February 2019 and captivated our hearts immediately. Lilly Belle is a spunky and sometimes crazy doggo who is happiest whenever she can walk, run, or hike outside. Her name pays homage to the private Disneyland Railroad car named for and designed by Walt’s wife Lillian.

Fun facts about Lilly Belle:

• Strikes her signature Rubber Chicken pose for maximum hilarity
• Has disemboweled every stuffed dog toy she’s ever owned
• Her sweet side helps Mom forgive past shoe-destroying incidents
• Loves to cuddle and is irresistibly soft and silky