After our speedy drive through Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, we finally made it to Texas! Here are two things I learned on our roadtrip through Texas. Tacos and donuts. I’m not even kidding, you guys. Donut shops. Everywhere. Taco joints. Everywhere. Right next to the donut shops. But, hey. I didn’t hate it.

She didn’t get a photo at the Texas sign, so…
#momoftheyear

We made it to Dallas after nightfall, so we got a pretty nice view of the city lights driving in. We’ve seen the Atlanta skyline at night countless times, but Jet, in all his tiredness and delirium, regarding the lights…”This is the best day of my life!” Dude, we haven’t even made it to CALI yet!!!

After maneuvering through the craziness of Dallas/Fort Worth traffic, we made it to our dear friends’ home. Yep, after alot of driving and one night in a tent, we took a break. It was nice to be inside, out of the sweltering heat, and hang out with some awesome friends and their super fun littles. Somehow, during all of our hanging out, some sort of wrestle mania/dance-off hybrid ensued. The following may or may not be a product of lack of naps, an excess of caffeine, and possible delirium.

We’re so grateful for friends who will gladly open up their home and hearts to us! Thank you, sweet Penlands!

After we left the Dallas area, the scenery slowly started to look different. More farm land and less buildings. Then, wind turbines. Larger than life windmills, towering above rows of green crops, spinning for miles. Us Georgia folk were so enamored, we had to pull off the road and stop to take it all in. Stretching our legs was just an added bonus.

 After miles of crops and turbines and oil rigs, we stumbled upon a little oasis in the desert. Well, we technically didn’t stumble…my internet savvy hubs found it online the night before. But, still. It’s an oasis. It’s beautiful. It’s magical. It’s San Solomon Springs in Balmorhea State Park.

Our little tent site was pretty awesome. We were just a short distance from the springs, with a pretty epic view. This night would be our first real thunderstorm in a tent. A much bigger, scarier storm hit us later in New Mexico (you’ll certainly be hearing about that one). But, this shook us up for just a little bit, around 5am. And when I say us, I mean ME. Both kids were sound asleep. Brian was only awake because I was. Story of my life.

Down at the water, the diving boards and picnic tables are built around a natural spring, giving tourists and locals a one-of-a-kind chance to enjoy some of the real hidden beauty of Texas. The water is cold and clear and the fish abound.

Ladies and gents, I present to you, one of my most favorite images from our trip. This is every day. Every morning. She’s always hugging. He’s always trying to escape. This is real beauty right here.

As per usual, before the sun goes down, headlamps must be worn and campsites must be explored. In PJs and swimwear, of course.

The kids spent most of our drive through West Texas searching for cowboys and counting the oil rigs. The springs in the middle of nowhere were completely unexpected and completely amazing! The weather was hot, but the food was good. The company…it was even better.

Thanks for reading about our crazy adventures on our roadtrip out West! There’s plenty more where that came from. Stay tuned.

xo | Brooke

UMMMM. THAT HEADLAMP, THO.