New Orleans

Dave and I had the opportunity this year to head to New Orleans with the Producers Hybrid group. What a fun time and the timing could not have been more perfect. As we left MN the temps were beginning to drop and it only continued to get colder and colder. It wasn't the warmest in New Orleans but it was in the 50's so it seemed like a heat wave! It was a fun trip, to much to eat, way to much to drink and a lot to see. The first morning we went on a tour of the city. They took us down to the 9th ward which was the hardest hit by Katrina and it was just devestating. I could not even imagine going through something like that. It is 5 years later and a lot has been done but yet there is still so much more to do! All the homes marked with TFW which meant toxic flood water and X's followed by the number of people which occupied the home and how many were found dead in the home, very sad to see. We did see amazing things happening like the Brad Pitt homes. His designs are a little crazy but yet a really great thing he is doing. There are so many things to do in that city that if you are bored then there is a problem. At night we would head down to Bourbon Street and have a little fun! Bourban Street is an experiance in itself!!!

We decided to go on a swamp tour which was very fun. The day that we went was a high of about 45-50 and we didn't have the opportunity to see any alligators. Our guide told us that they don't come out when it is that cold! We took a 2 hour tour, saw different varities of birds, turtles and a cute little racoon that wanted to jump in the boat with us. Our guide also took us down the part of the river were people actually live! That was crazy! The 8 houses that were there had electricity but there were homes futher down the river that didn't have electricity, I couldn't even imagine. It was a very cool tour and once again if you ever have the chance to go on a swamp tour do it!

We also went on a sugar cane plantation tour...another must do when you are there! The beauty of the plantation and a history lesson all in one! We went to the Oaks Alley Plantation! For you Days of our Lives fans Bo and Hope were married here...the second or third time they were married=)


The last night that we were there we went on a riverboat cruise down the Mississippi river and had a wonderful meal and of course some more cocktails! After we returned from the cruise a large group was going down to Bourban street and I made it back to the room and was going to call it a night and Dave talked me in to going out. He told me he wanted me to go out so that I could be his excuse to go home early well, it was about 1:30 when I finally looked at him and told him we should go to sleep=) Once I get out and am having fun I just don't want to turn in!!! One thing for sure is that a good time was had by all but I was happy to come home to see my babies even if it was cold!!!