This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of U.S. Cellular. The opinions and text are all mine.

If you had asked me that question three years ago, my answer would have been two. I was born and raised in Florida, and the only state I had ever been to was West Virginia for a family reunion and Summer camp each year. Now, if you ask me that question, the answer is 48. Not just that, but I have been to all of the 48 continental United States with my four boys! Sadly, a lot of you would likely have an answer closer to what mine would have been three years ago. Did you know that 20% of Americans would love to travel, but have never had the opportunity to venture past their own state?

Having been one of those people in the past and having the opportunities I do now, that is so sad to me. There are few things in life I treasure more than traveling. It has given me so much, and I truly believe that it is the best way to enjoy the life we have been given on this Earth. That is why three years ago I started homeschooling my boys and traveling with them in an effort to finish all 50 states. We are so close, with just two left, and are already making plans to drive to Alaska next year!

There is no end to the incredible sites we have seen, experiences we have had and things we have learned not just about the people and places we visited, but ourselves as well. Check out the photos below for some examples of our journeys across the country. Luckily, we have been able to use technology to share them with not only you my readers, but to stay connected through Skype, phone calls and email with my family.



US Cellular understands the desire and importance of getting out and exploring the World. That is why they have teamed up with the Travel Channel and Food Network to bring your the Big Country series featuring the ever entertaining host Andrew Zimmern. In this 5 part series that can be seen during commercial breaks of your favorite shows on the Travel Channel and Food Network, on Video on Demand and on the Big Country digital hub. Parts one and two are up now. I encourage you to watch video 2 below of Julius' visit to NYC.


It really touched my hear when Julius calls his dad from Time Square and says "wow." I was lucky enough to take the boys to NYC for their first visit during our #90DayRoadTrip this Summer, and that was the first word out of my youngest son's mouth when we opened the door into the street from Grand Central Station.



























For over 30 years, US Cellular has been dedicated to providing coverage to small towns and big cities all across this country. Their motto is the middle of anywhere, and they mean it. US Cellular has three more episodes to go in this incredible series, and they are holding an open casting call for the fifth and final episode of the series.


U.S. Cellular is looking to cast one more special customer to take on a trip of a lifetime for the season finale of Big Country! Please visit the Big Country Digital Hub to apply for the opportunity to find yourself in the middle of anywhere with national coverage from U.S. Cellular and TV host Andrew Zimmern on the show Big Country. Be sure to tune in to watch the rest of the Big Country series videos.

U.S. Cellular is looking to cast one more special customer to take on a trip of a lifetime for the season finale of Big Country! Please visit the link to apply for the opportunity to find yourself in the middle of anywhere with national coverage from U.S. Cellular and TV host Andrew Zimmern on the show Big Country.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of US Cellular. The opinions and text are all mine.