I grew up in Mississippi and went to college only and hour and a half from New Orleans. Needless to say, it was way too close sometimes (when it came to studying for Statistics and I wanted to run away) and now it is way too far.
Our boys have never been there. All they know of the city is that my college roommate Olga lives there, the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and of course, the triumph of the SAINTS. It was high time they "saw" some of New Orleans that I have experienced. So, last week the boys and I focused our homeschool work on everything New Orleans.
Hold on, don't go there, I did not share the irreverence or debauchery that many associate with the city or in actuality with Mardi Gras, but all the things I think of when I think of NOLA -its rich history, the music, the food, the culture, the architecture. Oh, how I love the plantations and the garden district.
We planned our meals around our studies, with red beans and rice, shrimp po-boys and of course, King Cake. When I went to NOLA for my first Mardi Gras with Olga, her mom sent us to the bakery to pick up a King Cake. I was real confused, why in the world would her mom want a cake with Elvis on it? It was not until we got to the bakery and Olga explained it to me, that I understood it. That is a true story. Plenty of Southern culture, just not any NOLA culture. That was remedied.
We finished our week of studying New Orleans with a Superbowl party at some of our friends home. We had wonderful food, kids had a blast with two great friends and we cheered the Saints to victory.
Four precious boys yelling "throw me something mister!" Yes, they had WhoDat and a Fleur De Lis painted on their faces. So much FUN!I love the charm of New Orleans. It is a laid back atmosphere where you can just sit back and enjoy, letting your surroundings filter through all your senses. One day I will sit with my boys in Uptown watching the streetcars while eating some crawfish etouffee and listening to some Louis Armstrong or Harry Connick Jr. so they can experience the New Orleans I love.
Laissez les bon temps rouler (Let the good times roll),
Laissez les bon temps rouler (Let the good times roll),
The Park Wife
12 comments:
Cute picture!!!
I LOVE NO! We have only been once but my hubby and I fell in love with it. We cannot wait to take our kids. There is so much for them to see; the museums, the aquarium, the swamp tours, the Garden District, and of course the FOOD!
Now you have me thinking about studying NO the rest of the week. That would be so fun!
My husband and I used to go to New Orleans at the least crowded times if that is even possible. You are right there is so much more to the city than its reputation lends. Love the food there and the history and culture are great studies of America. And a ditto to Harry Connick, Jr.
We lived in New Orleans for 6 years. We loved going back to see all the history and eat all the food. If you go with your boys be sure and go to the D-day museum. Watch the movie The Longest Day first, it is very historically accurate. We are eating King Cake today that I ordered from Haydel's backery.
LOVE that last photo!!!
man i so want to visit New Orleans!
I have always been intrigued with the city of New Orleans and its rich history. I love that you are able to adjust your homeschooling lessons to embrace such important things...such a benefit! Cool, cool stuff! =)
Mindy
www.thesuburbanlife.com
What a great thing to introduce New Orleans to your sweeties. What a great culture.
You rock Park Wife. Love your blog! Glad to know others are "running" with me.
AmyNelsonMom
You make me feel bad for not being impressed at all with NO on my first visit there a few weeks ago. But I'll have to say Cafe du Monde was as good as they boast! =)
Hello there,
I came across your blog from Pioneer Woman. I also have a blog called Little Tots/Big Ideas. I want to start a segment two times a month spotlighting a mom from a different state. I want to know if you might be interested in being my Arkansas mom? I make it real easy and fun. I email you some questions, you answer and email back, I put in a readable format for you to approve before I post. While I have not done any state moms yet, I have done a few international moms. If you go to my blog www.littletotsbigideas.blogspot.com
and go to the right sidebar and click on international moms, it will give you an idea of what I am looking for.
I hope you might consider this. If you are interested, please email me at littletotsbigideas@hotmail.com.
I appreciate your time.
Tina
Little Tots Big Ideas
We have never been to NO on our travels. Wish I could have come to school with the buckaroos. I know I would have learned something!
About all I know about NO is that after the Vikings lost, we decided to cheer for the Saints in the Super Bowl.
And you asked in your comment on my blog if we were still in Texas. Yes, we are. We leave San Antonio on the first of March and head back to the north country. If the weather doesn't shape up in Minnesota, we may travel in the south a bit longer!Even 40 above is better than 20 below!
Blessings, my friend.
Hi, I'm visiting from SITS.
Your little boys are so cute! I am in my last year of homeschooling and even though there are those days... there are so many amazing moments when you spend that much concentrated time with your kids,
Enjoys them!!! And, I hope that your trip to New Orleans is soon. :) Have FUN!!!
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