CHAPTER 1: The Bucket List Family is Born

    May 11, 2022 76 Comments

    WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE GIVEN $1 MILLION??

    What would you do if, all of a sudden, you had millions of dollars?? No really, think about it… What would you actually, really do??

    It’s a hypothetical question people sometimes joke about or discuss more seriously. But there we were, both Jessica and I still in our 20s, with this hypothetical situation becoming our reality...

    Important sidenote: I’m an obsessive journal keeper.

    One of the many benefits of being an avid journal keeper is the special ability to REMEMBER. I remember things as they happened, but more importantly, I remember things as they FELT. I truly believe it's a superpower. This superpower helps me be a better parent, more understanding of others, slower to judge and react, and more open with my feelings.. All because I REMEMBER how these situations have made me FEEL in the past.

    When Snapchat acquired our iPhone app, more money came into our lives than we ever imagined. I’m going to be fully transparent and do my best to explain what that felt like. Because it’s a FEELING that I REMEMBER perfectly :)

     

    IS MONEY A BLESSING OR A CURSE?

    The stress of money can be fatal. There’s a space in your mind where that stress festers. The more stress that lives in that space the more it cripples and pushes out other things like love, creativity, freedom and more… The weight of stress lives in your brain but it is felt through your entire body and soul. However, equal to the painful feeling that comes from carrying such a heavy stress, is the feeling of relief that comes when that stress is removed from your life.

    I’ve heard so many people say, “Money actually brings more stress than it relieves”. NO WAY! People who say that are either really terrible at having money OR have simply forgotten how debilitatingly stressful it is to NOT have money. I think if you can mentally imagine a bar graph that shows your different categories of life’s stresses, for most people, finances will be one of the tallest pillars on your graph. Take that away and fill that space with the fresh air of freedom, and yeah, it feels truly amazing.

    So why do some people often say money causes more stress than it takes away?? I’ve seen firsthand the true devastation and heartbreak that can come from money being used the wrong way. Unfortunately, most of these examples have come from my own family and loved ones. It’s a lesson I wish I wasn’t able to learn on repeat throughout my life watching people I love, allow money to wreck their lives. Sometimes, REMEMBERING how things FEEL can also be a curse :(

    So, when money came into our lives, two important conversations were had:

     

    MY CONVERSATION WITH MY COFOUNDER, KIRK OUIMET

    My business co-founder, Kirk, and I talked about resetting our priorities. We asked ourselves the important question: “Now that we have money, what other things in life, if we lose them, will make us poorer than someone who is broke??” We made a list:

    Love

    Family

    Friendship

    Health

    Service

    Skills

    Freedom

    If we don’t have loving marriages, then the money is all for nothing. If we don’t have our health, then the money is all for nothing. True friendships, strong families, selfless service, passions and skills, and FREEDOM?? Otherwise, the money is all for nothing.

    I’m grateful to have gone through this experience together with Kirk. He has been a true friend and a great example to me, always. The journey of life is better when you can share it with people you fully trust and love. Speaking of..

    MY CONVERSATION WITH MY LOVE, JESSICA

    That led to my conversation with Jessica. We were now millionaires with ultimate freedom and choice and above all, I wanted to return to school so I could finish playing my senior season of collegiate soccer. Jessica (barely) agreed to support that decision, even though she felt like it was a major step backwards for our family. But Jessica’s agreement came at a negotiated price: “If you get to do that, then I get to choose whatever I want as the next chapter in our lives!”

    “DEAL.”

    I was eternally grateful to Jessica for allowing me to savor every moment of my “youth” and play my final year of college soccer. It will forever be a special era getting to play the sport I love with my wife and kids in the stands cheering for me. I was forever grateful to Jessica and ready to give her the world… literally ;)

    Jessica was afraid if we went back to Utah that we’d get “stuck.” We have such great family and friends there, but she didn’t like the idea of spending our entire lives in 1 place and never getting outside that bubble of a culture. The plan she came up with to make sure that didn’t happen, was to do “just a little bit of traveling.” LOL - by this time we’d been married for 5 years and Jessica should have known that I don’t do “just a little bit” of anything ;)  I understand that I can be extreme. I love Jessica so much but she might be the most moderate human I have even known. That ying yang in our relationship has always been a struggle but it has also been our source of balance. So when Jessica voiced that she wanted to take 6 months and do just a little bit of traveling, my extremely entrepreneurial mind couldn’t help but turn it into something much, much more..

