A couple lives with their 2 teenagers and 130-pound dog in a converted school bus — here's how they make it work

Frank OlitoAug 26, 2020, 03:25 IST

The family of four call this schoolie home.Courtesy of Tawny McVay

Mike and Tawny McVay live in a 250-square-foot school bus that they renovated with their children, Aidyn, 15, and Ellery, 14.
After including the children in their decision, the couple bought a school bus for $5,000 and spent $20,000 renovating it over six months.
Together, the family has traveled across the country in the school bus, which has continued to undergo changes to fit their needs.
"There have definitely been times where we wanted to kill each other, but in the end, it's been an amazing experience," Aidyn said.

Raising teenagers can be difficult, but one couple decided to do it while living in just 250 square feet.

Tawny and Mike McVay live in a converted school bus with Aidyn, 15, and Ellery, 14, who are Tawny's children from a previous relationship. The family travels the country in their "schoolie" while working remotely and homeschooling.

Keep reading to find out how this family (and their large dog) makes their life on the road work.

In 2016, Tawny and Mike owned a successful business, had a beautiful home, and drove brand new cars — but they were not happy.

Mike and Tawny. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

At first, they said they had to get over the "shame" of wanting a different lifestyle.

The couple in Rome. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

Once they settled on downsizing into a school bus, the couple had to get their two teenagers on board.

Aidyn and Ellery. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

They bought their school bus for $5,000 in 2018.

The exterior of the school bus. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

Aidyn and Ellery even helped build the family's future home.

Tawny and Aidyn painting. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

Tawny said she designed the interior of the bus to be as comfortable as it can be for the whole family.

The interior of the schoolie. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

Upfront, the driver's seat can double as a makeshift work space.

Tawny working at the wheel. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

The living room doubles as the teenagers' room when they travel.

The family in the living room. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

The L-shaped kitchen has a built-in eating nook that doubles as a space for the kids to do their schoolwork.

The kitchen. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

Down the hallway, there is a bathroom with concrete walls on the left-hand side.

The bathroom. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

At the back of the bus, Tawny and Mike's master bedroom is filled with storage space.

The bedroom. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

They even share the space with their 130-pound dog, Apollo.

The family dog, Apollo. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

As a family, they've taken the bus all over the country, including Washington, Oregon, Ohio, and Wyoming.

The exterior of the bus. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

"It hasn't always been easy or fun, and there have definitely been times where we wanted to kill each other, but in the end, it's been an amazing experience," Aidyn said.

The family. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

"It hasn't always been easy or fun, and there have definitely been times where we wanted to kill each other, but in the end, it's been an amazing experience," Aidyn said.

The kids do get to spend some of their time at their father's house, giving the rest of the family a break from living in close quarters.

Mike and Tawny. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

They plan on setting out on the road again soon, bringing the family back together before Aidyn and Ellery head off to college.

Mike and tawny. Courtesy of Tawny McVay

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A couple lives with their 2 teenagers and 130-pound dog in a converted school bus — here's how they make it work

In 2016, Tawny and Mike owned a successful business, had a beautiful home, and drove brand new cars — but they were not happy.

At first, they said they had to get over the "shame" of wanting a different lifestyle.

Once they settled on downsizing into a school bus, the couple had to get their two teenagers on board.

They bought their school bus for $5,000 in 2018.

Aidyn and Ellery even helped build the family's future home.

Tawny said she designed the interior of the bus to be as comfortable as it can be for the whole family.

Upfront, the driver's seat can double as a makeshift work space.

The living room doubles as the teenagers' room when they travel.

The L-shaped kitchen has a built-in eating nook that doubles as a space for the kids to do their schoolwork.

Down the hallway, there is a bathroom with concrete walls on the left-hand side.

At the back of the bus, Tawny and Mike's master bedroom is filled with storage space.

They even share the space with their 130-pound dog, Apollo.

As a family, they've taken the bus all over the country, including Washington, Oregon, Ohio, and Wyoming.

"It hasn't always been easy or fun, and there have definitely been times where we wanted to kill each other, but in the end, it's been an amazing experience," Aidyn said.

The kids do get to spend some of their time at their father's house, giving the rest of the family a break from living in close quarters.

They plan on setting out on the road again soon, bringing the family back together before Aidyn and Ellery head off to college.