Firsts Of The Season

The Mardi Gras season is in full swing here in New Orleans. The first parades started (in the middle of a downpour actually) on Friday night. Although Christian was brave enough to stay out there for a float or two, La Luz and I declined and, instead, stayed inside where it was warm and dry. On Saturday the weather was not much better but La Luz got to enjoy a taste of Mardi Gras when we visited the float den and she had the chance to play on Christian's float.


She even got to sit on the king's throne.


Earlier today the sun came out, finally, so La Luz and I walked down the street to check out some of the parades that were passing by. I love living a block away from the parade route because it is easy access to extremely cheap entertainment. On the other hand, there is no excuse for missing a parade and a lot of pressure when I am inside the house listening to the drum line thinking I am crazy for not standing out there, no matter the forecast.

Here's La Luz, having a picnic in her wagon, waiting for the parade to roll.


La Luz loved her first parade watching experience of the season. We only watched 5 floats but it was abundantly clear that the parade going experience with La Luz is going to be vastly different from last year. I am really looking forward to it.

Here she is with her first catches of the season:



Waving for beads and other treats:


And inside her wagon, buried by an obscene amount of loot:


This is insane - 5 floats and this much stuff. It sort of nauseates me to see all of this stuff. I can only imagine what would happen if we watched further down Napoleon and not right where the floats line up. I have to find out what I can do with all of these adorable stuffed animals.

Tonight La Luz had her first crawfish of the season at a crawfish boil at Kelsea's house. I can't remember the last time we ate crawfish in 45 degree weather. They were delicious though - nice and spicey, so we were able to stay warm.


Kelsea somehow convinced La Luz to eat crawfish and she loved every bite. I was shocked because my lips are still burning from the spice.

Nana and Papa-T arrive on Thursday and we are really looking forward to having them here, especially La Luz. Every time I woke her up this weekend she asked if they were here. The next week is going to be a bit chaotic to say the least and, although I will try to post as frequently as possible, I have a feeling I will not have much time.