Party in New Orleans

My best friend from college is getting married in a few months and I am honored to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. Her sister and mother invited me to attend her bachelorette party in New Orleans a few weekends ago and I couldn't resist a fun weekend. 

My early flight gave me some time to reflect on some Scott Hahn.

When we got to the hotel, Mari's sister and mother had these cute bags made for us. It was a NOLA Bachelorette Survival Kit with chocolate, mouthwash, gum, face mask, Tums, and a few other goodies. It was a cute and thoughtful gift.

After dropping our stuff off at the hotel, we headed to a local restaurant called Deanie's where I tried oysters for the first time. I was a little skeptical, but they were really good.

Taking our first shot.

We took a walk down Bourbon Street and found a hurricane at Pat O'Brien's.

That evening, Mari's sister arranged for us to watch one of the many Mardi Gras parades from a restaurant rooftop. 

All of the girls of the weekend.

It was one of the neatest sites I've ever seen. So many floats, people, and marching band after marching band.

It was so cold, but these kiddos braved the weather.

I thought this was the coolest trick. Parents brought these ladders that had boxes attached to them for their kids to sit in so they could see the parade. In the parades I have attended they don't last much longer than 30 minutes. These parades went on for HOURS!!! This was a smart idea so parents didn't have to hold their kids the entire time.

Afterwards, we rested and marveled at our beads. [No nudity was involved to attain the beads.]

The next morning, we went to brunch at The Ruby Slipper, a very popular restaurant.

I got their famous Bananas Foster and it was the tastiest breakfast I have ever had. I would go back just for this breakfast.

While we were there, we threw Mari a lingerie party.

Her cute lingerie displayed.

While Mari went to the spa in the afternoon, I went to the casino and made my donation. I was not a big winner :(

I found some time to attend Mass at St. Louis Cathedral on Saturday night. The Cathedral is breathtaking.

That night we went out to Bourbon Street. It was WILD! I had never seen so many unique people in all my life.

I had a great time being with a great group of girls that weekend. It was nice to celebrate Mari before her big day in April.