Nola

Friday morning we headed to New Orleans. It was just 50 miles away! First stop, Bouree, a new "Wing & Daiq" shack uptown on Carrollton. The monkeys were actually a little cranky about it, but I didn't let that stop us. Once there, they loved it, of course! I'll do a full review on DWM.



The next stop was Cafe du Monde. Seriously, Jiro told me for weeks that he wanted to eat beignets and it had to be the first thing we did in Nola. Obviously it was the second thing we did, hence the previous grumpiness, but we managed to hit it when there was no line! That never happens.

We got a table right by the street, so we had excellent people watching while we waited for the dliciousness to come out.



I regret not getting a photo of the dude who was "Just Chillin with Coco." Coco was a small dog who rode on the front of the scooter and wore sunglasses. I also saw a hispter carrying a cat. New Orleanians love animals!

Satchel didn't really care about beignets, but he humored us.



We walked around Jackson Square briefly, then headed to Amy's house. It was officially Leo's birthday, so he got to open a few presents.



We hung out for a bit and then we walked over to Oaxalis for some dinner and drinks. Amy's sister, Megan, came along, as did Leo's cousin, Emily.

Megan totally forced Satchel to be sociable, which was darling.



Leo was also darling with his birthday Shirley Temple.



We had lots of drinks and lots of yummy food, including more wings!



After dinner, we were all a little beat, and buzzed, so we headed back to the house to chill. It was Leo's bedtime, and Amy usually falls asleep when he does, so the boys & I watched Chappie, which we'd been wanting watch forever.

Saturday morning, Jiro was once again clamoring for beignets. I made sure everyone had a real breakfast, and then he, Emily & I rode bikes through Crescent Park back to the Quarter.



The park is really lovely and such a nice way to walk/ride to the Quarter! When we arrived back at Cafe du Monde there was a major line, but luckily it moved quick.



We decided that beignets definitely taste better after a bike ride!



By the time we got back to the house, it was time to get ready for Leo's birthday party. Jiro helped fill water balloons and kept Leo entertained.




I decorated the porch and taste tested Amy's fancy cocktails.



I also taught Satchel how to do fancy streamers.



The party was a big hit.



It culminated in fireworks over the river. Again, no photos!

We all crashed early again--definitely not the usual for me in Nola! We had to get up early Sunday so we could make it back before the World Cup final!

Amy sent us off with some kombucha she made from Warren's "mother."



I told the boys we could get a Juan's Flying Burrito for the road, and as a bonus, we got to check out nearby District Donuts. (These were sent home for Warren to enjoy with the boys.)



And that was it! We definitely did NOT have enough time in Nola. Guess that means we'll have to go back soon!