New Orleans French Quarter

Where do I even begin with this post! I have to first say that I had no clue as to what to expect before seeing the French Quarters or any of New Orleans. I have only seen pictures, TV shows and heard about the place. It's an amazing thing to see, all of the history and culture that came and is there. The atmosphere alone is awesome!

This would be a place to live if we had no kids and I would definitely want to live downtown. It has that small coastal feel, but in a big city. Kind of like San Francisco/San Diego. You can walk just about anywhere and most of the streets are one way or no cars at all. This place really doesn't even belong in the United States. It's like your in a different country.

We spent the morning exploring the Saint Louis Cemetery, (more pictures to come) walked around the French Quarter popping in some shops, taking pictures and had lunch. We hit the road around 1:30 and headed to Florida. We definitely plan on going back and spending the weekend. There are so many things to do and see. They had a zoo and aquarium downtown that the kids would love to see, so that would be fun for them!

I'm going to give a brief description and include links if you want a history lesson!

This was heading into the French Quarter. I was taking pictures from the car because it was raining. So some aren't that great. Lots of iron railing and most of these building are commercial, but the second and third floors are condo or apartments.

New Orleans is known for their black magic or Voo Doo. This is one of the markets to buy supplies.

A lot of the condo patios were decorated for Mardi Gras which is this Tuesday, Feb 21st!
Random picture.

I took a lot of these that you'll see. The colors are amazing and the flowers were so pretty.

St. Louis Cathedral, it's also known as Basilica of St. Louis, Rio de France. It's the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the United States. Click on the link and read more if you'd like. There have been three built. The very first was in 1718 and after a fire and then a expansion this is what stands today. Very interesting information.

It's very beautiful and so very large. Maybe next time we will get to see the inside!

Bourbon Street sign.
Waiting for Kathy while she was getting us a treat.
Another picture of the Cathedral. If you notice the cobblestone streets surrounding it.
Random picture
Tanner man checking things out!
Fleur-de-lis

These are everywhere! Fleur-de-lis means flower in french and comes in the form of a Lily or Iris. Its associated with the French monarchy. So this explains why its so popular in New Orleans, the french came to New Orleans long ago.

Kathy running around with Jackson in the stroller!

One of the restaurants we wanted to eat at! It was a little to expensive and we weren't dressed appropriately.

One of the great things down there were the art galleries! Really cool stuff that caught our eye. I couldn't help take this one. Love the color and style.

Beignets from Cafe Du Monde. Can I say heavenly and we ate all nine of them in just a few hours.

Cafe Du Monde

Known for their cafe a lait and french style beignets.
Its a famous cafe in New Orleans and as we were walking around the cemetery I ran into a lady who was very friendly and recommended we go there. So we did and it was wonderful.

So colorful!

Love this picture! I will be framing this one!

Random

We stopped here before heading on out. I got a mascaraed mask and some gifts for my siblings. I can't wait to give them their surprises when I see them.

I also didn't realize what the alligator was wearing until I uploaded the pictures! Go figure, oh well! It was cute and the kids got a kick out of him!

This was by far the coolest place I've seen so far. I can't wait to return and hopefully take some of you there when you visit.

Something that won't be forgotten and I'm so glad the kids got to see it.

I have a ton of pictures I didn't post so if you want to see those let me know!?

I also have another post of the famous St. Louis Cemetery coming! Those are really cool!

West Coast To The East Coast III

I'm sure your all tired of my road trip posts, but I'm pretty sure some of you are interested in seeing what the lower part of the states looks like!

I am also going backwards, but that's why it's called West Coast To The East Coast!

This is also going to be long, but short! I just wanted to share a few pictures with a short description so you can see some of the things we did!

As we drove through El Paso, Texas on the 10 you get a weird feeling looking to the right and seeing Mexico. The border is literally 200 yards from the Interstate. Jeff has told me before that he has seen immigrants walking the fence.

Lovely Texas. No offense to those who love this state. There's just nothing to look at and I don't enjoy the desert seen.
The only good thing about this drive through Texas..... Do you see the speed limit! Awesome!
Jeff really enjoyed the waffles!
They had these babies at the 2 hotels we stayed at in Texas. We thought they were hilarious, never seen this before!
Texas flag before heading into Louisiana

Had to take this being Louisiana is known for Mardi Gras. And boy do they decorate, more pictures to come!