     

    LET’S SELL EVERYTHING AND TRAVEL THE WORLD

    “Let’s sell everything!!” - Garrett

    “Why does it need to be everything?” - Jessica

    “Why sell 80% of our stuff?? When else in our lives will we have this opportunity?? What will it do to our minds to completely start over?? Let’s go for it!!” - Garrett

    I painted a vision in Jessica’s mind of a full reset on life. “It doesn’t feel right to settle down yet or buy a fancy car or spend all the money. So let’s do the opposite! Let’s put all the money aside except for charitable purposes. Let’s mentally start over. We will sell everything and travel the world to expand our minds and hopefully learn lessons that will give us a better understanding of life and inspiration for what kind of future we want for our family!”

    YARD SALE - There was a bit of sadness every time we placed a price tag on our belongings, but each time an item sold there was a little bit of money added to our “bucket” and a little bit of stress taken off of our shoulders. Jessica even said to me, “It actually felt so great to offload everything. I was sad at first but now I have this feeling of stress just leaving my body.”

    Sure enough, we sold EVERYTHING and made about $45k. That became our budget to travel the world together as long as we could make that $45k last. We promised ourselves not to touch any money from the acquisition unless it was for humanitarian purposes. Not to spoil the ending, but I’m very proud that we successfully stuck to that promise. 

    BUCKET LIST = OUR FAMILY JOURNAL

    To Jessica, this trip was always meant to be just that, purely a trip. But for the journal keeper and entrepreneur in me, I couldn’t help but envision something much more grand. I started an Instagram as a photo diary and a YouTube channel as a video log. The vision was a family journal we could forever treasure. FOREVER TREASURED MEMORIES = my vision of success, my “something grand”. You see, if you start a YouTube channel with the goal of riches and fame then you might succeed but you might fail. But the beauty of starting a YouTube channel with the one and only pure intention of keeping a family journal is that there’s only one outcome: a successful archive of priceless treasured memories.

    The only way to truly guarantee success in your life is to align your priorities with your heart. 

    We called our channel The Bucket List Family. Traditionally the term “bucket list” means everything you want to do before you die. But for us, this had nothing to do with dying and EVERYTHING to do with LIVING! I designed our logo to be vibrant and full of color, representing the many experiences and tastes and smells and lessons that would come into our lives from different cultures around the world. I made a symbol of 3 stripes that were red, blue, and green, to represent our 3 focuses while traveling,ADVENTURE,CULTURE,SERVICE

    I remember the feeling of setting up our YouTube channel and Instagram page. I had zero photography, video, or editing skills, yet. For me, I loved to see the blank canvas of 0 posts and 0 followers and wonder WHAT MIGHT BECOME OF THIS?? So, I made our first ever video explaining, “these videos will be our family journal and hopefully our friends and fam back home and maybe IF anyone else wants to watch, can follow along on our 6 month journey around the world”.

    6 months turned into 1 year. 6 YouTube subscribers turned into 1 million. 1 country visited turned into 50 and counting.. It’s amazing to look at the 7 goals we created as a family before we left home and years later see just how well they manifested into our lives.

    WE NEVER WANTED TO BE INFLUENCERS BECAUSE THAT WASN’T EVEN A THING YET

    There were so many factors that led to our success on social media. 

    First off, our timing couldn’t have been better. “Influencers” weren’t a thing yet. I think we were amongst the first to come along as family travelers and do it fully on social media. Every post, every video came with a STORY. I didn’t just want to share cool postcard-esque pics of our travels, I wanted to document our family story/journey. Maybe my complete lack of experience with photography and video editing was to our benefit as it forced me to focus less on polished professional content, and more on family stories full of heart and soul. 

    “Influencers” and social media marketing started to grow and the stars of the universe aligned just in time for us to continue onward on our family travels. As our social media audience grew, so did companies' interest in working with us to show off their products, services, destinations, and more. Just as it seemed the $45k budget from selling all of our belongings was about to run out, our work as “social media influencers” began to make a profit. From the beginning, I hated the title, “Social Media Influencer”. That’s when I made up the term, “Family Travel Journalists”. Anytime somebody would call us an Influencer I was pretty quick to correct them and let them know we work as Family Travel Journalists. We work really hard to share meaningful stories and only promote companies that we truly support so I wanted a title that better reflected that level of mindfulness. 

