New Orleans Trip part 1: The Aquarium

We just got back from a family trip to New Orleans. The city where the Jazz is loud the liquor is stiff and the beads fly freely. Actually, we missed Mardi Gras by a week which is a really good thing otherwise we would have to explain a lot to Owen.

So, even though we missed the parties, the floats, and the um...interesting people, we did catch the great aquarium, the zoo, and some of the French quarter.

We stayed in the Hampton Inn off of Carondolet which was in the business district and two blocks from Canal. It was a great location; close to restaurants, walking distance from the aquarium but still in a pretty safe part of town.

Our first day out began with a trip to the Aquarium of the Americas.

Owen enjoyed it but he was searching for something specific. We're still not sure whether or not he knew what he was looking for but he rushed through most of the aquarium until he found it. The thing that caught his attention was an alligator; an albino alligator.

We did get him to stop by the prehistoric shark teeth long enough to get the obligatory picture.

He also enjoyed the section of the aquarium that was set up like a rain forest complete with a waterfall.

After the aquarium is was time for lunch and then off to the zoo!

Our Little Cutie

Elizabeth is growing too fast. She'll be crawling away before we know it.

The Dixie National Rodeo

After the Davises departed it was time for the family to load up and make the short journey to the coliseum for our first visit to the Dixie National Rodeo. None of us had ever been to a rodeo except for Amy. So, it was definitely a new experience for just about everyone involved.

They had everything going on at this rodeo. We saw calf wrestling, calf roping, bronco riding, girls barrel racing, bull riding and lots and lots of mullets. Also, halfway through there was a live concert by Jeff Bates who had a no. 1 hit on the country charts and who is from MS himself. This was all fun to watch but the biggest draw for Owen was a lightsaber-esque light that almost every child in attendance had.

I now know why they sell them at fairs and rodeos; because kids see these light up wonders and they can't resist having one. So, naturally, Owen now has one too.

Cowboys, cowgirls, bulls, cows, horses, mullets and lightsabers. Fun times for all.

The Traveling Davises

Our cousins on Amy's side came for a quick visit this weekend. We hadn't seen them in a little while so it was nice to be able to see everyone and catch up. Zabe and his wife Kristina (who are Elizabeth's godparents) arrived first so they got first dibs on playing with Owen and their goddaughter Elizabeth.


Later, Matthew and his fiance, Summer (who just got engaged at Christmas) stopped by to see everyone too.

Everyone met at our house to hand off a new puppy for our Uncle Chip. Owen loves "baby puppies"!

Owen the Builder

Can he build it?
(Owen the Builder.)
Yes he can!

Elizabeth and Her Veggies

Elizabeth tried her first bite of vegetables tonight. She ate the whole container of carrots. Furthermore, she really seemed to like them.

Chrissy's Visit

Chrissy came to visit yesterday. For those who may not know, Chrissy is Owen's godmother, Amy's friend from college and our frequent traveling companion, (especially for trips to Disney World).

We had a good visit. She got to see Owen and Elizabeth again and stay up all night talking to Amy.


After she left we got ready for the superbowl. Amy and Owen worked on getting the backyard clean. Owen stayed with Amy and helped fill 6 outdoor garbage bags of leaves and other yard debris.


Meanwhile, I worked in the kitchen creating a massive spread of food to enhance the enjoyment of the superbowl. It was a good weekend.