Summer Vacation in New Orleans

Well, we've made it home! After a week in New Orleans, followed by a few days in Florida, the Bradshaws should be home for a while. We had a great time away but we must admit that we are glad to be back.

Nora and I flew down to New Orleans the first of June and stayed with my folks. We were able to see lots of family and friends while down there. Nora also had many first experiences while visiting. She had her first trip to Baton Rouge where we visited Great Grandmother Gloria, and went on an all day shopping trip with my mom and sister, Hillary. While in Baton Rouge, we ate at Jason's Deli where Nora had her FIRST ICE CREAM CONE! Oh my! She went nuts!

My parents have two dogs....Gumbo (a Shelty) and Sadie (a spoiled-rotten pug, who has taken the place as princess of my parent's household). Anyway, I'm putting it lightly by saying that Nora LOVED the dogs. She would go ballistic whenever she saw them. When she heard them barking, she would instantly start imitating them with her own version of "woof, woof." She would flap her arms and squeal with delight when they were around, but got nervous if I called one of them close so she could pet it. Gumbo, by the way, was petrified of Nora. He stayed as far away as possible.

I was also able to get together with several good friends while in New Orleans. One evening, a bunch of my girl friends from childhood and I got together at one of my favorite restaurants. We finished off the night right by going to Sal's for snowballs. YUM! Also, my two friends Chrissy and Stephanie and I got together with our girls so they could have a playdate. Ava, Nora, Lydia, and Sam were so cute to watch!

We had a family celebration on Sunday, June 8th where my mom cooked a delicious New Orleans meal. We had barbecued shrimp, crawfish etouffee, and tons of other wonderful things. Most importantly, we were able to visit with our wonderful family: my mom's sisters, twins Kathie and Eileen, and my uncle Jimmy. I was so blessed by how much they loved Nora. They just loved spending time with her and she just loved them. She followed Uncle Jimmy around with her eyes the entire time. She was amazed by him! HAHA

All in all, we had a great time. I was exhausted by the end, but it was great! I only wish Jonathan had been able to come with us. Then it would have been complete.