River Boats, Jazz, and Lots of Fun!

As I write this in the camper alone with Doug and our glasses of wine, I realize how much I love the 15 minutes of peace we get when the girls go to the bath house every night!  I love spending this family time together, but the few moments of calm is incredible!

We had another wonderful day in NOLA!  This morning we took the campgrounds shuttle into the French Quarter.  The driver told us some interesting tidbits about the city, its traditions, and legends.  It was pretty cool to learn more about the city.

Once in the city we walked towards the French Market and took some pictures of the various statues, and monuments that we came across.  Then we visited the French Market, the girls bought a few trinkets including an alligator claw key ring for Maddie and an Alligator head for Hailey which she has named Jerry.  Doug purchased an eel skin wallet, and I drooled over a purse that I was told by all three I ALREADY HAD TOO MANY! So I settled on a black and grey fedora, which I look exceptionally awesome in, even if I do say so myself (LOL).

We then made our way on the moon walk towards the Natchez, Riverboat, where we took a two hour cruise and had an awesome New Orleans Style lunch!  We had a great time!  There was plenty to see, and cool jazz band, and the food was very good.  It was a great excursion for everyone!!!

After the boat docked, we went to the Old Mint Building.  We attended a very interesting presentation about New Orleans Jazz musicians.  Doug and I both found it very interesting; however, Hailey and Maddie preferred to play with the cell phone games (at least they were quiet!).  After the presentation, we toured the rest of the Old Mint.

After that we stopped at Aunt Sally's to have some pralines and then went to the Gazebo Café for a drinks and to listen to the band play.  It was very relaxing and a great way to cool off in the 95 degree heat.

We then walked to Jackson Square to look at the various artisans.  Maddie loved seeing the different kinds of art.  We ended up in the Tabasco Hot Sauce shop where Doug sampled every type of hot sauce they had.  We bought a few bottles to take home along with some pickled green beans (something we both liked from yesterdays Bloody Mary).  It was then time to go wait for the shuttle to take us back to the campground.

On the ride back to the camper the shuttle driver took us past several cemeteries,  a park and some plantation houses.  It was a nice way to wrap up our time in NOLA.  Once we got home we went to the pool, we were so hot it was a great way to chill out!  We ate dinner and had ice cream for dessert, a perfect ending for a great day!