    I think had we done this all from home, perhaps we would have felt the growth of “internet fame”. But the truth is we didn’t. We have always just felt like a small ordinary family exploring our extraordinary planet together. I feel it’s perhaps because we were always on the road, continuously exploring far off locations. So for a person to stop us in a remote and random village in Greece and ask for a picture with us as a fan of The Bucket List Family, it definitely felt surprising and friendly, but it didn’t feel like fame. When someone stops us on the street, it doesn’t feel like a fan screaming for a celebrity, it feels like a friend meeting a new friend that already feels kinda like an old friend :) That’s the difference between FAME and FRIENDSHIP and we love the FRIENDSHIPS that we have fostered around the world as The Bucket List Family.

    After the first 6 months of travels we had initially planned, we were surprised that we both loved life on the road so much, especially Jessica. She was doing something completely outside her comfort zone and she was thriving!!

    SERVICE BIG AND SMALL

    We never touched our acquisition money for these family travels except for some humanitarian projects and service opportunities. Some of those humanitarian projects were big, like building a school during our time in Nepal, and some were small, like meeting a young waitress in need in Dominica. We have felt massive gratitude for the opportunity to explore new countries together as a family, while hopefully doing much good along the way. But the truth is, most of the time it felt as though the people of these countries were doing more good for our family than we were for them. They were teaching us such priceless lessons about life. 

    A good example was our visit to Bali where we volunteered to teach in an orphanage for a few weeks. By traditional American standards these “poor” kids had nothing. They didn’t have trendy clothes or the newest toys or gadgets. Yet they were some of the happiest humans we’ve been around. Their days were filled with learning, friends, singing, dancing, and games. They taught us so much about where to find TRUE JOY in life.

    Money has played an interesting role in all of this. On the outside we might have the reputation as “traveling millionaires.”. But to those who really know us, we are obnoxiously cheap and frugal. We would often receive messages from internet strangers saying things like, “You are only able to travel because you sold your business for millions” or “You were only able to take such a risk because you had millions of dollars to fall back on”. There’s definite truth to these statements. Nonetheless, I will always be deeply proud of the difficult decision we made to start back at zero, both financially and mentally, and work our way back up from there. We could have chosen COMFORT, but we chose to be BRAVE. 

    3 YEARS OF FULL TIME TRAVEL AND THEN WE FOUND HOME 

    So, for 3 years we lived our lives on the road, traveling from country to country, experiencing the best (and sometimes less than best) that the world had to offer. We had two kids when we left home, Dorothy (3) and Manilla (11months). Manilla took his first steps the week we left home. He was ready to explore ;) Our first stops were Tonga, New Zealand and Australia. 3 years later we had our third child, Calihan, and the first country he visited was Cuba. 

    Sometime during our travels, we stumbled upon a darling, rundown beach bungalow right on the shoreline of Hawaii. A place so special, we decided to “settle down” and make it our home, a place for us to live the lessons we learned from the world like being good neighbors, part of a community, enjoy schools, sports, consistent friendships, gardening, and other healthy hobbies. We had found in Hawaii everything we had witnessed amongst the happiest people around the world and longed for, for ourselves, someday.

     

    A MESSAGE TO OTHER PARENTS

    On the chance that there’s a young father or really any parent out there reading this I want to share something close to my heart: I hope the takeaway message of The Bucket List Family is less about traveling and more about crafting the best life for YOU and YOUR FAMILY. Society is set up in a way that encourages people to live within a prearranged system. But the problem with any system, well intentioned or not, is there is NOT a “one size fits all” for any family. Your family is unique and as a parent it is your challenge to think, work, and live uniquely to best serve them. Don’t be afraid to simply take a step back, think of your family’s unique needs, and then wonder which alternate options you may consider outside the traditional norms of society. It never hurts to simply wonder ;) 

    WHAT’S NEXT?

    So what next? Life seems to be changing fast. The world seems to be changing even faster!  Do we continue to travel? Do I continue to make videos? 

    Before we had a home, I would travel with a fanny pack strapped to my chest to keep my most valuable items safe. It wasn’t my wallet. It didn’t have my passport. It had external hard drives where I saved all our family videos! These videos are forever my most treasured keepsakes. Now, they live in a safe in my closet. (Don’t even bother, I also have them backed up at my in-law’s house, my sister’s house, my co-founder’s bunker, and online in the cloud.. :) They are my treasure and I protect them as such.  

    WHY do these videos mean so much to me? A fool might say, this has all been about the travels. A wise man might think it’s about the lessons we’ve learned from cultures around the world. But the wisest of them all will realize it’s about the priceless time we’ve been able to spend together as a family during these few golden years together, regardless of location.