Truckin along!

We had to tow a friends car to New Orleans and drop it off for him on our way. This worked out great because we got to spend a short time site seeing. Although this meant we would pass some friends that we wanted to see. Next time we will take our time and see those people.

This picture is to show you how much water occupies the south. There are bridges every where, I really don't think you realize how much water is there by looking at a map.

This bridge was heading into Baton Rouge and takes you over the Mississippi River. I think we crossed it twice during this trip.

Downtown Baton Rouge

LSU stadium

Downtown New Orleans.

There's the Super Dome!

The Saints practice facility.

We actually got to see a few things driving into New Orleans the first day. It was all from the road, but at least we saw it!
The next day as we were leaving New Orleans, we passed a lot of the Katrina devastation that hasn't recovered. It's hard to explain how you feel seeing all of this. I couldn't imagine what these people went through and how they felt. My heart broke seeing these home destroyed and parts of the city that has changed so much.

Jeff and I watched a TV program after settling here in FL about the history of New Orleans and whats changed. Some for the good and some for the worst. All I know is that it's something to see.

After leaving Louisiana, it didn't take long getting to Florida. We passed through Mississippi, Alabama (which took a whole 60 miles) and finally stopping in Florida for the night. There was a Tornado warning the night before we left LA and it actually touched down in Alabama up by Bham. So we got some weather when we got into FL.

Biloxi, MS

This tunnel is in Alabama, which is really pretty. Lots of water and as you get into these Southern States, I do have to say they are so clean and lush. One thing we missed when we left MS.

More Interstate Bridges

And here we are!

1 more night and 5 more hours till we got there!

So that's what your bottom states kind of look like. All of this traveling is making me want to see more of the world! I am so glad that Jt can remember these things and hopefully Tanner will enjoy our stories and pictures of what his second year of life was like! Desert, Snow and off to the South he goes........

West Coast To The East Coast II

Home Sweet Home

Literally took us 60 Miles to cross Alabama
Well, Hello there! Didn't think we would be seeing you again!

I want to go back, we had a great time exploring the French Quarters....more pictures to come!

This state took forever! No wonder why they like it BIG over there! Go big or go home!

Not much to say about this one, would never want to live there, that's for sure!

Why, you look familiar.

Love, Love this state!

This city, is my city and I love it, and I love it. I was born and raised here, I've got it made here and if I had my way I'm gonna stay here for life!

Hope I never have to see this one again! Maybe for a visit, but never to live there! It was nice knowing ya!

And that completes our 2800+ adventure across the bottom states....

More pictures to come, I can't wait to share some of them with you!

West Coast To The East Coast

Catching up and not knowing where to begin!

Well, we left Kfalls on Saturday late and ended in Fresno on Sunday. This was our first part of the drive and we were eager to visit with our Fresno family and friends before we headed East. We stayed in Fresno till Tuesday and we headed to Phoenix. This last year has been pretty cool as far as being able to see some of the friends we have made a long our AF travels. One of which I consider to be a very best friend who has supported me through the hard times of being an AF wife, being away from family and helping with the kids.

I have been very lucky to find friends like this and still be able to see them and feel close to them.

We got a late start on Tuesday, due to someone who hasn't been sleeping very well. I won't name drop cause I think you all know who I'm talking about. Jt and Jeff left early and Tanner and I stayed behind trying to wake up! we eventually met up with Jeff in L.A. after a few hours. We stopped at Cabelas, which is the coolest store ever! We had lunch and walked around for a while so the kids could stretch their legs. This is the key to happy travelers. Stop often, run and use the bathroom. If they're lucky a treat to follow! And of course a DVD player in the car.

The kids and I left Jeff in the dust once we hit the Arizona State line. We wanted out of the car ASAP! We arrived at Lindsey's house around 8:30 and visited before we hit the hay!

The next day we met up with another friend that I hung out with when we lived in Tucson. Kim was pregnant with her second baby when we moved so I never got to meet Austin. We all went to lunch at my favorite restaurant and then headed to the park. It was crazy, there were 4 adults and 6 kids! It was fun to see all of our kids playing and having so much fun!

Lindsey and I with our youngest babes!

Kim and I with our babes as well. She had spent some time with me after I had tanner, but we moved shortly after and she was still pregnant. I did get to see her in October, but not the kids. So great seeing her and catching up!
Jeff with all of the kids, Addie was missing do to nap time! This picture makes me laugh.

