Mardi Gras Parade #2 on Fat Tuesday!

The last for Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday.  We attended our second parade in little Grand Marais.  This little town is very small, but they put on a nice parade for area families.  Not over crowded like New Orleans, or other big cities.  No garbage left behind.  Everyone friendly.  The day started out very chilly, and windy.  We put up a pop up tent, and tied a sheet to block the wind on one side of the tent.  We didn't want Renee to get wind or sun burned.  It was chilly enough to keep our jackets on the whole time.  We got there about 11 am for a 1 pm parade.  Jess and Floyds friends were all parked here together and we had a great time. 

These were some costume winners from the previous nights contest.  They couldn't wear all their headresses, etc. because it was too windy.

Renee with her crown, Floyd and Jessica.

There were some very big floats, double decks, and so many beads thrown.  We collected ours all together after the parade and Jessica will be donating them to the local Goodwill.  They sort them out and repackage them for next years parade.  I was glad to hear that they are recycled!

They also throw out Mardi Gras cups, footballs and stuffed animals.

Mardi Gras Parade #1 Saturday

After feeding Renee and eating breakfast this morning we left for Youngsville (close to Lafayette).   For those that have been here with us before, remember when we went to Lafayette, and went on what Jess and Floyd called the short cut - where you turned off Hwy 90, we went straight ahead on the tar road, instead of turning right after the first 2 miles.  That bring us to Youngsville, and it is a little town like Nevis.  We parked at a hunting friend's little burger joint on the main drag.  They had a DJ playing loud music the whole day.  We got there at 9:30 AM to have a place for the 1 PM parade!!!!!!!!!   It was a bright sunny and chilly day today.  Jessica got a good sun/wind burn and little Renee has pretty pink cheeks too.  In the morning we were on the shady side of the street, and we didn't have her in the sun too much, but with a little one and tender skin, it doesn't take much.  When she slept she was in her stroller all covered up from the breeze and sun.  We ate 1/3 lb burgers (rather spicy) - but really good and juicy.  A lot of people brought their own grills and set up on the parade route as early as we were, and cooked for their own party of people.  The parade started about 1:15 PM and lasted til about 2:30 PM  - BEADS every where!    "Hey Mister, Throw me something!"  and   "WHO DAT!"  Everyone shouted!  I tried to get pictures of the beads flying through the air -  Some were thrown out in bunches!   There was even one float that was playing the music of that guy that tried out on American Idol - "Pants On The Ground"!  Of course, everyone chimed in and sang along! Twas fun!

Don't you love this Buck?!?!?

We tried to get someone to throw us BIG beads like that guy has on!

Eating her carrots and cereal  supper!

We got home about 3:30 PM and after her supper and bottle and bath, Renee is now SOUND asleep!  Jess and Floyd have company over, and I'm busy getting this done and checking on Renee every once in awhile.  I hope her big day out won't to be too disrupting for her.  She is such a good baby.  You know when she is tired and hungry.  That's about the only time she gets fussy.  Her teeth are bothering her again, as she is slobbering more and sucking on her bottom lip and biting everything she can.  You can see that her bottom gum has two white bumps! 

We are going to another parade on Fat Tuesday in Lydia.  This little town is like Osage, and the parade is just as good as the one we went to today!  Also to a costume contest, I think on Monday.  More pictures will be coming.  I think I'll be really tired on the way home Wednesday!

HAPPY  VALENTINE'S DAY  TO  YOU!