Kings of the Road 2014...

We just had the best week ever for our second annual Kings of the Road trip! This year we once again returned to Baton Rouge for the 4th of July, but we extended the trip and headed all the way to Gulf Shores, Alabama for a week of fun in the sun. After two days in BR, we loaded up the cars and headed east to sunshine.

Ryan and I have discussed lots about the types of things we hope our kids get to experience and one of the most important things is travel. There is richness in seeing the world around you, meeting people from different areas, exploring new places through sites and sounds (and food!). And of course, we have discussed our dream family vacation to Europe, because duh... BUT... we decided that we first want our kids to discover their own backyard. In this case, their backyard is the good ol' U-S-of-A. So, our goal is to hit all 50 states by the time Landry graduates HS. 

Lofty task, but we are up for the challenge and once we crossed that state line, Mississippi was added to their growing list. 

If you aren't one to pull over on the side of a major interstate to snap a photo like the one above, you can always go to the welcome center where there are plenty of photo ops. Plus, you get the added bonus of reading up on all sorts of fun facts about that state. 

(Note: the Texas welcome center on I-10 from Louisiana is AMAZING! You should stop.)

After our quick rest, we continued the drive into Alabama where we attempted to pull over, but the sign came out of NOWHERE and the welcome center was closed, so bah humbug Alabama. However, we did find the cutest little place to eat in downtown Mobile and the kids got to run around a bit in their town square.

Landry wished for more snacks.

Emmy wished for more naps.

Radley wished for more license plates.

We just wished for a strong ending on the pretty easy road trip. 

:)

And then we arrived. 

To the beach.

A BEAUTIFUL beach. 

And these three could not have been more happy.

We were ready for four days of non-stop fun in the sun!

And we got it... with Gigi, Pops and Miss Tori on top!

Our first night in Gulf Shores ended with a late night dance party at The Hang Out. The girls had the stage all to themselves and I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I pray that in 20 years Landry doesn't end up losing her shorts, because that wouldn't be nearly as cute as it was at the age of 2. 

But on this night they stole the show and they routinely steal my heart.