Throw Me Somethin' Mister!

That is what I'm yelling in the first photo! I felt like the lady from the Zataran's commercial...."Throw Me Somethin' Mister!"

Today is Fat Tuesday and the kids are off all week for Mardi Gras. Today is the last day for parades....of which we've been to several over the last couple of weeks.
The last time Dean and I went to a Mardi Gras parade was in late 90's and we don't remember much. We were too busy partying.
But since moving back to Louisiana (this time with kids), we chose to stay in Metarie instead of going into New Orleans. Afterall, gotta keep it PG. We avoided all the hot spots like turn arounds and places in front of open bars. That way, we avoided some of the things the kids didn't need to witness. Plus, we parked out in front of my favorite book store....Barnes & Nobles. Before they closed for the parades, we all bought a few books and some yummy Starbucks hot cocoa. (gotta love it.)

I didn't really plan on getting beads...after all, I'm 47 years old for cryin' out loud. I don't NEED any beads. But they are so pretty and bright and shiny. ...and the more you put around your neck, the more you get! Besides, I was thinking....'if everyone else can jump up and down yelling for beads, so can I!" So I did. I couldn't help myself.

It was so much fun. The best part is that we had fun as a family and we got to enjoy some free entertainment. The floats were beautiful.....our favorite parade was the 'truck' parade. They decorate their 18 wheelers any way they want. The kids brought home tons of fun toys and beads. They are already sorting them by color and shape and size, then bartering with each other for the best ones. (except for the ones I stashed for myself.....)
You can tell by the pictures that the entire family had a blast.
Just another reason to love it here......remember I said I'd try........so I am.