Celebrating New Orleans: this is a real Mardi Gras parade float. They are all housed in a huge warehouse, called Mardi Gras World - the floats are HUGE and most of them are so strange they are scary.
On the Mississippi River boardwalk ... Colton hopped right into this man's open arms. I don't think he realized the arms were out in conversation to his small friend on the right ...
Airplane entertainment - Dumbo movie for the 25th time.
Not sure who this masked man was on the airplane, but he just appeared in Colton's seat.
Ruthie advertising Grinders Coffee.
One of the many amazing courtyards tucked in between buildings, or here at a Bed and Breakfast, tucked in between the rooms of the same building.
This is a Cigar store ... they roll your cigars fresh and on the spot, while you watch!
We visited the Aquarium of the Americas on the banks of the Mississippi River one day. Ruthie decided to take it all in from a bench in a huge room with 15 foot windows top to bottom and about 4 panels wide, it was huge!!
This woman was supervising a shark petting exhibit. Obviously, Ruthie was not interested in touching the shark.
Colton on the other hand was very brave and touched a real live shark!!
Another shark swimming by.
Colton wasn't sure the glass would keep those lobsters in...
world famous Bourbon street ... G rated photos :)
Mardi Gras beads stick around all year. I'm not sure if this was a man's balcony waiting to throw beads ... or a woman's balcony, showcasing her trophy collection
A souvenier shop, I think that croc snuck up on Ruthie while she wasn't looking!
The balconies all have these beautiful iron frames and huge plants growing out of the railing!
Here we are next to a boat that tours the Mississippi River ... this is the kind of photo you get when you ask children to look into the sun so you can take their picture.
Colton overlooking the Mississippi River.
We visited the Children's Museum of New Orleans one afternoon... Colton's favorite attractions were the train tables that were set up throughout the 2 story museum. The facilities were amazing.
Stacking blocks is so much fun when you're not using your own blocks from home!
Here is the diner ... we had to make a quick escape when Ruthie tried to eat the (plastic) food.
Colton graciously brewed some coffee for us to drink in a cute little log cabin.
Colton is seeing as a hawk sees - like looking through binoculars.
Colton is singing into a microphone and we are hearing him loud and clear in this "recording studio" ... there is a speaker in the top left corner of this picture, and as you can see a mirrored window for him to watch himself!
Ruthie had her face painted at the "party" - the True Value reception with activities, face painting, mask creating, food and entertainment! Thanks True Value!
This is a panoramic view of Mardi Gras world ... and this is only about half the length of the warehouse! You might be able to see it a little better if you click on it to open in a new window.
Freighter on the Mississippi.
From the party ... this is the most memorable part for Ruthie - she kept looking for "the man" ... on stilts. She was brave enough to want to hold his hand ... then she wouldn't let go - a bit of a predicament when you don't want to knock down a man on 1" x 1" legs.
Christmas Wonderland ordering for True Value, we place orders based on the kids facial reactions at each booth.
This fish (skin) is made from beads. entirely.
Our incredible new stroller.
