The "Womanizer" singer - whose ex-husband Kevin Federline has been the primary carer of Sean Preston, three and two-year-old Jayden James since Britney's breakdown in January - has increasingly been allowed to spend more time with the boys but this weekend's visit to Louisiana was the first time she has been allowed to take them out of California.

A source close to Britney - who currently has two visits and an overnight stay each week with her children - insists the star's trip proves she is getting her life back on track.

The insider said: "Britney is becoming stronger each day, is clear-headed and focused on her children and work."
The visit was reportedly planned in order for Britney - who performed on stage with Madonna last week - to take a break from work before she embarks on a gruelling promotional schedule for her forthcoming album 'Circus'.

It also allowed Sean Preston and Jayden James to spend time with their cousin, Britney's sister Jamie Lynn's daughter Maddie.

The singer, her sons, and father Jamie reportedly boarded a private plane in California on Friday night, and flew directly to Kentwood, Louisiana, where the majority of Britney's immediate family live.