New Orleans

One weekend in January, I packed the kids up in the car and drove us all over to New Orleans to meet Aaron after one of his work trips there.  We spent the weekend checking out the sites and tasting some of the fantastic food and drinks of the city.

Even though we stayed in the French Quarter, our trip to New Orleans with a four, three and almost one year old is probably a little different than most people's visit of the city.  We did not spend much time on Bourbon St!

The first day we got up and explored the French Quarter area before most of the tourists arrived.  The French Quarter is such a fascinating place, it was neat to learn the history.  

We ate at a restaurant established over two hundred years ago then visited the famous Jackson Square,

and chased some birds while we were there,

took a mule ride through the streets

then spent some quality time with the mule,

visited an above ground cemetery (Kels in front of the Voodoo Queen's tomb)

and visited the great Mississippi River.

And that night the kids danced through the streets enjoying the festive brass bands (until 7pm when and the streets got busy!).

And when everyone else arrived on Bourbon St, we spent the rest of the weekend exploring the other parts of the city.  

We rode the trolley,

visited the aquarium,

swam in the hotel pool,

and enjoyed the fun city parks.

New Orleans is such a cool city.  I had no idea how much I would love the vibe.  

The food was fantastic, especially the oysters,

the drinks were fun,

the spontaneous street brass bands were awesome.

and just the happy vibe of the streets was contagious.  

More of the trip:

Kels was inspired by the sharks and is eating her dad in this picture...