Mardi Gras!

It was an absolutely beautiful February day here, so we decided to venture down to Galveston to check out the Mardi Gras festivities. We got there in time for Madeline to experience her first parade. She was fascinated by all the color, noises and people. She didn't care too much for the drums in the marching bands, though!

This was the first time we had been down to Galveston after Hurricane Ike. They've made amazing progress and the city is coming back together. We ventured down to The Strand after the parade and peeked in a few of the shops and about 95% of them have reopened.

The Strand was hopping with multiple live bands, people gathered in the streets, beads being thrown from balconies, street performers, etc. It was quite the party; I can't even imagine what New Orleans must be like this time of year! As always, Madeline was quite the trooper and we timed it just right to hit naptime on the way down to Galveston and the way back home.

Here are some pictures from our very first Mardi Gras!

On Seawall Blvd...waiting for the parade to start.



"Gee, I wish the parade would hurry up!"


"Here comes the parade"


"My bead collecting has begun!"


Some of the floats:





Having a baby at the parade is a sure way to get lots of beads....and stuffed animals.....and candy. I couldn't believe how much 'loot' we left with!



Madeline's stuffed animal 'loot'


"Mmmmm, beads are tasty!"



End of the parade family photo


"Look how many beads I ended up with. I didn't even have to show my belly once!"


Mommy and Madeline on the beach


All that excitement sure makes a girl sleepy!