I know it's been said before, but my mom is my best friend. A best friend is someone you can talk to about boys, mean girls, and daily frustrations about anything and everything. A best friend is someone you can sit and eat ice cream with, cry to, and be goofy with. A best friend is always beside you despite conflict, arguments, and willingly carries your personal burdens. A best friend prays for you and reminds you to seek after Christ's plan no matter your own dreams. My mom is that kind of friend to so many women, but she is also that kind of friend to me. I'm thankful for her discipline, sharp reprimand, quick wit, sarcasm, embarrassing puns, loud laughter, and over-protective mother instinct. She is my mom first, but she is also my best friend. And what else do best friends do from time to time? They take a spontaneous road trip.

My mom and I love to shop, eat chocolate, and go paint a canvas or piece of pottery like we're professionals, but let's be honest - our favorite thing to do is absolutely nothing. What better place to do nothing than at the beach? Just a couple of weeks ago we packed up our bags and headed to Orange Beach for three days of sun and rest. I've been recently reminded that life moves at warp speed without breaking for anything, and that for the both of us to check out for a few days from our own stress and upcoming calendar schedules was a wonderful idea. While laying on the beach with my mom, I started to think that every mom and daughter should make a break for it and take a trip together. Like I said, life isn't stopping and it's true we aren't getting any younger. Still need a push? Here are some splendid reasons you and your mom or daughter ought to take a trip together:

1. No boys.

Sorry, Dad and Brother, but with no boys in the hotel room you don't have to worry about who's going to the bathroom to do what - if you know what I mean.

2. Non-judgemental people watching.

There is so much to see when you're on the beach from the hyperactive, adorable toddler chasing seagulls to the unpleasant woman chasing down her umbrella blown away by the wind. It's fine to chuckle to yourself with friends, but with your mom you can blurt out almost anything that comes to mind about your surrounding scene and she'll crack up, too because she was thinking the same thing.

3. You two are the only ones making plans.

There's no fuss or rush to go and do anything you'd really rather not do because hey - it's just the two of you! Sit on the beach for six hours? Sounds great. Eat dinner over there? Sure, why not! Decision making has never been so easy.

4. You're a travel team.

Driving to your destination is a breeze because while one drives, the other supplies directions, drinks, and snacks.

5. Exploration!

Unlike ordinary beach trips, we found lots of little sea critters washed up on shore! Baby sand dollars littered the sand, a few jellyfish were found, and we even watched a father and son catch baby sharks at sunset! Don't dismay over doing nothing, because in the nothingness you're sure to find something new!

6. Memories made.

While it is sappy, it is also true! Years from now I'll look back on this trip with my mom and be so glad we took time out of our busy schedules to spend time together.

7. There's no better time than the present.

Within the next year, I'll be graduating and my brother will be getting married. Every day, changes are happening and we're growing older. As the cliché goes, we aren't promised tomorrow. Today is the day to make memories with your mom. I'll look back on this trip with my mom often, and I hope to make a trip like this with my daughter one day!

So, Mom, when can we go back? And other moms and daughters, what's holding you back? Get out there and under the summer sun, enjoy the peaceful ocean waves or trek out to your favorite summer destination - these long days and stress-free weeks won't last forever.

I love you, Mom!