    You see, I have a grand plan for these videos. Something that will take time, LOTS OF TIME, and I’m okay with that. Time can be a ruthless slow gradual killer that is impossible to escape, OR if you figure it out, time can become your ally. I think I’ve got it figured out.

    More on that to come..

    - Garrett

    Continue to Chapter 2 >

    < Back to Our Story

    76 Responses

    Dina Keane
    Dina Keane

    November 02, 2022

    Hi!
    I had the privilege of meeting your family this past Friday on the red eye from Salt Lake City !
    Darling Manilla sat next to me and used my denim jacket as his pillow ! At the end of the flight , I packed up his gear and blanket and while doing so fell in love with the backpack! He was so adorable when I said to him, “ I love this backpack!!!!” He sleepily told me , “You can buy one !” Darling boy, and might I say, beautiful, magnificent family!
    Keep up your fun work 😊😊😊
    God Bless you all,
    Dina Keane

    Marguerite Windley
    Marguerite Windley

    November 02, 2022

    I love watching you, Garrett, and your beautiful wife Jessica travel, enjoy life and how you love being with your children. God has blessed you beyond measure.
    Love and good wishes on your next big journey, Marguerite Windley (a very old Virginian)

    Charlotte
    Charlotte

    November 02, 2022

    you guys are soooooo amazing! hope to meet you all someday somewhere!!!!!!!!!

    Olga
    Olga

    November 02, 2022

    Thank you for sharing your journey with the world! Reading and follow your journey inspires so many people to step out of our comfort zone and live or lives to the fullest.
    Just want to let you guys know you are greatly appreciated and all the hard work that comes with is seen and touches many many souls.

    THANK YOU!

    Lhakpa Dolma Sherpa
    Lhakpa Dolma Sherpa

    February 06, 2024

    So glad and inspired by you and your family. And I read all you blog given above. Truly a pure soul inside you people. I love you guys. And hope we get this blog through books. Waiting for next chapter ❤️ love you guys

    Michelle Polido
    Michelle Polido

    February 06, 2024

    Aloha,

    I have enjoyed following your family traveling around the world. It was you sharing your raw moments with us, that made us feel connected to share in the experience. I’m an avid journalist myself. I like to journal daily the activities that occur in our lives. I am a mother of 3 and happily married to my husband, Michael, of 15 years. During the pandemic in 2020, while battling breast cancer, your videos and IG posts help to keep me going. You helped to shift my perspective on what was currently happening at home, to take the time to appreciate spending my moments with my children. I was able to be home during that time being PRESENT for the first time in their lives. I look back at 2020 as a time of Blessings rather than a misfortune. While others might view it as a horrible year, I view it as a year of triumphs and special moments spent learning and growing with my children. Yes, my husband worked and helped during my treatments but my children had many teachable moments alongside with us. We took on other projects around our home (gardening, cooking, building) that made us appreciate living in those moments.

    Again, MAHALO for sharing your experiences and keep doing what you folks are doing. You are changing someone’s life out there without even knowing it.

    God Bless you and your ‘Ohana!!!

    Michelle Polido

    Amber Eland
    Amber Eland

    November 02, 2022

    This is absolutely amazing. I’ve followed your family for sometime now. It’s amazing watching your kids grow up with all the different cultures you visit. I’m so excited to learn more from you.

    Lisa Sharoni
    Lisa Sharoni

    November 02, 2022

    Thank you!

    Marcela
    Marcela

    November 02, 2022

    love it!
    very inspirational, thanks for sharing!
    I love your family, the story behind ❣️

    Margot
    Margot

    November 02, 2022

    Dear Garrett and family,

    Thank you for sharing this story. I’ve been watching your videos with so much joy and also read this story with a lot of admiration. I hope you will continue with all your creativity and bravery for as long as you can. You and your family are truly inspiring.

    Love from Holland

    Hannah
    Hannah

    February 06, 2024

    Hey guys it’s Hannah from Tampa, Florida ! I love hearing about your family journeys as you grow together and form such a beautiful family bond. Thank you so much for sharing your stories and your lives with us! You’re story is truly touching and inspiring. Keep up the thriving energy and being your most amazing selves!