Tanner had to take a break from all the playing and watch the F16s take off! This kid loves the jets!


Miss Ashlyn and Owen letting me take pictures of them. Jt was being a turkey and didn't want to participate.

We stayed until Thursday morning and headed out onto the open wide road. We had a great visit and wished we could have stayed longer. We were on a time line and I was wanting to stop in New Orleans and spend the day in the French Quarter exploring!

We Finally Have Internet

Ok, I have been dying to post, but we have been without Internet since we got here on the 24th! I have TONS of pictures from our trip and I can't wait to show you our amazing house!
Until I find some time and the boys aren't sitting here with me, I will update you!

New Year's 2012

I tell Jeff all the time that we are such old farts for how young we are because we never do anything. Ok, I know we have kids, but half the time we would rather be home with them. Most of the time this is true, but we have NEVER gone out for New Year's EVER! We have always stayed home or been in bed before the ball drops!

This year we actually went out, thank you Nolan and Rachel for getting married so we could celebrate with you and actually ring in the New Year with some fun!

I didn't take my camera with me, but I took some pictures with my phone so I'm sorry if their not the greatest.

Cheers to a New Year of health, safe travels, friends and new friends, safety for Jeff in his new plane and squadron, my kids, may they always be happy, have fun and love one another. Even though we may not be close, but I love everyone of you and thank you for your friendship.

Jeff and I taking a break from dancing to snap a shot of us being silly!

We had a great time and he looked so cute in his tux! He was a groomsman in Nolan's wedding, so when he wasn't busy I snatched him up for some dancing!
Jessica and I having so much fun! Her husband was in the wedding so we stuck together, drinking and dancing! We had a great time. I think the whole age thing is catching up to me. I don't drink much anyway, but I did have a few and I never felt anything. The next day was another story! I took two naps and felt horrible! Damn 30's! lol

I hope you all had an amazing fun New Year's!

I know we did and I enjoyed myself so much! It was great to have some fun with friends and especially Jeffrey!

Playdate with the Seiler's

On Monday after Christmas we got to spend a couple hours playing with our best friends. We were all healthy and stayed away from germs over the holidays, so we took the opportunity to visit before we leave for our long venture south.

As most of you know one of my best friends sons has Leukemia and hasn't been able to leave the house or play with others do his low immunity. So being it was a nice day we played outside and enjoyed the vitamin D.

Carson is driving Tanner around while Jt chased them in Lightning McQueen car.

I love this picture! T trying to give daddy kisses.

All of our boys after enjoying an outside picnic. It's so great to see them all playing and bringing joy to each other. Jt and Carson were always together before we moved and he got sick. So when they get to see one another they are truly so happy.
Nicole and I!
I can't tell you how proud I am of her. She has been amazing through this tough time and has stayed so strong. I know there have been time where she isn't and I always try to find the right words of encouragement for her, but no one will know exactly how she is feeling. Chad and Nicole have been so blessed through all of this and I am so glad that we get to be there for them and experience this. It has opened our eyes to a whole new world.

We were all so happy to get to spend time with our friends! Can't wait to be back home so we can do this more often!

Until our next play date with the Seilers..........

Christmas 2011 at my dads

Merry Christmas from the Blaufuss boys!

We totally didn't get a family picture this year, which makes me kinda sad. Not only do I try the tree picture, I always want a family picture. Oh wellllllll!

This can be my family picture or even better, use my new photo shop and cut each of us out and make a family picture all on my own! Yeah, I'll have to try that!

Here are the boys right after they woke up. Jt couldn't stand still and was so excited!

Jeffrey's new jacket from me!
My gift from Jeffrey! Something I've been wanting for a long while!

Santa's gift to Jt...

Tanner ripping through his gift! This is his second Christmas, but the first where he actually cares about whats going on.

This was Tanner's favorite gift from grandma Kathy! He finally put the thing down and gave it a rest. We had to put a new set of batteries in it already, so should tell you how much he liked it!

Tanner's gift that we had to leave behind for now.

Our mornings at home on Christmas are short. We open gifts and let the kids play for a couple hours while we get ready to head up to my moms. We had a great morning opening gift, eating pancakes and putting toys together. It's so fun seeing the kids get so excited over their gifts and be so happy over a gift Santa brought them. Especially Jt, makes me want to be a kid again!