New Orleans Day #3

While the crew was in conference this morning, I took the St. Charles streetcar down to the Garden District for a self-guided walking tour.

 I stopped at The Rink for a scone and then walked about 2 miles to see Lafayette Cemetery,

 Commander's Palace,

 Eli/Peyton Manning's family home,

 and Anne Rice's home.  There were about 17 stops on the tour and it was beautiful day for a walk.  I loved the halloween decorations and the architecture of all of the homes.  I loved all of the trees with Spanish Moss and the uneven sidewalks gave the area such character.

 Then back to the hotel for lunch with the group. Delicious Louisiana BBQ!

 Matt and I took the streetcar  to Louis Armstrong Park before sunset.

 There were about 7 bridges, lots of ponds and grassy areas to relax.

 We didn't realize it was a National Park,

 but it was a lovely tribute to Louis Armstrong who meant so much to the city of New Orleans!

Then we met up for dinner at Adolfo's with the group.  It was located on Frenchmen Street, up this tiny stairwell.  The bar shelves looked like they were about to crash down and the ceiling tiles were all loose, but the food was wonderful and the place was packed.

We walked along Frenchmen Street to listen to some live bands before calling it a night.

New Orleans Day #2

We were up early to get some exploring in before Matt had to present at the conference.  We took the trolley down Canal St. and walked along the Riverfront to the French Quarter.

Our first stop was obviously Cafe Du Monde! OMG...they were worth the hype!

 From the Riverfront...a beautiful view of Jackson Square.

 From inside the square

 St. Louis Cathedral

 From inside the cathedral

 From Jackson Square, we walked down to Bourbon Street.  I just loved the architecture with balconies, storm shutters and a variety of colors.

Bourbon Street was cool to see, but smelled like stale beer and urine!  It had narrow streets, was pretty dirty and not all that impressive during the day.

 We had a good lunch at Crescent City Brewing Co and tried alligator for the first time.  It pretty much tasted like a pork chop, but not bad.

 I got my first shrimp po' boy of the trip!

 Back to the hotel for Matt to shower and get ready for his presentation.  He presented along with Jamie and Charisma, representing the many agencies that assist with human trafficking in San Diego. The panel also consisted of 3 representatives from Louisiana.  I sat in the back and loved having the chance to hear Matt speak on the topic he is so passionate about!

We met back up with the group for dinner.  I tried gumbo and actually really liked it.

 We had drinks at the rooftop bar of NOPSI hotel

 and then went down to Bourbon St.  to check out the night life.

 It was definitely more like I anticipate.  Bigger crowds, live music and lots of drinking, but hated seeing all of the homeless (both young and old).  I tried my first hand grenade...a very sweet drink made with Midori...way too sweet.

Then it was back to Cafe Du Monde before heading back to the hotel.  Twice in one day, but so worth it.  I spontaneously threw powdered sugar all over Adam.  It was hysterical, but I'm just glad he didn't retaliate!

New Orleans Day #1

Matt found out months ago about a conference opportunity in New Orleans.  This place has been on my bucket list, so I was excited to take the week off of work and join him!  A big thanks to my mom for staying with Allison for the week!

Matt flew in from Kansas City and I flew from San Diego, meeting at the airport in New Orleans.

 We checked into the hotel and quickly headed out to meet Adam and Luis (2 of Matt's detectives) at Johnny Sanchez.  It is a delicious mexican restaurant owned by Aaron Sanchez.  I watch him all of the time on Chopped and MasterChef.

I was hoping to see him at the restaurant, but no luck.  The food, however, was amazing! We had tortilla chips and plantain chips with salsa, guacamole and queso to start.  I had the chicken tortilla soup and Matt had the carnitas burrito...both fantastic!

Looking forward to a fun week exploring New Orleans!

Chi O Dad's Weekend

 Matt flew to Kansas to spend the weekend with Taylor at Chi Omega Dad's Weekend.  They spent time with Andrew on Friday

going out to lunch and dinner and visiting a few of the local hangouts.

Saturday morning they went on a hike along the river

and then attended the Chi Omega dinner and auction at the Lawrence Country Club. He got to take a tour of the sorority house on Sunday morning and had a nice brunch with Taylor before heading to the airport.  A fun weekend for both of them!

Homecoming

Allison and her friends looked beautiful (and color coordinated) for their sophomore homecoming dance.  They ate Chick Fil A and got ready at Macy's house

and then my mom and I met them all for pictures up in the orange groves behind our house.

 Derek and Macy have been Allison's closest friends and classmates this year!

 Lorien and Allison have been friends since 1st grade and have grown into lovely young ladies!

 It wasn't easy fitting all of the kids in between the trees, but it was a great looking group!  I loved all of the guys' bow ties too.

 Carson and Allison

Apparently someone thought these kids were up to no good (dressed up and taking pictures with their parents).  Someone called the police reporting a group of kids ready to fight.  The officer arrived and rather than discipline anyone, he joined them for a group picture.  Too funny! 

The kids had a great night at the dance and loved the silent DJ!

Taylor's Fall Break

Taylor's home for a long weekend! She flew in late Friday night and Matt took her straight to mexican food for a carne asada burrito.  She can't get that in Kansas!

 Saturday, Jenna joined us for a family night at the SDSU vs. Boise St. football game.

 Unfortunately our Aztecs lost their first game of the season,

 but we had fun anyway.

 There were 50,000 fans there which is quite good for SDSU!

 They also honored Marshall Faulk for being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and we all got free t-shirts!

 Taylor requested a Sunday beach day.  A beautiful walk along the water, lunch at Board and Brew and a nice nap in the sand.  It was perfect weather 

and she soaked it up!  She also made it to Hana Sushi and Yogurt Island while home and we had a nice lunch with Karla and yogurt with Leslie and Reanna.

Only 5 more weeks until she is back for Thanksgiving!