    Liané
    Liané

    February 06, 2024

    Came Across Your Family Recently..Loved Reading This ! The Pursuit Of Happiness Teaches us Marvellous Things. Love At The Centre Of It All… Xoxo keep keeping on inspiring the world to seek what truly matters x

    Janet
    Janet

    February 05, 2024

    I’ve been following your story from the beginning of your “bucket list” adventures. I’ve loved each location and the stories you’ve shared along the way. I’ve also loved seeing your beautiful family grow larger and also grow UP (so quickly!) I hope you’ll continue to share your life and your travels with us, and I wish you all the very best!

    Lotte
    Lotte

    November 02, 2022

    Love this. It is so inspiring on so many levels to read your story. Everytime I watch a video of your family of read a story, it gives me energy to be better, to do better. I love u guys for doing you and I hope you’ll keep doing it for a long long time.

    One of your internetFRIENDS from the Netherlands.

    Love.

    Lotte

    Victoria
    Victoria

    November 02, 2022

    Thank you! Simply and exquisitely written… I too believe it’s about the experiences, the love, the growth and the memories with family that is most cherished and will always out weigh anything for my husband and I! As a mama of 4 and an essential worker I try to find the balance between caring for others and being able to be present for my family…Your family is a beautiful reminder of just that!

    Lily
    Lily

    November 02, 2022

    Long before the movie and long before your family, I had my own bucket list. We (me and my 2 daughters) have traveled a lot. Even when they were little, I was the only parent sending my girls alone on a plane (when I couldn’t go) to Cabo San Lucas to visit my sister. We would have fun every summer but they had to have done well in school or no vacation for them (they missed out at least once each). Even when money was tight, we would go camping. No money, no problem, the beach is free. As long as I had money for gas, I made sure we had fun. We now have seen about 80% of the points of interest in California. We have travel the USA and seen many states. We have been to Mexico, Costa Rica, Perú… And many more to come. I completely agree with you, “nothing to do with dying and EVERYTHING to do with LIVING!” Live life, No Excuses! Thank you for sharing your experiences. You have a beautiful family.

    Paolina
    Paolina

    November 02, 2022

    For the last nine months I have been watching your videos. I started watching them while I nursed my newborn in the middle of the night. I’m on week 116. I just want to say that everything you share resonates so deeply. To break the mold and pave your own path for your family is deeply admirable and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story and your light. You are making a difference in so many peoples lives.

    Gabriela
    Gabriela

    November 02, 2022

    Hi! First of all… I’m super happy for you guys. I’m from Paraguay, South America and I’m following you since 2015. I’m so grateful to have found you because with you it’s like every day is a new day. A new day to LEARN together as a community. Is that what we are and how we feel about you both and your family. Thank you for being light and example in my life. I think I’m growing up with you every single day.
    God Bless you always. I love and admire you so much Garret and Jessica!
    Gabita.

    Amber Nichole
    Amber Nichole

    November 02, 2022

    Your words hold meaning & you truly have a gift with writing them. You’ve definitely made me & I’m sure possibly others, not only believe every word you said, but feel every word you wrote! I felt your sincerity & admire how transparent you were. You not only made me stop and think about many aspects of my own life moving forward, but reading your words had new meanings to things I thought I knew wholeheartedly! So truly, as silly as this may sound, THANK YOU so very much!! From a stranger in Birmingham, Alabama, who is now having to rethink a few things I once not only knew, but was certain was the right thing for me, may actually be… Well I guess that’s still to be determined. So now it’s back to the drawing board… And honestly, I’m not mad about it at all!! 🤗 Much love to your beautiful family ❤💙💚

    Aruna Vanniar
    Aruna Vanniar

    November 02, 2022

    That was truly an touching and precious thing to share, I felt like I read something good in the morning and I am all smiling ear to ear…..I have been following you guys on Instagram and I should say you guys are awesome. Touchwood 😁😁😁 tc and love for lil cali(my fav❤️)

    Kayla
    Kayla

    November 02, 2022

    I love these blog posts!! Very thoughtfully worded and a lot of heart 💗.

    Kassie
    Kassie

    November 02, 2022

    Beyond inspirational!

    sue greenfield
    sue greenfield

    November 02, 2022

    I absolutely love following your family. And I am so happy to be able to read these chapters… What an amazing family you are. Thank you so much for giving so much to the world …just by your existence. ❤️ Sue

    Heather
    Heather

    November 02, 2022

    Thank you for sharing your perspective, and thoughts. It’s really interesting to think on.

    Tamara Mitchell
    Tamara Mitchell

    November 02, 2022

    I love everything about these chapters and you sharing your life with us! Inspiring! We are an adventure family, as we say, and prioritize family adventures/time/love over everything else!

