Rules for Mardi Gras

Rule #1 : Bring a loot bag. 

This is not all of our loot.

 Rule #2 : Don't tell your kids there will be candy at the parade. 
No candy.  Only beads and toys. Which I think it great!

Rule #3:  Bring snacks. 

Lot's of snacks and water. 

 Rule #4:  Don't be downtown.  And if you are, be prepared to wait for the parade for at least two hours!
I think it was good to do it once, but I will never do it again.  Monday night we were at the beginning of the parade and it was great.  Tons of beads, the people still had energy, and you didn't have to wait 2.5 hours for the parade to reach you!

 Rule #5:  Bring sunblock and umbrellas.  Umbrellas also provide great entertainment for kids.

 Their "Mardi Gras House."

Rule #6:  Dress down, waaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy down.

His girlie looked just like him except she had on a t-shirt rolled up under her bra.

 Rule #7 Go early in the day on Fat Tuesday.  Not so much drunkness (we didn't have to experience this one to know this rule.)

 Friend Dayna and C.

 Rule #8: Wear sensible shoes.  I had on flats.  My feet are still killing me.  Tennis shoes next year.

 King Gabriel

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  I loved the marching bands!  Marching bands out west need to come see how it should be done.

The culture here is a lot of fun. I've heard about some great things to go and see next year for Mardi Gras and I can't wait.  The rural Mardi Gras celebrations sounds excellent.

Our First Mardi Gras Parade!

We met up with a couple of great friends at the Queen's Parade.

 The marching bands were excellent. They were by-far the best part of the parade for me.  They boogie down!  I got some videos of their dancing that I need to download soon.

 I was excited!

 It was so dark it was hard to get pics but here is the queen.

 And the princesses, maybe?  I'm not really sure.

 The clip of this group's dancing was awesome.  Miss L will never be on a drill team as long as we live here.  Those girls have no idea what dancing is and they wear close to nothing.  The bands, however, I couldn't get over their dancing.  It was so fun!

 The beads!  Holy cow!  The parade was pretty much bead float, band, drill-team, bead float, band, drill team.  We got an upbelieveable amount of beads and toys. 
 This lady took over the care of Mr. M.  She caught most of the flying beads before they nailed him (the kids were hit by beads quite often and there were definately some tears), she held him up on the fence, she got toys for her.  She was wonderful.  She disappeared at the end of the night and we didn't get much time to thank her but she was great.  Actually we were sitting by some of the nicest people ever at this parade.

 The hats, masks, and painted faces were fun. Look at all those beads behind her!

  Our little family at the end of the parade.

 Some of Mr. M's loot.

I heard a weird noise this morning and I thought the dog was in the trash.  I came into the kitchen and couldn't see anything.  Finally Mr. M popped up from under the table where he was playing with his loot.  Who knows what time he woke up this morning.

X-Men for Mr. M!

 The invitations:

Written in silver ink on the back:

You are cordially invited to attend M's birthday party at Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Children.

Arrive on the grounds at 10am at ____________ on Saturday, February 18.

Costumes are welcome, but no required.

A light lunch will be served.

Don't be a Juggernaut.  RSVP to B at ___________.

The cake: 

 We had a HUGE storm that day.  The kids had a blast playing in it.  I love this pic:

 

 We ended up with a lake in the backyard.

 We were a little worried no one would show up with the crazy weather.  They were a little late but his buddies came!  He was so excited.

 Later there was more swimming in the "lake."

Mr. M,
Momma loves you so much.  You have so much tenderness.  At gymnastics two weeks ago Miss L was having a hard time and I looked into see you packing her around by her armpits and trying to encourage her.  The next week she came in and did great because of your love and support.  I watched you give her hugs and throw your arm over her shoulder whenever you got the chance.  I was so proud.  I'm thankful that you are so forgiving.  Even when momma is a grumpy-face you love me anyway and always forgive me.  You tell me you love me all the time.  You tell Miss L and I that we are pretty.  You love your little brother and although you tease him sometimes, you care for him and want him to be happy.  You are a special big boy and I am so happy to be your mom.

Love,
Mommy