The LOOOONG Trip

Our family just went on one of the longest car trips ever. Darin had training in DC for two weeks and we wanted to tag along. We drove from Texas to New Orleans, to Washington DC and then back to Texas. We had such a good time and can't believe how far we went.

One of our first stops was Kreuz Barbeque in Lockhart Texas. BEST BARBEQUE EVER! We love our barbeque in Texas. The only hang-up here was when Cameron got stuck in a high chair. It was quite embarrassing and awkward, but we got him out (after about 5 minutes).

Most of the nights going and coming from DC we camped. The twins loved being able to hang out outside and sleep in a tent. There were some late nights and early mornings with all the daylight we get this time of year, but the kids napped some in the van--which we didn't mind. 

Luke was able to enjoy an outside bath in Louisiana. 

The twins enjoyed their first experience in a swimming pool. We bought these floatie swimming suits so that they would be more safe in the water, but instead of helping them, it would tip them upside down in the water when they couldn't touch bottom. Not the best investment. 

Just chillin after pool time.

We saw one of the most beautiful plantations outside of New Orleans--Oak Alley. I loved the fourteen perfectly spaced  oak trees leading up to the plantation. I would have gotten a picture of the plantation without the old couple standing out in front but I waited for more than five minutes and they were sure taking their time :(.

 The kids enjoyed the hotel we stayed at in New Orleans. 

 It was a perfect day to walk around New Orleans. I really loved it. 

  I LOVED the old riverboat  that they had docked there. Oh someday I want to go on one..

 Of course we had to visit Cafe Du Monde. We had to get our beignets every day that we were in New Orleans. The kids really loved them and I got a couple of mixes so that I can make beignets at home.

 On one of our stops in Alabama the kids got into an anthill...Learning experience.

 When we were driving in Tennessee we saw signs for this dairy and stopped for ice cream. This visit made me realize that kids and gift shops do not mix.

 It is really comforting to read a sign like this next to your campsite (in Pigeon Forge, TN)

 We went to Pigeon Forge at a special time--Dolly's welcome parade! Just as THE Dolly Parton came riding down the street on her special Grand Marshall float, my camera died. I'm not gonna lie, it kind of put a damper on things when I couldn't snap a picture of my celebrity encounter.

 We did a lot of chillin' at the park in between long driving sessions.

 Hanging out before church.

 The kids loved to see the different exhibits at the Smithsonian museum. They really loved the train part. They thought they were on a real train.

 Of course I had to get a picture next to my new favorite things--a riverboat.

 The kids found this area of the museum with some nostalgic toys. They loved the Mr. Potato Head.

 On one of the hot DC afternoons, we decided to visit the LDS temple there. I think that it is one of the most gorgeous temples.

 Here are some really sweet photos of the boys. On our trip the twins turned three and Luke turned 10 months old. They are growing so much!

 Here we are enjoying our time at the Zoo.

 My friend Liz just happened to be in DC at the same time and was so sweet to make them some special cupcakes for their birthday. They had a great day.

 Camping in the Shenandoah Valley that night.

 Driving home, we found this awesome park and were able to enjoy a train ride around a lake.

 At the end of our journey we stopped and picked both fresh strawberries and fresh blueberries. I want to grow those things now! They boys were so happy. It is kind of funny because I felt like the mom in Blueberries for Sal. They would eat almost everything they picked. We ended up getting about a gallon of blueberries, but all from my bucket because nearly everything they picked, they ate.

We really enjoyed spending time together. The last night of our vacation was interesting. We decided to camp the last night and found a really nice state park. Well, as soon as we got there we noticed a problem--there were hundreds and hundreds of GRASSHOPPERS. I was sickened especially when one was crawling up my leg. We herded them away from the area where we were going to pitch our tent Most of them stayed away so we started to set our tent up then we noticed that there were some really dark storm clouds coming. We looked it up on the computer and found that there was a TORNADO WATCH  for that very area we were! Yikes. Needless to say, we threw everything into the tent, buckled up the kids and sped away. What an eventful way to end a fun trip.