    Deanna Camacho
    Deanna Camacho

    November 02, 2022

    Beautiful post! Everything about your family inspires many people. We all know you have a lot of money, and a little fame, but it’s your intentions, kindness, generosity, uniqueness, and genuine spirit that touches us the most. It’s refreshing and motivating to see families like you making the world a better place, showing us that it’s not about the boujee life, but more about the experiences and time together. Your gratitude is fierce and very present in your videos. Congrats for making “a million dollars” positive and for showing the world how it’s done!!

    Diana
    Diana

    November 02, 2022

    Hello Bucket List Family! Honestly, this was such a rollercoaster to read and I feel so emotional. I’m so proud to say that I’ve been a FRIEND since you all had 500 subscribers and I’ve seen your family grow. I’m 23 years old and even though I haven’t yet started a family of my own, you are such a big inspiration to me. We have so much in common, because I also love making videos but just out of the pure joy of doing them and making memories with my family. They are also my most valuable treasure and I also have them safe so I understand and identify to what Garrett feels :) thank you for sharing your story and I’ll make sure to stay tuned like I’ve always been! Btw say hi to the kids for me, I really do feel like I know you all and I’m happy to call you all my friends :) – From Colombia 🇨🇴

    Nelda Robbins
    Nelda Robbins

    November 02, 2022

    I remember that first video and you are right, you were ahead of your time! Continued happiness and success to you and your dear family. PS Come to Atlantic Canada!

    Shelbie
    Shelbie

    November 02, 2022

    I have been so inspired by your family. If I had my life to live over, I wish I would’ve in-braced life like you all have. Can’t wait to see what awesome adults you are raising. Living vicariously through your life. Thank you.

    Lindsay Rees
    Lindsay Rees

    November 02, 2022

    Loved reading this! Everything you guys seem to put out into the world is kind, loving, intentional and brave. You’re a wonderful example of what a family should be. Xx

    Nicole Golden
    Nicole Golden

    November 02, 2022

    This is an ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE STORY! I am sure you get told this all the time. But there is something so simple and beautiful in following what you believe no matter what. We each have a path to take in this world, and for your sweet family, it is to live life to the fullest, inspire millions along the way, and SOOOO much more! ❤️

    Betsy
    Betsy

    November 02, 2022

    You and your family are amazing and truly beautiful inside and out. You all are kind, selfless, genuine, and special and we all are better for having watched your videos, read your words, and most importantly witnessed your actions and for that we thank you for sharing your lives with us because I think God had a plan for you and Jess and you are experiencing it and sharing it all with us. Sure, some don’t get it but there are millions who do! Thank you for making us better, braver, kinder, and more each week!☮️💟

    Laurie
    Laurie

    November 02, 2022

    I love u guys and mostly you just reminded me to go outside our comfort zone and JUST DO WHAT MAKES US SHINE!! WOOOHOOOO

    Katie Wray
    Katie Wray

    November 02, 2022

    Beautifully said! Thank you for sharing your life lessons. I’m excited for the next chapter! I’m a member of the bucket list studio family’s future story. ❤️ 💙💚

    Anabela
    Anabela

    November 02, 2022

    Humble, inspiring and speaking the truth like no other. Thank you for sharing.

    Ami
    Ami

    November 02, 2022

    What a wonderful and inspiring story! I loved this heart warming message ❤️

    Ólafur Örn Gunnarsson Siring
    Ólafur Örn Gunnarsson Siring

    November 02, 2022

    Thank you for sharing your truth 🙏🤗💝

    Lisa
    Lisa

    November 02, 2022

    I have never been so thrilled to sit and watch all the places you have had the privilege of going. Your children are so Blessed to be part of such an incredible experience. Thank you for sharing your lives with us, y’all are Awesome.

    April
    April

    November 02, 2022

    Hi Garret,
    Great read! Looking forward to more journal entries about you and your family’s journey. My My partner and I have recently started traveling again. We are excited to see what the World has to offer. The world is our oyster!

    Happy Travels,
    April

    Diana
    Diana

    November 02, 2022

    Wow so well written, thank you for all your post and videos.
    Diana 🤍

    Soledad
    Soledad

    November 02, 2022

    I like your story so much. Greetings from Uruguay
    Dawn Payano
    Dawn Payano

    November 02, 2022

    I just love this so much! Every peek you give into yourselves makes me love and appreciate you guys so much more. If I had a million dollars I would set it as a foundation for my children’s future. Definitely all for my kids so they will never have to endure the struggles and worry I have.

