Pandemic Road Trip

Let's brighten up the mood.

You can feel it right? It's heavy right now. People were already scared about being in contact with someone sick, just so that they didn't catch a cold. Now it's suggested to steer clear of other people all together, it's terrifying. I thought I would take some time to highlight just a few weeks ago when we were one of the last to travel and enjoy a spring break full of laughter. Not to say the LYSOL and hand sanitizer didn't have a special place in our car, but the precautions we took weren't anything compared to this last week in quarantine.

BACKSTORY: Last year, my family and in-laws rented a house in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. We drove 20+ hours to arrive about 20min away from the house only to receive a call that it was double booked and we had no place to stay. Go figure, it had never happened to the homeowners before, so they searched quick and tirelessly to find us a place to stay. It was 2 more hours away, but it was a house nonetheless, and the vacation ended up being fabulous and a ton of fun. Due to the mistake, they comped us a free week at the original house to use this year. Unfortunately, it didn't fit our ever-growing family, so we decided to find another location. My sister-in-law found this amazing house right on the coast in Gulf Shores, Alabama! It was perfect.

Most people hear staying in a house with their in-laws and think misery. My husband and I are some of the lucky few who get along really well with our in-laws and love traveling together. We all have so much fun and they are our best-friends, as are our kids! There were four families and we all drove separate; taking our own road trips before combining into one. We try not to spend too much time in the car driving, so we take extra days to break up the long hours. This trip would take us 10 days total; long but definitely needed! We will go through 11 states by the time we get back home. It's definitely an adventure!

Now, I love having the time with the kids in the car, especially when they're tired and hungry. We're all crying by the time we get out. The kids are bawling to swim and my husband and I are desperate for a beer: fun times. In all honesty, my kids actually do surprisingly well for being cooped up for hours on end. Movies are our go-to and a basket full of snacks keeps them from begging for candy at the gas stations.

Some of the best laughs we've had are just about at that breaking point. Everyone goes psycho and we legit can't help but wonder why the hell we decided to drive 20+ hours with 3 children.

Being the very prepared parents we are, we never pre-book hotels. Might be crazy, but we like to live on the edge. Hotel room? Side road? Just never know, so exciting. This has left us in somewhat sketchy motels at times, but we survived, had a good laugh, and tetanus shot afterwards. Sometimes we find the most amazing gems - sometimes we wish we would have taken that conceal and carry class prior.

My family lives in Kentucky, so it's always an easy decision to stop there for a night and catch-up. I get to snuggle my aunt and grandma (two of my most TREASURED human beings) and get drunk with my uncle on Belgium beer. He is a Vietnam Vet, retired firefighter, and has traveled to many countries. His stories are endless, unimaginable, and amazing. The south shows the best hospitality. Usually they stock up on our favorite foods, this time, it was beer. My husband loves Yuengling, but you can only get it in select states. To my husbands surprise, my uncle got an entire keg of it (the keg also traveled many states with us, sitting damn near shotgun in my SUV surrounded by my young children).

After a tearful and good 'ol 2 hour Minnesota goodbye, we set on our way to the Smoky Mountains. Instead of always doing the typical "stay in a hotel", we like to switch things up a bit. This leads us to our gems. Did you know you can rent an entire cabin for as little as $120/night? Private hot tub included? YES PLEASE. Mountain View Cabin Rentals gave us the complete feel of the Smokies, we will definitely be back. A secluded cabin in the mountains, 3 bedroom, private hot tub ... $150. Done deal.

Our road trips are now incomplete without a drive thru zoo. This is always a highlight for my husband and I, and nightmare starters for our daughters. Wild Animal Safari in Georgia did not disappoint! If you haven't done one, you have to add it to your bucket list. HAVE TO. Make sure you have good insurance on your vehicle though, it's up-close and personal. My daughters bawled their eyes out almost the entire time while my 1.5yr old son was living his best life. The buffalo breath was by far one of the most raunchy smells I have ever breathed in, and I have smelled some bad coffee breath. I could have peed my pants from laughing when one almost licked my husbands face; priceless.

When we finally met up with all of our family, the house was everything we thought it would be. Everyone had their own corner of the house and a central hang out area. Perfect for all 15 of us! Gulf Shores, Alabama is definitely pricier than most places I've been to, but luckily, we didn't venture too much away from our beach house. Can you imagine? 7 kids? PURE CHAOS!

Being in Alabama, we felt pretty safe from the apocalypses. I'm not sure if it's because we were entirely secluded on our own beach, or the fact that nothing could affect us because of all the booze we absorbed. It's a toss up. The late nights with the biggest belly laughs were exactly what we needed in such a trying time. Luckily for us, we traveled just before things started to go on lock down. The drive home was a little terrifying; we weren't sure what we would be coming home to. I'm not sure I would suggest traveling during an "iffy" time, I also don't suggest watching The Walking Dead in a time like this though.

Our last night was filled with the most beautiful sunset. It was surreal to think about how free we felt and going home only to be confined. I'm so thankful for a week of nothing but fun and giggles. I feel so bad for all of the families who had to cancel their plans due to the pandemic that's happening right now. I hope that as soon as this is all over, plans can resume and the vacation will be the best one yet for anyone reading. If you're looking for a fun route and stops, I would definitely recommend the one we did!

Where have you traveled to with kids? Any suggestions for our next adventure?

STAY SAFE OUT THERE! XO

Hells