Yesterday, We spent a good portion of our day in Shreveport, Louisiana, where we enjoyed lunch at Cheeburger Cheeburger (Yes, really. I couldn't resist the name, and it was a great family restaurant experience - I'll write a real review sometime soon). After that, we took the kids to Sci-Port, which is a large science/kids' museum nestled on the Red River. If the weather hadn't been so bitterly cold, we probably would have checked out the steamboat ride, but it appeared to be dormant, waiting for a warmer day.
We drove into Jackson, Missisissippi last night, where I sit writing this now. If I had it to do over again, I would have stopped in Vicksburg instead, since it sits right on the Mississippi River, right at the state line between the two states. According to our GPS, the state line is actually in the middle of the river itself. Vicksburg looked so charming and clean and it had some interesting attractions, so we may actually backtrack a bit and check it out more today.
After arriving in Jackson last night, we had dinner at Keifer's (review also forthcoming). It's basically the best Greek restaurant in the area, which may not be saying a lot by itself, but their success is well-deserved. We're staying at a Hampton Inn, which is nice enough, although I wonder why the ceiling in the bathroom is only seven feet. :)
Our baby, Jenny, remains supremely good and non-fussy, which is part of the reason that the trip so far has been a breeze. She barely cried at all yesterday, which is a blessing in and of itself. The timing also worked out well, since she recently started walking, and she is really enjoying exploring new areas and places.
I had a sudden revelation last night that we will be visiting every state capital in the four states we see during our trip, which is at least moderately cool, right?
Here are some of the funniest/cutest quotes from my children (and one from my wife Pam) during the car ride:
In Shreveport, they have some lovely murals on some of the downtown buildings. Abby said, "I like the murals. Maybe WE can make a mural on some buildings. But not on our house, because we live inside our house. We can't paint the walls."
Abby later saw a couple of "No Right Turn" signs, and she exclaimed, "Look, there are NO arrows allowed, Dad! It says No Arrows Allowed." This actually seems pretty intuitive for a girl who's not quite four.
Later, when we were trying to find a place to eat, Abby observed that "We have a big family, so we need a big car. We won't fit in a small white car with a blue flag on it." Indeed. I have no idea where she saw a small white car with a blue flag on it, or if she just made it up. Either way, it was funny to me.
When we crossed the river into Mississippi, my wife said, "Part of the mystery of Mississippi is wondering what ever happened to Mister Sippi." Yes, it's a groaner, but clever nonetheless.
My son responded with this original joke of his own:
Q. Why is Mississippi like a Martian?
A. Because it has four eyes! (Think about it.)
Thanks for reading! Next stop: Birmingham, Alabama
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Sounds like a fun-packed adventure for the Crouch family. Jason, your kids are absolutely adorable! Enjoy and have fun. I look forward to hearing more about your travels.
Hello Jason, roadtrips are awesome. Did you take on the Cheeburger, Cheeburger challenge? It's a brute! Have a blast, sounds like a fun-filled trip so far.
Hi Jason,
Wow !!! You'all are having a good trip ......Yes, Vicksburg is a neat town and the park ...maybe on the way back
Atlanta ....maybe Underground Atlanta
Are the kids counting cracks (expansion joints in the road yet?)
Kids say the darndest things. I love hearing your stories--brings back fond memories. Keep us posted.
Jason, Sound like a great family Trip...watch out for the four eyed martians, as you have no arrows to defend yourself. I await some pictures of the mighty Mississippi, in a future post, have fun. Steve
Sounds like the Crouch family is having fun just being together. I love road trips, so much to see.
I think visiting the 4 capitols is better than "moderately cool"!!!
And, it sounds like your little one has a pretty good sense of humor!
Glad it's all going smoothly and the Crouch family is having a great time!
Jason --- that a nice trip with your family -- looking forward to more updates.
Sounds like you have some great fun, time on the road is great because it forces you to slow down, my wife and I have driven across the country over 10 times and we just love doing it together....keep on posting Jason
I thought you would probably drive through Birmingham.......are you spending the night? It's a shame it's such a gloomy day, tomorrow is supposed to be nicer! :o)
Is there a future Jeff Foxworthy in your family? Or Larry the Cable Guy?
Jason,
Cute! Glad you are having fun on the road. When one of our boys was little and loved Bob the Builder, he had a funny request for dinner. We told him we were stopping at Wendy's. (That's also Bob the Builder's side kick and buddy on the show.) He put his arms on his hips and said "No, I want to go to Bob's!"
We had a tough time explaining to a 3-4 year old that Bob didn't have his own restaurant nearby!
All the best, Michelle
Jason, sounds like a trip the kids will remember. It can be hard and long at times.
Dude, that is so awesome! You are such a great dad! Think of the memories you are creating in those little minds! Things they will remember for a lifetime! I hope you all are having fun & please stay safe! God bless!
Capital hopping sounds very cool!! Loved the jokes!! The Crouch family could start their own comedy show!! Just wait til Jenny starts talking!! LOL!
Ann - We are staying at the Homewood Suites on Inverness (I think) here in Birmingham. I am hoping to check out the zoo tomorrow with the kiddos before heading to Atlanta. Are you going to RE Tech South? If not, maybe we can meet tomorrow while I am here. :)
Hello Jason - Sounds like a fun trip. Have a great week and thanks for the jokes and laughs!
Jason, I am going to RETechSouth and will be leaving Wednesday morning. Today I'm trying to get things in order so I can get away......see you in Atlanta! :o)
Hi Jason! Love these posts--and you're just adorable talking about your trip! I love the baby is being 'supremely good and non-fussy!' I can just hear you saying that! Too cute!
Hope you're having a great time; I know your family has enjoyed every minute of their trip! It was great seeing you in Atlanta--wish we could have spent more time together but, it seems like every minute of the days were filled! I learned some vaulable information and have some things that I will implement--hope it was a good conference for you as well. You should make this an annual road-trip and travel a different route each time!
Jason, The kids comments are my favorite part!