What are the motifs in West from Home: Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder to Almanzo Wilder by Laura Ingalls Wilder?

Money is a recurring idea in the narrative. Although the Wilders were doing well enough financially at the time of the letters, money was still tight and the trip would be an extravagance. However, it was important for Laura to visit Rose and experience things she's only ever read about. The Wilders had struggled for many years before becoming solvent. As a result, Laura was frugal and focused on exactly how much money was being spent while she was away, making adjustments as needed so that she would spend no more than was absolutely necessary.