Laissez Les Bons Enfants Roullez

So we took the kids to New Orleans. Mere, my mother, is from there originally, and there are still many family members there. I hadn't been in many years, though we used to go for Mardi Gras when I was little. It was such a treat to go back! Sophie had met a few of the residents last year, but Austin had never met any of his Louisiana roots before. And going at Christmas was particularly great :)

In NOLA, Santa's skiff is pulled by alligators

The first thing in the morning after we arrived, we walked the kids through the French Quarter to meet the river. Austin told me it was "the bay."

We frolicked in Jackson Square, where the carriages wait for fares, and we pet all the mules' noses.

We ate out.

We waited for the streetcar.

And rode them.

And we made new friends at the aquarium

Tune in for part deux tomorrow!