Help Us Give Our Kids the Road‑Trip Memories We Cherish

We're the Elleby family—and we're raising funds for a road trip from Washington State to Lake Tahoe this summer.

When I was a child, my family of five would take road trips across the country. Those long drives, the shared snacks, the roadside stops, and the laughter packed into a single car are some of the most meaningful memories I still carry with me today. They shaped my childhood in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until I became a parent myself.

Now I have a family of my own, and I want to give my children those same unforgettable experiences — the kind that stay with you for a lifetime. We’ve taken small trips within Washington for camping and family events, but we’ve never had the chance to cross state lines together, let alone travel through three states on one adventure.

This summer, we’re hoping to take our very first big family road trip from Kent, Washington to Lake Tahoe, California — a journey of over 700 miles and about 14 hours of drive time. Once we arrive, we plan to spend four days exploring, relaxing, and creating the kind of memories my parents once created for me.

This trip is our chance to unplug, explore together, and give the kids an adventure they'll remember: hiking mountain trails, swimming in crystal-clear water, and roasting marshmallows under the stars.

Every contribution—big or small—brings us closer to making this trip a reality. Thank you for helping our family create memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting our family’s first real road‑trip experience.

What the funds will cover:

Gas for the ~700-mile drive each way

Lodging for 4–5 nights

Food and meals on the road

Activities (kayak rentals, state park fees, etc.)