Nola! A Weekend Away

We spend almost 48 hours in New Orleans over the weekend, and it was nothing short of A-mazing!!

A weekend away (diaper free at that) was just what the doctor ordered. Maybe a little more relaxation would have left us re-juvinated and ready to tackle the week ahead. But instead we opted for late nights, lots of cocktails and soaking up every ounce of Nola we could.

We arrived in New Orleans at 9:30AM on Friday. (Hello 3 AM wake-up call!) It was an early morning, so we did what all parents do when they are kid-free - we checked into our hotel early and took a nap. I am sure the hotel staff took one look at us and thought - these two need some sleep - get them to a room. A suite at that!

We stayed at The Roosevelt Hotel. Y'all, to say it's beautiful is an understatement! Our room was spacious and super cozy! The staff was wonderful and helpful and the entire hotel was draped in New Orleans culture.

After a nice 2 hour nap, we ventured out to tackle Bourbon street, stopping at the Old Absinthe House for a beverage and strolling down Bourbon Street and into the French Quarter.

We stumbled upon Tom Benson's (the owner of the New Orleans Saints), funeral at St. Louis Cathedral. The crowds were incredible and fans were waiting for the professional and second line parade outside. Very neat to witness.

After a little shopping and sight-seeing, back to Bourbon we went for a late lunch at Remoulade. And a few cocktails to boot - my pick - Abita Strawberry - it's strawberry season after all.

After a few more stops, including some great jazz music, we headed back to the hotel for a little R&R by the rooftop pool. Did I mention how amazing the weather was??  Sunny and 75!

Dinner that night was at Cavan, in the Garden District, and it did not disappoint. Some of the best food I've hand - seriously. Beforehand we grabbed drinks at The Columns. So cool. The Garden District may be my favorite!

Saturday, we slept until 9AM!!! It was glorious... except for the hangover we both were nursing. After coffee and showers, we ventured over to Royal street to a few galleries and picked up a few goodies for my mom and the kiddos. Then it was time to meet the crew - we were there for a good friends bachelor/bachelorette party. It was so fun!

Our afternoon went something like this...

11:30 - Milk Punch at Mr. B's
1:00 - Lunch at Acme Oyster House (crab-claws, gumbo, meat pies, po-boys, and étouffée)
2:30 - A walk through the French Market and over to Frenchman's Street
3:00 - The Cross-Eyed Cat for a little Jazz music
4:00 - Back to Bourbon (notice a trend)
4:30 - until.... Pat O's. Seriously, we left at 10 PM.

After a few more stops for drinks, we said our goodbye's and grabbed an Uber home.

We slept only a few hours and back to the airport we went. We were home just in time for a great afternoon egg hunt at our neighbors house. It was a perfect weekend away and we soaked up every minute with great friends!

Many thanks to GranDe for keeping the kiddos alive while we were away!

Until next time Nola!

Jesse's 39th!

Wishing my #1 Man the biggest HAPPY Birthday today!!! We have Approx 364 days until he's officially an "exhausted rooster" aka, over the hill... or are you on the hill when you're 40?  Either way, I'd say it's time to live it up, right??

We took the day off to just play and relax around town. We started the day nice and early - thanks to our toddler - with a birthday party and presents around 6 AM.

We enjoyed a delicious Whole30 approved quiche for breakfast - Thanks Jenny Elmes! Then dropped off one baby, and headed to our local coffee shop.

We just booked a little getaway to Nola in two weeks... two nights in the Big Easy - we can't wait!

Next up, a little antique mall browsing and our new market in town, Cattleman's to pick out local steaks for dinner tonight. GranDe and Annalee are spending their usual Thursday together at library time and then baking our favorite "Out of this World Carrot Cake" for Daddy's birthday.

We'll probably find a little spot for lunch/drinks and may even take an afternoon nap before it's time to celebrate with a few friends later tonight. Low-key birthday's are the best kinda days... just time to enjoy one another and our favorite things around town.

Cheers to a great birthday babe, I love you!! Wishing you many many more wonderful, happy years ahead.