Turning 10 in New Orleans

What a 10th birthday for Edith! We planned a day for her to remember in New Orleans last month.

First up, a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi. Lunch was also on the boat and included a variety of classics -- jambalaya, red beans and rice, sausage, fish, bread pudding and sweet tea. It was cold when we boarded and we spent the first half of the cruise indoors, but it was warm in the sun for the last half, so we explored the boat and the views. Edith and I liked walking around the boat. Paul and Atticus enjoyed the live jazz band.

After that we walked to Jackson Square Park, visited St. Louis Cathedral and tried the kids' patience as we browsed the French Market and nearby shops. Then it was off to what Edith really wanted to do on her birthday -- swim in the hotel's indoor pool.

We chose a supper destination that I though Edith would enjoy, and she approved -- Dat Dog. The kids were pleased with their regular ol' hot dogs, while I got an alligator dog, and Paul ordered a crawfish one.

And when you turn 10 in the Big Easy, you get birthday beignets at Cafe du Monde -- that my rule, anyway. We got three order of three and had three leftover. They are big! The kids were thrilled with them, along with the mess made by the mounds of powdered sugar. 

We walked down Bourbon Street on the way back to the hotel, so now the kids know firsthand why it's one of the craziest streets in the country. We didn't go inside any storefronts, but how many 10-year-olds can say they spent their birthday on Bourbon Street?