The Big (not so) Easy

Mia and I had an adventure last week and flew to New Orleans to visit my sister and her family for a week. Flying was a nightmare and I thought we would never get there. I have to say New Orleans wasn't what I expected and I LOVED it. My sister actually lives in Metairie, LA which is very close to New Orleans. We had so much fun hanging out and actually ventured out to do a few things. We had 2 toddlers and a 4 and a 7 year old so it was wild to say the least. Working our schedule around the kids,napping, and school was difficult. It all worked out well though. Mia loved playing with her cousins and from the second she woke up until the second I put her to bed she would call for her cousins. The highlight of the trip was just spending time with my family. I love going to a new place and tried to soak up every second of New Orleans. It is so beautiful. I love a place with culture and history. I saw the graveyards that you just have to see to believe. I saw the neighborhood where Brad and Angelina live. I saw the French Quarter. I also saw my new favorite zoo. I saw the beautiful Tulane campus where my bro in law teaches. I ate authentic jambalaya pasta, a muffaletta sandwich, and have a new passion for beignets. Walking the neighborhoods in the French Quarter makes you feel like you have stepped back in time. People say it's not what it used to be before Katrina but I loved it anyway. I would love to go back and see it one more time before they move. Mia came down with a nasty cold the day we flew out. I was worn out when I got home but it was worth it. It wasn't an easy trip but it was WELL worth it. Family, fun, beignets... oh my!!

Embarrassing picture of me eating jambalaya pasta at a funny knock off of The Cheesecake Factory.

Mia loves alligators and of course the zoo had a ton of them and even a couple creepy white ones.

If you are wondering if I ever do my child's hair, I try people, I really try.

To be honest Mia was kind of wary of her Aunt Melissa. She would look at her then point at me and say "Mama". I think she was concerned that we look so much alike.

Mia almost died on this cheetah statue but Aunt Melissa saved her life.

I'm pretty sure this gorilla could have killed us if he wanted too.

The house in the middle is a good Katrina reminder.

Luke eating his beignet from Cafe du Monde. I wanted to steal that from him and pour the powdered sugar down my throat. I personally LOVE beignets.

Mia's first experience with play dough. Hope she liked it because it's not happening again for a LONG time.

New Orleans is not the most politically correct city I've been to in my life.

St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. This church was amazing. So beautiful inside I almost cried.

Mississippi River at the French Quarter.

These girls and their caramel apples! Mia didn't get one. Grace shared though and yes they got EVERYWHERE! My niece Charlotte (the little one) loved hers best.

I loved the homes in the French Quarter.

Saw lots of voodoo signs.

This picture is my favorite.

One highlight of our trip was picking up my awesome nephew from school.