Louisiana Loving

We have had TWO new additions to the Craft Nigh Girls and we all converged on Marksville, LA to have a relaxing week of talking, walking, eating, and holding the new babies. (Mia was born in December and Ben Andre was born the end of January.)



We were short a CN girl (we missed you terribly Susan), but it was still a nice week in the end. I decided to go a day early so I wasn't rushed to get there. It is only about a 5 hour drive and Lulu was a trooper. I obviously didn't get any pictures, since I was the only one in the car, but she was all set up in the back with her video player and Nerds. I am happy to report there were NO puking incidents. We got to Marksville a little late on Monday, but Jessica's mother in law made this AMAZING shrimp dish and we just spent the night chatting and catching up. Oh how I miss my friend. We actually lived together (her, her husband, Adam, and I) one of the years we lived in NOLA. I could have only done it with her. She is an amazing woman and one ot he most giving people I have ever met. Her extended family is the same so we had a great time being pampered by Rita her mother in law.

Marksville is a small town 3 hours north of NOLA. I've been there before and LOVED the amazing architecture, and feel of such a great town. We were amazed at all the signs posted in yards by the historical preservation board. We took a walk one afternoon and ended up at a local bar for some refreshment. Everyone knew Jessica- it gave you a wonderful small town feeling.


This is where I lived for the better part of my week in Lousiana. It was so cool and my girlfriend and I would rock on the swing while we talked and played catch up on our lives.

We drove one day to Natchitoches and walked around a bit and had a delicious meal. Luckily we had our resident preservationist- soon to be architecture student with us to give us the low down on all the buildings. Although she did want us to go on a bit of a long walk, at one point Lulu said "I'm tired now- can we stop?" I was happy, because I needed the break too.

Lulu and I spent some time in the family pool. It was nice and relaxing, but a little cold. I didn't take any photos- who wants to document pregnancy and swim wear?

After a wonderful week we headed to NOLA for the Memorial Day Weekend. Adam flew into NOLA on Saturday morning and his only request was to eat at Crabby Jacks. He has never been and he has to regularly sit and listen to me go on and on about this dive of a restaurant. I have CRAVED a shrimp and oyster po-boy from Crabby Jacks for my ENTIRE pregnancy, so I was happy to accomodate. What would you know- the place was closed for Memorial Day. Poor- poor Adam. He was a trooper and we headed to Lebanon's Cafe instead. Always delicious.





We spent time at the aquarium which was nice to see it back on its feet. Although- there were several changes to the exhitbits which disappointed me a bit (they changed them for obvious reasons, but this place had the most AMAZING exhibit of sea horses and frogs and I was sad to see it missing or downsized). We also ate all the time. We made it to my favorite little shop Metro Three to pick up some "Red Beans and Rice" shirts for Lulu, baby Teddy, and Tasha's two beautiful girls (welcome to the world STELLA). We also made a brief stop to Cafe Du Monde for beignets. Oh I love that place.

We were sad to leave, but we had a fantastic time. It amazes me how much I love this place and how homesick I am every time I go back.