New Orleans 2011

Confuscious say, "When vacationing with children, one must be flexible and ready for plans never to go as planned."
 Ok, so maybe he didn't say that, but he should have. I will come back to that.

First, I have to start out by saying this family vacation was a very much needed thing. We had not had a fun getaway all together since Audra was 18 months old... she is about to turn 4. Yeah, medical students do not get a lot of time off (or money) and the time off they do get is usually running around seeing family that you would not get to see otherwise. We decided that this little break we would go somewhere we had never been and just explore the unknown. We wound up choosing New Orleans. Some friends from medical school actually planned on going as well and we hung out together. It was fabulous.

New Orleans gets a lot of trash talk, but to be honest I really do not see why? We took our three year old and not even once felt like there was any danger. Although, we did avoid Bourbon St., old cemeteries that have gangs, and going out past 10.....so that might be why. Anyone that uses good judgement though I think would have a blast. The culture and atmosphere was just incredible. Jazz players on every corner, artists painting, stores filled with colors that made you head swim and smells that made your nose tickle. We will be going back, of course not anytime soon.

Now back to the vacation with children part. We got in Thursday night and went out to Bubba Gump's, totally delish! Ryan, who would not even look at anything that came out of the ocean, actually even ate shrimp, and get this LOVED IT! Then we went to our room and prepared for the next day. Next morning, we got up and went out a little bit before 10 and did not come home until after 5. Stayed in the hotel for an hour and went out for dinner and some more sightseeing. We went to the french market, tried local food, ate beignets at Cafe de Monde, and went on a steam boat down the Mississippi. It was a lot of walking and over 100 degree weather. Audra complained zero times, but we would pay for it later.

That night she ended up throwing up most of it and was miserable. I felt horrible, due to it being mostly my fault because I was not forcing water down her all day. She had heat exhaustion and she was one sick puppy. We didn't know at the time what it was, so we did what we thought was best and packed up and left a day and half early.... sadly. She slept for over 5 hours straight and felt a lot better when she woke up. Ryan decided he wanted to finish our vacation with some relaxation. We stopped and got a hotel in the middle of nowhere and we all snugged and watched spongebob and cartoons all night.

Was the vacation all we had planned... no. Do i feel sad we missed a few more day in New Orleans... Yes. Do I think it was a complete waste... No! I think in life its what you make the most out of the time and situations you have been given. We had a blast during the little time there and we know we will be going back. Ryan was actually able to relax before starting clinicals, which I think was what he needed. We went with the flow and I still think this vacation will be one we look back at fondly and laughingly with everything that happened. Here is to Vacation 2011! May we remember all the good times, and maybe next vacation let's keep everyone healthy! :)


Here are some pictures of our trip!

Crossing St. Charles!

The architecture was amazing

Audra and her friend, Thought this was the cutest picture until i saw what was on the croc's apron...will be blurring that out for scrapbook.

Masks!

Proof Ryan ate Shrimp

Hats- check, gum- check, the cutest- check!

First catholic church built or Tiana's house as Audra called it

boudin- sausage, rice mixture cooked in a pig's intestine. Actually really good. 

Tons of sauces

Market

Beignets- so disappointed, pretty much a fried doughnut with powdered sugar. I was hoping for so much more!

Of course the powder sugar is the best part!

this guy was so still and looked just like a statue. Audra was scared. 

Audra: Mom and Dad, do a silly face!

Back drop is New Orleans!

My sorta Titanic picture... tried to get Ryan to take one with me but he was a party pooper!

Day after Audra got sick and was feeling a lot better!

Audra's Mask she choose! 

My mask... kinda creepy huh! Don't worry it will be hanging on my wall not my face... Most of the time!

Well that was the trip in a nutshell! Hope everyone else is having a great summer! :)