Our trip to New Orleans!

Before I begin, I'd first like to say that I am thinking of all those who lost loved ones this very day ten years ago. My heart goes out to you and those you know who were so directly affected by the attack.

Yesterday, my day started at approximately 6:15 a.m. I made sure to wake up on time to see Dad break the news to the boys that we were going to New Orleans for the day. A little groggy and confused at first, the boys' adrenaline definitely picked up after hearing they were going to the New Orleans Bug Museum, or Insectarium, and Zoo!We didn't think they'd have too much fun shopping with Mom and me at Canal Place. Forty-five minutes later we piled in the car and were off!!Thankfully we put a movie in for the boys to occupy their attention for the 2 hour ride. Of course this did not stop the persistent question, "Are we there yet?"....Then again, the movie was A Little Princess. Mom initially thought the boys would enjoy this just as much as Star Wars. It only took 30 minutes into the ride for her opinion of this to change.

After Star Wars: The Phantom Menace was put in, the ride seemed much more quiet if you asked me. Anyways, we eventually made it to New Orleans. Our first stop was the ever so delicious Cafe du Monde!!

After we scarfed down our beignets, Mom and I made our way to Canal Place leaving Dad to handle four extraordinarily energetic boys in New Orleans. I did attempt to get one picture with them before we parted ways for the next several hours. As one can see from the photo, they were not too interested in getting their pictures taken....

I think the liveliness and local color of New Orleans was more captivating then Dad with my camera.
We got one good photo though after Mom "got in the picture"......

By 11:00 a.m., Mom and I were starting our shopping extravaganza at Anthropologie while Dad and the boys began exploring the world of bugs!!!We only made it to a few shops before Mom needed a lunch break. Thankfully the nice lady in the Saks Shoe Department let us keep our already numerous purchases with her while we went and dined. We ended up eating at the Palace Cafe, only a few blocks from where we were. The weather could not have been more perfect, and it certainly showed by the swarms of people we saw on the street yesterday!

Mom hydrating herself while she people watches. 

My sweet potato gnocchi with arugula and duck:)Didn't think I was that hungry until this came out!

After lunch, we went straight back to shopping. The next few hours consisted of more purchases, Mom being extremely cold, our card being declined after spending so much than usual in a different city, and the two of us getting the exact same pair of jeans(a quite comical happening considering our polar opposite body shapes). Eventually Dad picked us up, and we all enjoyed New Orleans style homemade cooking at Mother's. After dinner, we got back in the car and started our way back to Mobile. It was a fun yet long day, especially for Levi(4) who had endured it without taking a nap. Although we got home around 9, the thought of bed was appealing even to me. All in all, I feel much more prepared for London  and was glad to get some quality time with the fam before I say good bye Wednesday. I'll be updating my blog with my packing challenges very soon.