Road Trip

We headed out at 10:00 am this morning on our journey to Florida. The kids were so excited and bouncing off the walls we were skeptical about the decision to take on a drive of this magnitude. They proved us wrong and were absolute troopers. We made it through Texas without a pit stop crossing the state line at 12:45 pm. The kids entertained themselves and took a few cat naps along the way. Between Lake Charles and Baton Rouge we hit the rain. I might add that Louisiana has an abundant supply of lush green grass. It was an obvious difference between Texas and Louisiana.

When we left this morning our goal was to make it to Baton Rouge, the half way point. After four hours we decided to stop and eat lunch, let the kids stretch their legs and hit the road again. We crossed the Mississippi River at 3:30 pm, making great time we decided to keep driving and take a slight de-tour through New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain. After 7 1/2 hours, two stops (lunch in Jennings and gas in Baton Rouge) and 433 miles we made it to New Orleans. New goal, Biloxi, MS by nightfall. After all it was only another 1 1/2 hours and 86 miles. The kids were cooperating and tolerating the drive so why not attempt to see the beach and stay by the water. We arrived in Biloxi a little before 7:00 pm and searched for the perfect overnight stop, Isle Casino & Hotel (gulf front / beach blvd). A first for both kids, a casino! No, they did not go in, but they experienced the atmosphere. They certainly let out their stored energy once in the room. Not sure who was more excited about the "huge" bathtub. We plan to rest up and hit the road in the morning for our final destination, Panama City Beach, Florida. Just another 233 miles. Good night!

All smiles...ready to head out!

We had rain from Lake Charles to Biloxi! Why can't it seem to migrate over the state line?

Crossing the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge.

Mississippi River

Between movies, books, toys and whatever else they could find they both entertained themselves.

Crossing Lake Pontchartrain before New Orleans.

There were so many dead trees near New Orleans.

Downtown New Orleans. The Super Dome is on the right. This was something both Ryan and I wanted to see while we were this way.

The damage from Hurricane Katrina is still evident in many buildings.

Gulfport, Mississippi

Biloxi, Mississippi - the tide was out when we arrived and the water was like glass. Our first white sand siting. Can't wait to see Florida's beaches tomorrow. 

Not sure who looks more guilty in this picture, but I know they were glad to be out of the car.

Their faces were priceless when they saw the tub. It did not take 2 seconds before Mallory figured out how to turn the water on. I think this was truly a highlight for them.

Tonight we stayed at the Isle Casino and Hotel in Biloxi. We could not pass up an opportunity to do a little gambling even if we had to take turns.