NOLA

Before kids Steve and I enjoyed making vacations out of his work trips, even just for a short weekend.  To this day Steve still asks me every trip if I'd like to join him, but of course I have to decline Salt Lake City and then trying to get away and leave the kids is no easy task with all the dance classes, soccer practices, and school activities.

But when he said he'd be going to New Orleans and San Diego this year, I knew had to take him up on the offer, but which to choose.....two of my favorite cities.  I decided New Orleans it was!

A few days before the trip (when Steve left) I had a horrible toothache and went to the dentist to discover I needed a root canal.  No big deal - I'd be done and healed by the trip.  Needless to say I woke up the next morning completely swollen and sore.  After a couple trips back and some strong antibiotics I was feeling better (not looking better), and I was on my way to the Big Easy.

After my late night arrival we awoke the next morning to walk to Cafe du Monde for some fresh beignets and chicory coffee.  Although we visited there the last trip, I completely indulged in the beignets while Steve tried to keep his fancy clothes powdered sugar free.

Steve was off for a few hours to work, and I was off to shop alone (very dangerously) until he finished.  We spent the afternoon walking around and enjoying the sunshine and even went for a run along the river.

Had to go to Pat O'Brien's for a hurricane!

The next day we decided to go on a swamp tour, since we had done most of the other tourist excursions on our last trip.  They drove us about an hour out of the city near Lake Pontchartrain.  Our tour guide was awesome, and it was a nice way to spend an afternoon in the South - nothing like the stereotypes of swamp life.  Surprisingly the swamp was very beautiful, and if the trees had leaves it would've been gorgeous.

Wild hogs that were extremely friendly and came right up to our boat

The last day we walked to the Garden District to check out the gorgeous architecture.  On our way back we found some remnants of Mardi Gras.  We were only a few days too late.  

I think our favorite part of NOLA is the food!  We engorged ourselves in all kinds of cajun food - jumbalaya, rice & beans, and po boys.  Although it was nice to get away for a romantic weekend we sure missed the kids and were happy to be home - back to being responsible adults.