Throw Me Something, Mister! We went to #NewOrleans for #MardiGras

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that we were recently in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. I was a first timer and let me tell you, it was so much fun.
Let me clear up one thing now...  I had Savannah (1) and Broxton  (8) and it was totally okay.  Mardi Gras isn't just what you see on TV.  We walked through the Quarter (during the day) and it was fine too.  I think there are some things that are best left for the older crowd, but it was great for kids and mine weren't the only ones there, just so everyone knows.  

Broxton was so excited to see that sign!!!

Heads up... They have these carts ALL OVER the place before the parades.  I was surprised they didn't try pushing it more on the kids, but they were there... and it was hard to miss ALL OF THEM.  

We managed to get to see several parades.  It was neat, you wait and wait and wait...  then their cable truck comes through with a big pole.  I was told it was to make sure the floats are not too tall, but then I think now that it was for coverage of the parade.  I will never really know, but still... That is what kicks it all off.  Then, you have Kings and Queens, marching bands, floats, groups of people... It is so fun and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED that it is NOT commercialized.  

Savannah loved it and had a blast.  Needless to say, she was given lots of stuffed animals, lights and more.  She loved it all and wears the beads around the house like they are prized jewels!
(She was even thrown beads on Bourbon... and no, she didn't have to work for it!)

I wish I had better quality photos, but the bead throwers were serious about it and man they hurled them to the crowd.  I was paranoid they might hit my camera... Those beads hurt, man... I got slapped in the face with a few strands over the days!  This is just one of the many floats we got to see.

This streetcar float had a band singing and playing in it as they rode by!  

Of course we had to have a King Cake (or 2) while we are there!  No need to judge, they were just so tasty!  If you have been to New Orleans before, have you tried a King Cake?  If so, where do you recommend?

Cheese!!!!!!!!!!!   We were waiting for the next parade to start! 

This boy here.  He had so much fun. I loved seeing his excitement each day.  It was worth it all!  

No trip to New Orleans is complete for us, without stopping at Cafe du Monde for an order (or several) of beignets.  So good.  

I had heard of the Mardi Gras Indians, so it was nice to see them in the parades.  I always like seeing in person things I have read about!  

Savannah caught on quickly and would hold her hands up too!  She wanted to be just like her big brother!!! THROW ME SOMETHING, MISTER!  

Remember how I said there were floats and bands and what not??  This is Southern University Marching Band.  We were told they were the best in the nation.  I thought they were great, so what I was told was probably true. They put on a great show and we were lucky enough that they stopped right in front of where we were standing!  

If you have never been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, I suggest you try to go at least once in your life.  Talk about memories!