Southern States 2014

We had a great trip down south this year. The kids pointed out that it was nice to start our drive to Florida "almost half way there" since it's 8 hours from NC instead of 14 from MD. So glad that I have pictures to help remember because it all seems like such a long time ago- even though it was only a few months. I really like having fun things planned especially while James is away- both to look forward to and to enjoy. This trip was definitely both. We drove down to Fl for a few days.

The hot tub sure is fuller these days!

Big Girl C enjoying a bottle with Papa

Everyone enjoying the Hawaii pool- we had a great time swimming!

Celebrating Papa and K's birthdays

More Blue Star museum fun: Mission San Luis 

So excited to have a dog come swim with us- as long as he would stand still!

Mom drove with us again from FL to Mollie's in Mississippi.

We always love going to the Dentzel Carousel

C's first big girl ride

Seeing the turduckens is always fun- that's not their real name but they are the scary ducks- except the babies who are really cute.

A trip to MS wouldn't be complete without a snow cone or two. 

And of course hugs with Grandmollie

Grandmollie took us out to lunch at Checkerboards after church. Do you think C liked it?

After a nice visit in MS, Mom rode with us to Dallas, TX. We listened to lots of Anne of Green Gables along the way. And were glad that we were able to see Karen, Todd, and their girls.

Karen picked a really nice park and the kids had a great time

They did stop playing long enough for pics and some cake. We were really glad the kids could meet their cousins. 

We also enjoyed the hotel with dinner and breakfast included. After a day on the road, it's nice to just walk down the hall for dinner.

And to wake up and have TX waffles!

The morning that Mom flew home we went to a museum Karen suggested right beside DFW.

The kids enjoyed the aircraft info 

but were most excited about the lego display!

We dropped Mom off at the airport and drove to Janelle's. I didn't take a lot of pictures but we enjoyed several days of

lots of kids playing games, 

good food

outdoor time kids playing and enjoying the fun farm

still time for book reading

and geocaching. 

Rob scored super big points by watching 9 kids so Janelle and I could go out to lunch just us! I even got a haircut. A super visit!

We spent the night at a Drury Inn in AL (thanks hotel points :) and then got to spend a few hours visiting the Greshams at Fort Rucker. And back to Madison before heading home.

I didn't know there were lots of geocaches around Madison. I think we did 10 in two  days 

Including one by the cotton gin. 

We had a wonderful trip. It was great to see friends and family across the southeast! And made it that much closer to James coming home!