The trip started with a minor incident at the Milton Shell gas station. Let’s just say that it involved about 40 gallons of gas, a fire truck, and some tears. Needless to say, with that last memory, I was not sad to leave Milton, Florida behind for San Diego, California!
But seriously, it took five days and we passed through eight states (Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California). We had two jam-packed cars, a couple of Starbucks gift cards, and a dog. Driving across country with my little family was one of the best things I have ever done in my life. In one road trip we saw the beaches of Florida, bayous of Louisiana, oil derricks in Texas, red rocks of New Mexico, deserts of Arizona, and green farms of California. Every cliché that has been said about our beautiful country is true. But instead of sitting here and writing all the details, I figured that our adventure is best told through pictures. I apologize for the quality (and quantity - I couldn't help myself) of the pictures; most were taken from the dashboard of my moving car. I hope that you enjoy and are inspired to plan your own cross country trip (minus the gas station incident and toll booth ticket).
The night before...yes, we are a little Hokie obsessed. It happens.
We spent the first night at my Aunt and Uncle's house in Houston. Of course, this was the only picture that came out. Hailey, Will, and Sadie enjoying Sadie's breakfast. 
The famous Salt Lick BBQ. Best lunch of the trip (and completely worth the 2-hour detour).
When I sent Leslie this picture of Texas, she said it reminded her of Friday Night Lights. I must agree.
Good ole McDonalds. One can never go wrong with a double cheezie and fries. 
West Texas was full of oil derricks. This was our favorite. Can you see it? 
I was shocked by the sheer amount of oil derricks. There seemed to be very little life, only the pumping oil derricks. Kind of freaky. 
Even though I pretend that I am a cowgirl because I once lived in Texas and own a fabulous pair of cowboy boots, I think that these guys win. Real New Mexico cowboys.
Cowboy Cafe in Roswell, New Mexico. We walked in the door and were immediately family.
Windows down, country music on the radio, Sadie in my back seat, Matt driving next to me. Life is good.
The famous (don't pretend you haven't heard of it) UFO museum in Roswell, New Mexico. May the force be with you... 
We spent the night in Albuquerque, New Mexico and fell in love. It is an awesome city. We had dinner in the Nob Hill area of town, which is outside of the University of New Mexico.
Dinner in Nob Hill at Zinc Bar & Bistro. They had the most amazing wine flights. Six glasses of wine and we loved Albuquerque even more.
The view from Ci-Ci (my CRV). That is Roxy the Wrangler ahead and the beautiful New Mexico mountains.
The Continental Divide. 
More brilliance from Casey, the Dashboard Photographer. Arizona...
Ain't it grand...
Sadie was clearly so impressed by the scenery that she couldn't be bothered to look at the camera.
I also like to live dangerously. 
Sunset over the Grand Canyon.
Enjoying Beaver Street Brewery in another amazing town - Flagstaff. Seriously, this is a town worth putting on your bucket list (and the same goes for this Brewery).
Oops, took a wrong turn.
When Matt's dad was younger he worked on this ranch in Arizona. We took a little time from our trip to visit. 
Cacti in Arizona. The word cacti makes me laugh.
Sadie definitely loved her little spot in the back, but this is my favorite pozish.
"Why do you keep taking my picture, Mom? Can't you see I'm chillaxin!"
Finally! And I see I wasn't the only one taking time for pictures of every state welcome sign. Shocking.
First of three inspection stations you must go through when entering California. I think my plants made it through (shhhhh...)
Huge boulders in California. Watch for falling rocks (do not take pictures while driving!)
First Cali sunset. Thankfully, not the last.
We made it!!!! Drinks with good friends on our arrival. Thank god this picture wasn't too close. I hadn't showered in four days. I kid, two.
We spent the first night at my Aunt and Uncle's house in Houston. Of course, this was the only picture that came out. Hailey, Will, and Sadie enjoying Sadie's breakfast. 
The famous Salt Lick BBQ. Best lunch of the trip (and completely worth the 2-hour detour).
When I sent Leslie this picture of Texas, she said it reminded her of Friday Night Lights. I must agree.
Good ole McDonalds. One can never go wrong with a double cheezie and fries. 
West Texas was full of oil derricks. This was our favorite. Can you see it? 
I was shocked by the sheer amount of oil derricks. There seemed to be very little life, only the pumping oil derricks. Kind of freaky. 
Even though I pretend that I am a cowgirl because I once lived in Texas and own a fabulous pair of cowboy boots, I think that these guys win. Real New Mexico cowboys.
Cowboy Cafe in Roswell, New Mexico. We walked in the door and were immediately family.
Windows down, country music on the radio, Sadie in my back seat, Matt driving next to me. Life is good.
The famous (don't pretend you haven't heard of it) UFO museum in Roswell, New Mexico. May the force be with you... 
We spent the night in Albuquerque, New Mexico and fell in love. It is an awesome city. We had dinner in the Nob Hill area of town, which is outside of the University of New Mexico.
Dinner in Nob Hill at Zinc Bar & Bistro. They had the most amazing wine flights. Six glasses of wine and we loved Albuquerque even more.
The view from Ci-Ci (my CRV). That is Roxy the Wrangler ahead and the beautiful New Mexico mountains.
The Continental Divide. 
More brilliance from Casey, the Dashboard Photographer. Arizona...
Ain't it grand...
Sadie was clearly so impressed by the scenery that she couldn't be bothered to look at the camera.
I also like to live dangerously. 
Sunset over the Grand Canyon.
Enjoying Beaver Street Brewery in another amazing town - Flagstaff. Seriously, this is a town worth putting on your bucket list (and the same goes for this Brewery).
Oops, took a wrong turn.
When Matt's dad was younger he worked on this ranch in Arizona. We took a little time from our trip to visit. 
Cacti in Arizona. The word cacti makes me laugh.
Sadie definitely loved her little spot in the back, but this is my favorite pozish.
"Why do you keep taking my picture, Mom? Can't you see I'm chillaxin!"
Finally! And I see I wasn't the only one taking time for pictures of every state welcome sign. Shocking.
First of three inspection stations you must go through when entering California. I think my plants made it through (shhhhh...)
Huge boulders in California. Watch for falling rocks (do not take pictures while driving!)
First Cali sunset. Thankfully, not the last.
We made it!!!! Drinks with good friends on our arrival. Thank god this picture wasn't too close. I hadn't showered in four days. I kid, two.
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