    Annelize
    Annelize

    November 02, 2022

    Hello
    I’ve been following your family for a few years and love your lifestyle. Regardless of whether you are millionaires or not, it’s the manner in which you live that I appreciate – your attitude towards life, others and our planet.
    I’ve seen most of your videos and read any articles that are posted and it encourages me to try harder, be braver, live better and do more for those around me.
    This: “The only way to truly guarantee success in your life is to align your priorities with your heart.” – strung a heart’s chord, and has yet again reminded me to not give up on my own big dreams and plans. Thank you.

    I love your family. Your kiddos are incredible!
    Thank you for being examples to all of us.

    Barbara
    Barbara

    November 02, 2022

    I love your family so much.
    I’ve been following for quite a few years and you are all a testament of the good in the world. Thank you for sharing your life, your light & your love with us.

    Wendy Dausett
    Wendy Dausett

    November 02, 2022

    I love watching your videos and seeing your family grow. You have a true gift and thank you for sharing your memories!

    Francesca Bonina
    Francesca Bonina

    November 02, 2022

    Hi everyone, I’m from Italy and I rally loved this article. I’ve read all of it and got no bored. So, I wanted to say thank to you because of the effort you make in everything!

    Karen Finnerty
    Karen Finnerty

    November 02, 2022

    I just want to say your story is an inspiration, yes you could have used your money and travelled in luxury but you have proven to us with nothing that anything is possible with a dream and hard work. Your videos have been something to look forward to every week and I must say I miss them, but I am grateful you have allowed us into your life’s to share these precious memories. I wish you all the best with what us to come in the future and I hope Dorothy had found a best friend because they are the most precious people in the world.

    Melissa
    Melissa

    November 02, 2022

    It really inspires me and make my mind fly away to think in the possibility to be with my kid and my husband everyday and not just for a couple of hours at the end of the day because school and our jobs. I really feel full with joy to think in invested the rest of my life in what I love the most!!! I love to see your family grow and learn from the world in a such osmotic way, it makes me happy to see you and make me think seriously how can I change my living future. Great Storytelling why the way!!!

    Leigh Ann Davis
    Leigh Ann Davis

    November 02, 2022

    This is an uplifting message. I agree there is No-one size fits all. School and working in an office is not for everyone. Travel and learn and always remember to,”” “Stop and smell the Roses”. Excited to see what you have in your bucket. I wear my necklace proudly. Y’all are a great family to look up too. Many hugz and blessing coming y’all’s way.

    Coraliz Pagan
    Coraliz Pagan

    November 02, 2022

    Love!! Yet another successful chapter! PS. I’d buy the book!

    JENNIFER CLARINGBOLD
    JENNIFER CLARINGBOLD

    February 05, 2024

    Very well written. It’s like you’re having a conversation with the reader (I can actually hear your voice in my head as I’m reading : ) I also love all the pictures. Can’t wait for the next chapter!

    Victoria
    Victoria

    February 05, 2024

    Bravo! What a great beginning+ to a wonderful life. Thank you for recording and sharing your lessons as you go.

    Shirlee Mitchell
    Shirlee Mitchell

    February 05, 2024

    Wow….what a great read…I’ve been following your family from the start. Life is a great adventure and you and your family push the living right to the limit. Peace,faith and love to you.

    Rafaela
    Rafaela

    February 05, 2024

    Wow, just wow! I have been following your youtube videos since the very beginning of your journey. Your family and the way you guys interact with each other and with your kids was my whole idea of perfection. It’s just incredible how much reach you have achieved in these few years and your improvement in video/photography skills :) It is so inspiring!
    I aim to take your parenting ideas and your life lessons that you have shared through the time.
    Thank you for starting this visual diary!
    P.s. I am loving these blogs :)

    Renee
    Renee

    October 20, 2022

    As always, truly real, honest and inspiring! Thank you for sharing and being a light to others. Much love and blessings to the five of you! ❤️💙💚

    Karen Wilson
    Karen Wilson

    October 20, 2022

    I love reading all the background to your beginnings and the choices you’ve made. I “found” you by chance on IG when you were on St Kitts and Nevis many years ago! As we had a home on Nevis for years, I was intrigued by your visit. I’ve been hooked on your family adventures ever since ! Anxiously await the next chapters to your story!

