So I've seen some posts on here regarding XC trips from NC to CA, but not necessarily exactly what I am inquiring about. My husband and I want to plan a trip from Fayetteville, NC to Sacramento, CA and then back. The first trip to CA will just be my Husband and I. We aren't really looking to do much sight seeing. We more just want to get there, safely and as cheap as the country will let us :-) We will be traveling in a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander sport we just recently purchased (hence why we are being cheap). Hoping not to take too many days because of the hotel/motel stays, unless we can sleep somewhere safely, & legally, in our car.

The second part of this trip would be going bak to NC. The twist on this would be 2 children. A soon to be 1-yr old and a 2 1/2 yr-old. Now of course bringing the little ones into the equation changes this whole trip up. We plan to take our time coming back, but not too much time.
Any advice traveling XC with small children?

We do have the option of flying, it's just the amount of time we will spend visiting CA, having our own car is so essential, but not necessary. Hmm, after writing this out, I think flying sounds better?!

But I would love any advice anyone has to offer! Anything from routes, time spent driving each day, miles to cover each day, going thru certain states (such as tornado areas), traveling with small children, places to stay, etc.

I know I will have to do my own homework! Also, these trips will take place in mid-July to mid-August.