The Deschamps Family: Throw Me Something Mister!!

02/13/10
My good friend Wendy invited us out to New Orleans to enjoy the Endymion Parade. She lives just 10 blocks away from the start of the parade which made it an ideal location! Joe wasn't so sure about packing up the kids and going to an actual Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans but I convinced him it would be fun so off we went! Things couldn't have worked out more perfectly. Wendy (probably annoying so many people) parked in the middle of two driveways in front of her house to save us a spot. It was so nice not having to drive around for hours looking for one on our own. In true Wendy fashion she had so many yummy foods that we were able to enjoy and snack on before heading out to the parade where her Dad and cousin where saving us a spot. The kids did great on the walk and we tried keeping them out of the wagon (which was a life saver-thank you Lisa!!) as much as possible since they would be in it most of the time once we got there. We made the walk and just enjoyed the beautiful day-man was it gorgeous! I brought extra jackets for me and the kids but didn't think we'd need them b/c it was just so pleasant outside. But once the sun set it got cold and fast! I wished I had brought beanies and gloves for the kiddos, and for me!
The kids really enjoyed the atmosphere and all the things going on. We couldn't have asked for a better spot. We parked the wagon right along the gate. There were so many people behind us I couldn't imagine having to stand back there and watch the parade b/c you really couldn't see anything! So big thanks to the Ragan Crewe for getting out early and saving seats! The kids, mainly Kalli, started getting antsy waiting for the parade and Wendy's Aunt Beth kept her very well entertained which was so nice for me and Joe. Once the parade started she was fine but then it started going so slllllooooowww! The floats kept having to stop and usually didn't throw anything while they were stopped. Kaiden would get so intense and yell (very angrily) "Throw me something mister! over and over. He finally chilled out a bit and realized he wasn't going to catch something every time. There were also a million bands or dance teams that kept having to stop in front of us which was lame b/c they didn't do anything while standing directly in front of us. After about an hour or longer only 5 floats had past (there is usually around 30 floats in this parade!), it was getting pretty cold and Kalli was having some constipation issues and kept whining about her bum hurting. If a float would go by she was fine but after it passed she would cry out again. And the parade was still just moving so slow! Of course there were no bathrooms or port-a-potties around so me, Kal, Wendy and her dad made the trek back to Wendy's apartment, Kalli being carried by Mr. Danny the entire way.
Once we each had a bathroom break, in which Kal just cried instead of relieving herself, we made some yummy hot chocolate to bring back and headed towards the parade. While we were gone the parade finally started moving and Joe and Kaiden caught so much stuff! Kaiden had 7 swords (two of which were light up swords), beads galore and lots of little stuffed animals. Kal was in a much better mood and was able to enjoy the tail end of the parade where Joe caught her a few things including her Mardi Gras Dragon which she loves. And that was it so we packed up and our Endymion Crewe started heading back towards Wendy's apartment. Kalli was very shy and scared around Mr. Danny at first(she does this every time we don't see them for a while) but now couldn't stop worrying about him on our walk back. She had so much fun having him carry her for the potty break I think she fell in love. Every few minutes she'd ask, "But where's Mr. Danny?" or "Is Wendy's Dad with us? I don't see him." It was really cute. I guess we need to go visit soon before she forgets how much she actually likes him!
Once at Wendy's we ate even more food including Mrs. Karin's crab and corn bisque-YumO and lots and lots of King Cake! We were able to visit with everyone while eating and the kids watched part of a movie and then it was time to head home. We were all so tired I'm not sure how Joe stayed awake on the drive home but he did (I didn't) and we made it home just after 11. We put the kids in bed and we went straight to bed as well. I wasn't so excited about 9 o'clock church the next morning. It's no fun when the kids sleep in and you can't enjoy it b/c you have to get up and get dressed! In all it was a great day and we had so much fun and even Joe said he was glad we went! :)

Aunt Beth (Wendy's Aunt) and Kalli. She was nice enough to share her seat with Kalli and they loved playing together.

Love this picture! My boys are so handsome!

Kaiden taking pictures. Mr. Danny (Wendy's dad) is in the background and Mrs. Karin (Wendy's mom) is right behind me. Sadly this is the only picture we have of them.

The kids patiently waiting for the parade to start

Ancient firetruck/wagon. It was pretty cool.

Me and my girl

Budweiser truck pulled by the Budweiser Clydesdales-those things are massive!

Kal and Joe

Me and Wendy with our antennas

One of the maids. I couldn't imagine how awful this would be! Her headdress thing is so heavy it has to be hooked to a pole behind her making it impossible to move more than a few inches to each side. The gentleman in the tux is there to hand her beads since she can't bend down. Plus she had to befreezing by the end of the parade. Totally not worth it to me!

Kaiden (or Dad) caught an Endymion Football

WHO DAT?! We were able to see the Vince Lombardi Trophy!! Geaux Saints!

Kalli and Aunt Beth again, she was a life saver in entertaining Kalli!

The music was so loud at times we had to help Kalli cover her ears

One of the floats. I forget how creepy they look with their masks on

Me and my honey. I don't know what I'm doing in this picture but the other picture of me and Joe he has a lazy eye and it looks likes he's on drugs but I looked great...so I decided to be selfless and post the not so cute picture of me but very cute one of him. I know I'm the best wife ever!