    Karen Wilson

    Natalia
    Natalia

    October 20, 2022

    I am so happy to reach U and follow your journey from almost the start. I remember start watching your videos at the end of 2015. And I am so thankfull. Everyone around me that knows me, know how much I love and appreciate you all. I am happy that I understand the point and the meaning of what you all do this with your life and I shared that with my friends and family.
    Thank U for being You. And being so open, and humble, and true.
    Keep being U and protect your amazing heart and mind.

    Cant wait for what comes next.
    And thanks again for touch my heart and help me to be more open minded and open hearted. 💗💗💗🥰🥰🥰🥰

    Karie McDowell
    Karie McDowell

    October 20, 2022

    LOVE THIS SO MUCH! Thank you for sharing!

    Anne Blackwell
    Anne Blackwell

    October 20, 2022

    Garrett
    This is AMAZING!!! I just love the way your write. Your journal take me back to when I first was told about your sweet family. Can not wait until your next chapter!
    ❤️💙💚

    Kristin Ward
    Kristin Ward

    October 20, 2022

    Having followed you since your first year travelling, I know so much of this story already. But these details and screenshots are sooo fun to see and it inspires me, like you’ve continuously been doing ever since. Thank you for sharing! ❤️

    Thaili Hoorod
    Thaili Hoorod

    October 20, 2022

    This was such a great read! I truly admire your family and your wonderful stories. You and your family are great inspirations to listen to your heart and always follow your dreams. Can’t wait for the next chapter!

    Nicole K
    Nicole K

    October 20, 2022

    I love to hear you talk and write so honest about the time before The Bucket List Family. It’s really inspiring! If you would find that fun to do, I would LOVE to hear about your best business and pitching tips in a blog post or a video. I am a screenwriting student who will do my first pitch by the end of may for producers. I look up to you when it comes to both business, family and the persons you and Jessica are.

    Rebecca Nocentini
    Rebecca Nocentini

    October 20, 2022

    You are such an inspiration… God bless you all guys! World needs people like you, human needs people like you. My bucket list: to meet the Bucketlist family one day❤️

    mel chitty
    mel chitty

    October 20, 2022

    Become the next bucket list family, being 5kiwichicks. First stop Africa 🌍. Just one way ✈️’s.

    Laura
    Laura

    November 02, 2022

    I want to be just like Garrett Gee and the bucket list family

    Jamie jellison
    Jamie jellison

    October 20, 2022

    Your story is full of inspiration not only on being creative and establishing a financial path but for living for your family and cherishing every moment. I love the mantra, live a life full of Saturdays! Congrats to you and thank you for sharing your story with the world! You are special humans.

    Ellen Baird
    Ellen Baird

    October 20, 2022

    If I were 20 years younger with the knowledge I have now, your story would have had a huge impact on my life wanting to make a difference in the conservation of wildlife and the ocean .

    Stacy McCoy
    Stacy McCoy

    October 20, 2022

    Your story is so inspiring! I truly enjoyed reading it! The way I see it is… Snapchat didn’t give you money… they gave the money to all the people around the world through The Bucket List Family! The people and organizations that you have been a part of changing their lives! You guys are the best!!

    Julia
    Julia

    October 20, 2022

    Hey! I’ve watched your family vlogs before and follow you guys on Instagram, I thought it was super cool to hear your backstory and looking forward to reading chapter 1!!

    Tracy chapman
    Tracy chapman

    October 20, 2022

    Your story is inspiring and we enjoy virtual travels with your family on Instagram. Thank you for reminding me how the Universe intervenes!

    Ilse Delleman
    Ilse Delleman

    October 20, 2022

    I follow the bucketlist family since quite some time now and I really enjoy to follow the development of your family as well as your travel adventures. Furthermore I admire your entrepreneurship! Thanks for sharing!

    Zakiyya Ismail
    Zakiyya Ismail

    October 20, 2022

    This is simply incredible… just amazing what positive mindset can manifest! Love the energy!

    Linda Lindt
    Linda Lindt

    October 20, 2022

    I would travel. I love to travel just never really had a chance. You did the right thing. Thank you for sharing. I love your story.

    Coraliz Pagan
    Coraliz Pagan

    October 20, 2022

    I never get tired of putting myself in your shoes in every decision you had to make. Amazing story.

    zarbahramy
    zarbahramy

    October 20, 2022

    Ohhh your story is amazing and I can’t wait to follow you guys as days go by on your adventure of life🤍

    Christine
    Christine

    October 20, 2022

    Congrats on all that you have accomplished and will go on to accomplish. Above all else, kudos for keeping family first.

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