The Emerald Coast

We made it to Florida! After crossing three boarders...

I felt such a peace and instantly was relaxed. Being a summer fanatic, this is the part of our trip that I was looking forward to the most. While we wait for the rest of the country to thaw we will be spending the entire month of March in sunny, warm, citrus growing Florida. I can't contain my excitement, I am where I love to be. We started our first leg of Florida in Destin, on the Emerald Coast. Amazing is all I can say, the pictures alone speak of its beauty.

Warm white sugar sand and blue sparkling water.

Sandcastle making.

Playing some football.

We had the beach to ourselves.

Our path to our campsite.

The nicest beach campsite ever, large, clean and so beautiful.

One afternoon we walked the boardwalk and looked at the fishing boats.

Blake picked a zombies nose.

We also saw an albino alligator, it had red eyes and was really creepy.

Destin was amazing, and I'm so glad we took the week to relax and enjoy God's creation. I'm ready to discover Florida and excited to soak up some sun with the family. xoxo

Thoughts and Mardi Gras

Only the Lord could take this high maintenance girl from all the comforts of Carlsbad into the unknown. This past first week on the road has been both amazing and stressful at the same time. I was overjoyed to experience new surroundings with my family and at the same time tired, frustrated and stressed about my new living situation. During our many stops we were still learning how to run and work our home on wheels. It was challenging to say the least. Many times I heard the Lord whispering to me "let it go" and so far I think this is what this trip will teach me. I am a structured and organized person, so naturally when things go wrong (like the refrigerator not cooling properly after I just loaded it up with groceries) I become incredibly frustrated.

Let it go...and yes I sing the song from Frozen every time I say this.

Surrender it all, and give it to the Lord.

This past week has been crazy, but I wouldn't trade it. I have a new outlook on this experience and the days ahead look so promising. This is where the Lord wants me and I'm blessed to be where I am.

Louisiana border picture through bug splattered windshield.

We took a long drive from Austin Tx into New Orleans...arriving late that night, setting out the next morning to tour the historic French Quarter. It was raining that day, which made it that much more fun for the kiddos.

The Mississippi River...it looks cold and dreary, but it was surprisingly warm.

We started our day eating beignets of course.

Then we walked around and took in the sites...it looks so much like Disneyland.

Switchfoot is scheduled to play at the House of Blues in March, anyone from NCCC would know how exciting it would be to see this.

We got to experience Mardi Gras and watch a parade.

It was a dog parade, perfect for the kids.

They were loaded with necklaces and toys.

We finished the day walking through the rain

and enjoying the beautiful decorated buildings.

New Orleans was amazing...and Mardi Gras was a blast. This city is like no other and I'm so glad we got to experience it. We are currently in Dustin, Florida, ready to hit the beach tomorrow!

San Antonio to Austin

Tonight we are staying at a Cracker Barrel just outside of Austin...I am reflecting on the past two days remembering all we did and experienced in Texas. Three things I love about Texas is 1) They fly American flags everywhere, at businesses, homes, churches and parks. American pride is prevalent. 2) I love a good Texas accent...I could sit and listen for hours to anyone who has one. 3) The BBQ is not to be messed with!

We started our Texas tour by camping our Rv at Medina Lake just outside of San Antonio.

We were greeted by hundreds of deer, everywhere we looked.

Kids loved the playground.

After we set up camp we went to the Alamo in San Antonio.

Just a short walk from the Alamo was the Riverwalk.

In typical tourist fashion we had to do the tour boat.

We ended that day back at camp doing laundry, what else!

The next morning we packed up and headed to Austin.

We saw the Capitol.

Climbed on cannons.

And visited the Texas State House of Representatives.

After, we went to the Austin Nature and Science Center.

Making a Carbon Nano.

Digging for dinosaur bones.

We ended the day at Salt Lick...recommended by many!

The ribs were to die for!

I'd say Texas was a success, we had beautiful weather and had a blast exploring. Next stop New Orleans...

From One Carlsbad to Another

Yesterday we drove to Guadalupe Mountain National Park exhausted from a good two days on the road. Our campground did not have hookups, disappointing since I was in need of a long hot shower, but in exchange it felt like we were a world away tucked into the foothills of massive piles of rock.

A view from our hike, you can see our Rv.

I highly recommend staying here, especially if you are on your way to the Carlsbad Caverns.

We woke the next morning ready to drive the Pathfinder to the Carlsbad Caverns. We were blessed to go on a day that was not busy and practically had the caves to explore on our own. Pictures don't do it justice, the cave is massive and just breathtaking.

Our descent down into the cave.

I must admit even as amazing as the day was, I'm exhausted. On top of that we are staying overnight somewhere in Texas in a "questionable" Rv park. I told J to keep the gun close to his bed just in case. Please pray we sleep well and are safe! Shh, don't tell my parents, they will worry. xoxo