1,080 miles and 18 hours to Florida

I originally started writing this as one post, but it was just too long. So I've divided it up into three posts: getting there, at the beach, and heading home.

Day one: June 20

After a hectic week of one child at Fun Factory, one child at Lego Robotics Camp, both children attending soccer tryouts and one with strep throat, we were finally on our way. We left at noon, after picking Adam up at Lego Robotics Camp.

Only 1,080 miles (18 hours of driving) to go! This is us, pulling out of the driveway. Group #selfie.

We stopped in Tulsa to eat and visit the Center of the Universe. When you stand in the middle of the concrete circle, your voice echoes in your head. The people standing on the outside of the circle can't hear the echo.

We ate dinner at Chaz's Chowhouse. Scott had a Cuban sandwich, Zach had chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes (which he said was the first time he had chicken fried steak at a restaurant), Adam had chicken strips with fries, and I had a salad, then part of everyone else's meal. Then, we were on our way to Conway, AR to spend the night. I had printed out maps to see how many license plates we could find, and that kept us busy for...a few minutes. But then you just need something to do.

Like put your feet up on your mom's headrest while you read a book.

Day 2: June 21

We headed to Memphis, TN. We ate lunch at Dyer's World Famous Burgers, of course.

The burgers were good...

...the root beer float was THE BEST (according to Adam), but the restrooms were a definite thumbs down.

We texted with Hilgers (who left Thursday) and Oma and Papa (who left Friday morning). Scott said "it's like we are all riding in the same car together." 

There was a lively discussion about whether paper or digital maps were better, and also updates on road conditions (we were ahead of Hilger's by about two hours). There was some confusion when both Scott and I's electronic navigation failed to load, and Sherry and Oma laughed because they had paper maps which didn't need satellites or cell service to work. At one point, we had a GPS telling us the way, plus I had two navigation apps open on my phone. We finally figured out which one was the most accurate.

Next stop: Birmingham. The boys had a couple of arguments...the most interesting about when the flute was invented and whose water bottle was leaking. But for the most part they watched movies, played on their iPods and Kindles, read books and found license plates.

We visited our old stomping ground where Scott and I lived way back when...See the 2627 over my shoulder? That was our part of the townhouse.

We had dinner with an old friend who still lives there, then met up with the Hilgers, who were staying at the same hotel.

Day 3: June 22

Homestretch to Rosemary Beach, FL! The boys rode in one van, the girls in another. Girls take the lead.

Made it! The view from our deck.

And out to the ocean. That's Jake, Adam and Zach.

Read next: What we did.