Pardi Gras

I had been looking forward to this Mardi Gras since I moved here in August--it would be my first Mardi Gras as a citizen of New Orleans. I had visited family many times for Mardi Gras, but this time would be different. It certainly was a different experience, and surprisingly enough, I missed the old Mardi Gras. It had always been about getting together with family, eating a ton of great food, and enjoying the parades. My first college Mardi Gras was much more stressful--to get anywhere near the festivities we had to walk at least 2 miles in windy, 30-40 degree weather. Once the parades were over, everyone wanted to go downtown, so we had to search for a cab. 10 bucks and 40 minutes later, we were downtown. While everyone else is excited about the massive party on Bourbon Street and getting completely wasted, I can't help but think "How the hell are we going to get back?" After about 3 nights of this routine, it gets extremely old. One can only be asked to show boobs for beads so many times before it stops being funny and just starts to become creepy and annoying. As lame as it may sound, the day I looked forward to most was Sunday. On Sunday, my aunt had her annual Mardi Gras get together on Fourth Street, a block up from St. Charles. My mom was there, as well as all of my cousins, aunts, uncles and some second and third cousins from my mom's side. My cousin's husband's family was also there. It was perfect--just like it used to be--great amounts of delicious food, a guaranteed up-close spot on St. Charles, and the best company one could ask for. I brought my roommate and another very good friend of mine.

Lauren with my Aunt's doberman, Atticus.

Me and the two friends I brought, Kristen and Lauren.

Me and my roommate, Lauren.

This is my cousin Grant, and everyone in the background is also a family member.