Taking Vacation ~ A backwards Report

I'm very thankful that our children have a daddy like Peter.

We returned to Austin this evening after a week long whirlwind vacation.

Last night, we landed in Houston and spent the evening with my parents. Today we took the dad's out for a Father's Day brunch.

I was glad to get to spend my 43rd Father's day with my wonderful Dad.

On Friday, our family trekked from Destin to New Orleans. We think this is the 5th year we have stopped in NOLA.  This year we toured the Mardi Gras World facility. It was amazing.  90% of the props for the floats in the Mardi Gras parades are made here. 

Jackpot!

Conleigh is in heaven. She loves New Orleans.

Ew. Look what is about to drop onto Alex's head!

These are from the Zulu crew float. 

We learned that there are 52 Crews which is basically a social club. Each crew has their own parade sometime in the 11 days prior to Ash Wednesday. A parade has a minimum of 14 floats and a max of 28.  Each person on a float must wear a mask and purchase their own gifts to throw out.

These props are already ready for Mardi Gras 2013. They are waiting to be moved by trailer to one of the 17 warehouses around New Orleans.

Here are some newly made float designs. they use styrofoam  and mold it into these amazing designs.  They try to recycle 100% of the materials they use.  One year something may be Scooby Doo and the next year something else.

This woman was using paper mache to create this mask.

My main man.

You can see Alex on the left and then see how huge the busts are!

Conleigh with Willie!

We weren't sure what the tour would be like but it turned out to be perfect for us.  And, it ended with King Cake. Can't beat that!

After lunch at the Camilia Grill in the French Quarter, we were on the road again.

Good food and fun service!