Monday, December 29, 2008

highlights from my nola trip


Warning: this is a long one! grab a beverage, sit back, and relax! =)

***

Even though I don't live in New Orleans and haven't lived there for some years now, it's still very much home to me. It gives a sense of comfort, a sense of familiarity, a sense of friendliness, a sense of 'southernness' which only people from the south could understand. This all comes from the people, the food, the generosity, the hospitality, the pride, the courage, the unity, and I could go on and on. There is proof of this in the recent years since Katrina. This has only made us, New Orleans, stronger in a sense.

Well, I was able to go to New Orleans (NOLA) for Christmas. Even though for only a few days, it was fun and relaxing and so awesome to just hang out with the family for the holiday.

Here are some images from my trip. Enjoy!
Now, just to let you know, they are random!

I was walking around my house one day and decided I wanted to take a few pictures of it, in it, and around it! My parents have been in this house for nearly 50 years! How awesome is that!


My parents are one of my biggest fans when it comes to my photography - so I took a few pictures of their walls....

Look closely at this one and you can see my lizard friend who kept me occupied for a good 20 minutes! But, near the end, he sure did work the camera!




Utah mule deer.... (there's about 9 deer in this one picture.)

Family reunion in June '08 at the Smokey Mountains in TN.

My dad's 'lemon' tree, which still looks like oranges to me! But we picked one, and tried it, and by the sour expression on my face, I said, "Ok, Dad, your right, it's a lemon tree!"

I love this old Saints sticker on one of the windows that dates back to before I was born!

Dad's flowers...

And rock garden... With rocks from all over the country....

Here are some random pictures for ya!
Squirrels running across the power lines... You don't see this in Utah!

Palm trees... I love palm trees! I love the tropical feel! It reminds me of the beach, any beach! =)

I love how the post-man (or lady, in this case), still delivers the mail to the door!

Here are a few pictures from Christmas.
My sister's cool Christmas tree!

Patrick dancing to everybody clapping and chanting: "Go Patrick!" "Go Patrick!"

Patrick's cool Christmas shirts! So cute!


On our way downtown...

My dad and I went to Fulton St. (right off of Poydras) to see the exhibit "Miracle on Fulton Street" where anyone can enjoy a 'white' Christmas! And, yes, there is even fake snow and reindeer! And check out Santa here!



I call this 'fleur de lis' heaven!



The Riverwalk! One of my favorite places.










Yep! That's me taking a picture of myself in the reflection of a building.... =)

Check it out! My favorite po'boy place, got a brand new sign a couple of days ago since Katrina destroyed the last one!!


This is a must stop whenever I go to NOLA! Actually, sometimes, I have gone here once a day when in town! My friends think I'm crazy, but they don't know what they're missing!

Cafe du Monde is also a must go to place when in town! And yes, I probably make this run to get beignets just about every night with anyone who wants to come along!


Aunt Sally's pralines...

My mom got this book out to show me. This is a compilation of stories that she used to have in school. This is what teachers used to teach the kids on how to learn words - by memorization. Anyone remember, "See Spot Run!" Well, this is where it came from! =)

Gotta love Saints' fans!
Andy, Jeanette, Patrick, and I are on our way down to Magazine Street.




'Gotta love that Popeyes!'


Jeanette and I found our favorite new place while walking on Magazine! It carries my new favorite cosmetic line, and now I think it could be Jeanette's favorite. Sorry Andy! =)




Just me again....





And Patrick playing the piano, like he's been playing for years!

Well, there are tons more pictures, but I just wanted to show these 'few'! =)
Thanks family for all the fun!