New Orleans

Before heading back to Kansas from Florida, the girls and I spent a little time with my friend from college in the South. With the exception of the heat (at least we have until late morning in OP before the humidity is oppressive in the summer) I have to say I really liked it. Friendly people, great food and lots of beautiful trees!

We spent one day in her hometown swimming--the perfect summer day as far as we're concerned--all Kiersten needed was a diving board to be happy:) Then we went to New Orleans for a couple of days.

I've always wanted to go to New Orleans, Chris has never had any desire, so we've never even talked about it. Despite anything you may have heard about it, it's a pretty neat place and I really enjoyed it. Yes, there's the evil, dark side to New Orleans, but there's also a beautiful, historical side, music, art, and great food!

Waiting for the trolley...to take us all of 3 minutes down the street, where we waited for 30 minutes for the next one...make sure you know the schedule before you go, we ended up walking to the French Quarter and saved time.

French Quarter. We stopped in Cafe du Monde every day for beignets. Delicious plates of deep fried powdery sugar goodness, oh, how I crave you! We bought mix to bring home and yeah, it's already gone. Note to self: next time bring lots of wipes for the kids, we were covered head to toe in powdered sugar, thankfully my friend had them!
In the square.


Delicious seafood for dinner. I was tempted to try the fried alligator, ha ha! Not really, although I hear it tastes like chicken...
Throughout the French Quarter are street performers who stand as still as statues. This guy was absolutely amazing. You can't tell very well by this photo, but his pose is extremely difficult, I don't know how he could hold it. He definately earned our money!
Trying on masks, this is New Orleans, after all.
Heading back to our hotel, the girls were thrown beads from a little girl on an upper story balcony.
Doesn't Abs' mask look cool against this chair?
The following day we went to the Aquarium. Although it was packed and loud, it was a great place. It started pouring on our way for more beignets.
Notice the Natchez steamboat behind us on the river, how cool is that?
Next we walked to the insectarium. Abs touched a bug...
My friend's baby went head to head with a white alligator...

Kierst ate bugs...Disgusting...maybe she will be our foodie, she's pretty brave... And Lisi had a ladybug sucker.With the katydids. Our vacation went by way too quickly! It was so delightful to spend time with my Southern friend and her family, to have nothing to do but be with the kids and enjoy new places and new things, I love new adventures!