Good-bye Orlando... Helloooooooo South of the Border

Bob, always the consummate host

So, you're  my infamous Uncle Bill?

 Getting to know baby Davis.  You got any cute friends?

After a couple of terrific dinners, quality time with G-dad and some fabulous cousin fun, we hit the road this (Saturday) morning.  We'll see G-dad again Sunday when he meets us in DC and Annapolis.

Our 'fare thee well' breakfast at the Mickey Mouse table G-dad bought us

First order of the day: stop in Jacksonville to see my dear friend Sacha for breakfast. We hit a true classic of a diner and had a great, albeit too quick, visit with him. He's like the mayor of Jax, knew half the people there. Big bummer...forgot to take a photo with Sacha.  ...so this one will have to do.

Sacha....soon to be Mayor of Jax.

Next destination is a piece of Americana that everyone has seen as they drive North on I-95 through South Carolina called South of the Border. It's basically an exit off I-95 that exploded from a fuel and food stop to a Mexican themed extravaganza of rides, arcades, restaurants and wacky gift shops. It's a trip for kids and hard to not get sucked in on a road trip. There are signs for this place every few miles for about 200 miles before you get there.

[EDIT:Mason] Today I Learned: The state flower of SC is the billboard.  Who knew a billboard could reach Earth's upper atmosphere, be mounted on the roof top of a dog-house, and painted on the side of a cow.

World's Fastest Ferris Wheel!!!  Are these supposed to be thrill rides?

After a two-hour "work-out" that had Reese and Penny terrorize the gift shops and enjoy some kiddie rides, we hit the road again.  This time we knocked out a good chunk of highway while the girls slept and we listened to our audiobook (Lincoln Lawyer).  Around 10:30 we found a cozy little hotel just south of Richmond and recharged for what will be a busy day in DC!  

We love hotels!