The Big Easy

The Joyce's have returned from their latest journey. This time it was a road trip to New Orleans!! We had a GREAT time visiting more of the Joyce Clan, relaxin' by the pool, eating spectacular food and some surprises in the French Quarter,

We left NC on Thursday afternoon and made to south of Atlanta for the night. We were back on the road by about 7:30am. As we crossed the state line into Alabama, we felt it was only appropriate to listen to some Skynard....Sweet Home Alabama.

We hit some hard rain in Alabama...in fact a SUV hydroplaned and spun across the interstate and ended up in the swampy median right in front of us. I was driving and my heart stopped! But crazy rains lead to this beautiful scene.

We arrived in Covington, LA (just North of NO- across Lake Pontchartrain) on Friday afternoon. We stayed at Resort Joyce, aka Chris' Aunt and Uncle's awesome house. While there we Madeline watched Princess movies in their media room....

and we all had a blas swimming! This was the first time Madeline has been in the pool since swimming lessone back in May. She did awesome.

This is the scenery from their back patio. The weather was awesome when we were there, and there was nothing better than sitting on the patio, listening to the water fall and looking out over the lake.

On Saturday we headed into New Orleans to go to the Audubon Zoo. Now, in order to get to the city, we has to cross Lake Pontchartrain using the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway...which is a 24 mile bridge across the lake. Good thing Chris didn't find this out until it was too late. But he did great, making 2 rount trips over the bridge (good thing he wasn't driving any of the times!).

Madeline and Chris take pictures in front of the 'Mingos everytime we go to a zoo. It started with her first trip to the Fresno Zoo when she was a year old.

On Sunday, we ventured into New Orleans. Luckily we had a great tour guide in Cousin Andrew. Here are some scenes you would expect to see while in NO.

Cafe Du Monde.

Cafe Au Lait.....

and Beignets.

A Mardi Gras Princess. Madeline did not go into the city with us...swimming and Princess movies were much cooler than anything Mommy and Daddy wanted to do.

Scenes from Bourbon Street.

Now, there is ALWAYS something happening in New Orleans. I have seen COPS enough and heard enough stories from people that I have no desire to attend Mardi Gras. But not to disappoint, we did get to experience Mardi Gras....called Southern Decadence- aka gay Mardi Gras.

So, here is my disclaimer.....you may want to take your little one's out of the room.....

Luckily we were in the quarter during the day, so things were pretty mild. We did get to see part of the parade and yes, they threw beads from the balcony (yes, you had to show something to get them...).

It was really a hoot. Costumes, parades, beads....and some new friends. I think the pictures speak for themselves.......

Until next time NOLA......