NANA & NOLA

We timed a Nana visit to coincide with a business trip Ed had to New Orleans so that first, we could see Nana and second, she could watch the boys while I snuck away with Ed on his trip. I had never been to New Orleans, so really wanted to check it out, not to mention have some quality time with Ed. Unfortunately, earlier that week, Nana came down with strep throat, so was not feeling 100%. Regardless, it was good to see her, and we did manage to fit in some BBQ, shopping and a nice mother/daughter lunch before her symptoms returned and she had to take it easy. With a new dose of meds, she rested up and got a little better each day. That Sunday, Ed and I flew to New Orleans and were introduced to the city of indulgence...

We spent our first half day walking to the French Market, and had fried chicken at Coop's for a late lunch. We covered a good bit of the French Quarter and even got a hurricane and walked down Bourbon St. Even on a Sunday afternoon, the action was just getting started. Not exactly my scene, but one has to at least check the box when visiting New Orleans. Harrah's casino was conveniently on our way back to the hotel, so of course we had to play a little blackjack. (And again the next day). We left $95 up altogether, so I'd say that's not bad. After resting at the hotel, we headed back out to the recommended Peche seafood restaurant where our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, but oh man, was it good.

The next day, we had a late breakfast at Cafe Beignet where we ate what was like inflated funnel cake, while listening to live jazz. We spent the rest of the afternoon walking around Jackson Square and Frenchman St and then took a street car back to the hotel so Ed could do some work. Meanwhile, I spent the afternoon shopping on Magazine St. in the garden district which to me, was the prettiest part of town. Afterwards, it was another late dinner, this time at the renowned Cochon, which did live up to it's expectation. Bellies full, we turned in and the next morning, I headed to the airport after a breakfast of crepes.

more oysters and a piña colada, from the French Market

Back in Austin, Nana was feeling healthier and the boys liked their snow globes and mardi gras bead art projects. It was nice to have some Ed & Julie time and it was nice for the boys to have some quality Nana time : ) Thanks for coming out Nana!