After flying in to New Orleans, we checked in to our cute little B&B inn, where we we shared a cottage with Ian and Sara (unfortunately, after we got there, we found out that our inn was a few miles away from a prison - eek!). We would have stayed at The Bluffs country club lodge with everyone else, but it was full. So basically, the four of us were "weekend buddies" and it was really wonderful getting to know them. We went to the rehearsal dinner cookout at the bride's parents' home, and they had AMAZING homemade Louisiana and Cajun/Creole food... Best. Jambalaya. Ever. At the close of the evening, they had fireworks! It was quite impressive.
I had a tough time taking fireworks pictures with my little camera but this one turned out well!
After that, the four of us went to a Harry Potter midnight release party in Baton Rouge. This was definitely an interesting experience and a HUGE party (it seemed like a larger-than average Barnes and Noble, too). The B&N was ridiculously crowded, and it only got worse as the evening progressed. Of course, lots of fans were dressed up in costumes, and many news crews were outside and milling about. I wish I had taken some pics of the better costumes. My favorite was the lady dressed up as Umbridge, carrying around plates with pictures of cats on them. Matt and I did not buy a Deathly Hallows book since we had already pre-ordered one. Ian and Sara had reserved two books at that store, though, one for them and the other for the bride and groom to read on their plane trip to the Caribbean. So, we all just passed around the extra book to read a few chapters until we had to hand it over to Rebecca and Santiago on Sunday. :)
Our pictures don't capture how crowded it was, or how many people were dressed up, so I borrowed one from a news site. Ian also picked up some glow-in-the dark Harry glasses.
On Saturday, we just took it easy. Our B&B served really yummy breakfast food, and then we hung out with the other wedding guests during the day (playing golf, reading Harry Potter, eating ice cream, etc.). The wedding and reception on Saturday evening was a blast. Great food and music (live band!) and an open bar all night. And even John was dancing! One cool thing was during part of dinner Matt and I chatted with a WWII veteran who had neat stories and had been to the Philippines. Here's a bunch of pics, sorry I don't have good ones of the bride and groom:
Pics of us with John, George, Ian and Sara.
A bunch of ASDL rocket scientists getting ready for a picture - I'm not sure what they're looking at.
Not sure what prompted this pose, but I like it!
On Sunday, we spent a few hours in New Orleans before our flight and strolled around the French Quarter. Matt and Sara had never been to Nawlins before, and even though I warned him that he would not like Bourbon Street, it's that obligatory touristy thing you have to do at least once, so we did. It smelled much like it did when I did my obligatory stroll - a hot and humid mix of urine, alcohol, and that tacky-gift-store-shop-smell.
I think there's much more to see in New Orleans outside of, but we since our time was limited, we only had time to have lunch and meet up with John in the French Market district and walk around just a bit more. It was so hot and humid that we were just grateful to eat somewhere with AC!
Jackson Square on a very clear and hot day!
Mississippi River
All in all, it was a fun trip and a good time with friends! We hope that this will remind/urge me and Matt to keep in touch with old and new friends, to treasure those friendships and never take them for granted, to keep them in our prayers, to seek depth in those relationships, and to make sure to make time to enjoy new friendships in our new home here.
Cheers.... :)
P.S. Here is an online album with some more pictures.
I especially liked the groomscake design.
Pics of us with John, George, Ian and Sara.
A bunch of ASDL rocket scientists getting ready for a picture - I'm not sure what they're looking at.
Not sure what prompted this pose, but I like it!
On Sunday, we spent a few hours in New Orleans before our flight and strolled around the French Quarter. Matt and Sara had never been to Nawlins before, and even though I warned him that he would not like Bourbon Street, it's that obligatory touristy thing you have to do at least once, so we did. It smelled much like it did when I did my obligatory stroll - a hot and humid mix of urine, alcohol, and that tacky-gift-store-shop-smell.
I think there's much more to see in New Orleans outside of, but we since our time was limited, we only had time to have lunch and meet up with John in the French Market district and walk around just a bit more. It was so hot and humid that we were just grateful to eat somewhere with AC!
Jackson Square on a very clear and hot day!
Mississippi River
All in all, it was a fun trip and a good time with friends! We hope that this will remind/urge me and Matt to keep in touch with old and new friends, to treasure those friendships and never take them for granted, to keep them in our prayers, to seek depth in those relationships, and to make sure to make time to enjoy new friendships in our new home here.
Cheers.... :)
P.S. Here is an online album with some more pictures.
2 comments:
Hey, Stephanie! Was good to see your name on my blog... it's fun getting to see pictures of what you and Matt are up to! Looks like you're having a great time! In a couple of weeks I'll put up some pics of a visit to Ashley in Florida... I'm going down this coming weekend. Next time blueberries are in season and you're in town I'd be happy to bake up a blueberry pie for you :)
THanks for your prayers Stephanie. We arrived safely in Ithaca on August 10th. Our stuff arrived on August 16th. I have been unpacking ever since.
I hope you are well.
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