DuMonde XXX

This past weekend, Travis and I traveled down to Louisiana for Mardi Gras. One of the greatest things about Louisiana and my culture. My dad was a duke in DuMonde, which is the local Mardi Gras ball in LaPlace. He told my sister and I in December at Christmas time. I was so excited and couldn't wait for this weekend to come. I knew how much fun it was when I was a Maid in 2000. My dad had a wonderful maid which made it even better. We used to swim together at Riverlands and her dad was the Captain of the ball when I was a maid. This year the theme was The Roman Empire. My dad was Duke Leonidas. I thought I would never see my dad in a dress :) It was a great night. This was Travis' first Mardi Gras and what a way to experience it. He had so much fun and is already ready for next year's Mardi Gras!!!! After the ball ended, we went to my dad's good friend and also a duke, Mr. R.J. for a breakfast. I was so tired from traveling and not sleeping, that I had to leave early and get some rest because I knew Saturday was going to be another busy day.

On Saturday, we went to a parade in Reserve called Towapasa. WOW!!! It was fun and interesting! It's a parade where anything goes! That night, we went to Metairie so Travis can see more parades. It didn't take him long to figure out what you had to do when the floats past. He had himself a blast! You would never know it was his first Mardi Gras. That Sunday, was the LaPlace Parade that my dad and the rest of the court would ride in. We decided to stay so we can see him on the float. My dad was having so much fun! Once it was over, I began to dread the thought of having to say good-bye to my family. Even though we had an 8 hour drive ahead of us and it was after 2 in the afternoon, Travis knew I wanted to see my dad before I left so we decided to stay unti he arrived at my grandparent's house (they are on the parade route). Once my dad arrived, we visisted for a little while but then had to say good-bye knowing that we would be back in a month for Pig Roast. Travis and I had such a good weekend and it was more memories that we were able to share together. We are anxiously waiting Mardi Gras 2010!!!

My dad and his Maid, Meagan....Leonidas

Our Family

Dad and his girls

Mardi Gras Party

This past weekend, Travis and I had a Mardi Gras party with some girls from work and their husbands. We had so much fun! It's amazing how our husbands have bonded so quickly each time we hang out. I feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful group of friends that surround us. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves and I even ordered a King Cake for everyone to taste. I couldn't wait to eat a piece myself. It's one of the best things about Mardi Gras other than your usual order of Popeye's Chicken for the parades.
I owe a big thank you to my mom who picked up all kind of Mardi Gras stuff so we can wear it for the party! It was a hit! Thanks mom! I can't wait till we have everyone over again for more good times!

The girls

Tracy and I

Travis and I

The girls ready for Mardi Gras

Travis and Brad sporting the Mardi Gras gear