It was a great weekend! Friday started off really well. After speaking for several hours with the director of the off-grid program we’re being considered for, our minds and hearts were completely set at ease. Tara was warm, down-to-earth, honest and forthcoming about what filming would be like for us, in particular our kids. She was open about the hardships we would encounter and the work it would take. Our biggest concern is of course our kids and what the experience would be like for them.
So we asked the tough questions and felt not only validated, but encouraged. In this case, we feel the excitement that comes with doing something completely adventurous and unknown to us. The thought of being immersed in an off-grid lifestyle, if only for a few days, is an opportunity for all of us to learn something important, something about living more honestly and responsibly. And being filmed while doing it, well hopefully that would encourage us to be our best, most positive selves, ha, ha! We’ve had people voice their concerns for our kids in this experience, but I gently banter back, is it not important to also teach our children to live more kindly, to learn and push beyond our comfort zone, to welcome adventure into their hearts even if moments may be unpredictable and scary? Is it important to travel? To see how other people live? Is it important to bond with your family over “that crazy thing we did?” Is it important to question the way we consume, the way we eat, the way we take for granted running water and air conditioning and electricity, all the appliances we use without a thought or care, all the water we let run freely at will? All the food we waste? I feel, wholeheartedly, that my answer is yes, it is of immense importance! 
Making up our minds about this is only half the story, though. We are most likely the second pick of two families they are considering for the show. Our children are really young, after all. Also, we get the feeling we might not be as “city” as they are hoping for; if they are looking for an extreme lifestyle change, there are certainly those who are surrounded by far more concrete and noise and pollution than we are. I have no doubt we would learn a lot about ourselves and the possibility to live a whole lot greener if we have the opportunity. If anything, Milo has assured us that he will become a vegetarian for the week if we go… something about the discussion of hunting and fishing and learning where real chicken nuggets come from has him a bit worried! But the rest he is so excited about!
Whatever happens, we will make the best of it. If our family ends up staying home this summer instead of going on an off-grid adventure, so be it. We will make adventures of our own… and this whole experience has gotten our wheels turning, which is really the whole point, isn’t it? 
We have our fingers crossed, hoping for that adventure!
Fist, picture with you an Milo is so sweet, I love his face and you radiant happiness. The paragraph where you speak about consumption really truly touches me because I too, think about it so often. I can’t help but feel guilty if I let the water run longer of if I leave unnecessary lights on. So I hope you guys get chosen for this it seems like a great project and a valuable experience.
Sounds like it could be a lot of fun! I’ll enjoy watching you guys on my TV. 🙂
The opportunity to live off grid is so appealing to me. I’ve been pondering it for a while, researching properties, and thinking how nice it would be. You are so lucky to have this opportunity – it seems like a super adventure!
Great pictures, and I think it sounds like such an exciting opportunity. I didn’t even consider the potential hazards of ‘TV’ until I read the comments, and then I did understand where people were coming from… But I think you’re response makes so much sense (and I’m also assuming it’s a thoughtful production and not a crazy reality drama). I’d do it 😉 Good luck!
that would be really exciting if they chose you! many years ago I watched this show on PBS about several families from around the country going to live like they did during the prairie days. they each had varying degrees of what they had to do (one father and son team had to build their own cabin, others had a shelter already built…) but the goal besides surviving was to have enough wood for the upcoming winter. anyway, it was a fascinating show. one family was very wealthy and lived in malibu in a mansion. to watch how this family became closer over the course of the show was so awesome! i think this would be an amazing adventure for your family and i’ll keep my fingers crossed too 🙂
These pictures are so peaceful, relaxed, and lovely. Looks like the perfect summer is happening around your home. I think the show sounds like an incredible opportunity! I love watching those types of shows on pbs, they’re fascinating!