Bon jour, everyone! (that was a poor reference to Cajun-French)

We left Florida with a stop over in Jacksonville to see our friend Dennis. Alex enjoyed an evening of romping with Dennis' pup, Abbey. Then it was off to New Orleans (we didn't stop in AL; and only a quick stop at Mississippi's welcome center which was very cute). The last few miles we drove along the Gulf of Mexico, which was a nice view.

Just outside the French Quarter we found a lovely Bed & Breakfast (redundant) that welcomed dogs. We spent a chilly Friday evening on Bourbon Street which was surprisingly packed for such a brisk evening. The next day we toured the city via foot and trolley, then headed Northwest to Lafayette.

On the first night of our 2 1/2 days in the home of the Ragin' Cajuns, Amie's good friend from college (Carrie) introduced us to her fiancé a very sweet guy from Indiana. The two of them took us to eat fresh crawfish,

made us Louisiana-style Duck stew, and took us to a big Sunday tradition of Cajun dancing at Whiskey River Landing (called one of the 50 coolest bars in America in Men's Health, according to the sign on the wall). We also ate Po Boys and King Cake (a Mardi Gras tradition) and more Crawfish. Oh yeah, they took us to their gym three times, too, so we could counter-balance all the yummy food. A quick tour of the Tabasco factory and trying on bridesmaid dresses rounded out the trip.

While we were in Lafayette, Brion (Carrie's fiancé and also a Lafayette Police Officer) spent one morning working a protest where people were protesting a school where a boy was sent home for saying the word "gay" (he was simply telling a classmate that his two mothers were gay). One group of protesters, who were apparently against everything, went directly from Lafayette to the inauguration of the first female governor of LA (although they went unnoticed there). Pretty interesting day in Lafayette.

(stories, if you are interested: Anti-gay group protests at Gallet Elementary.

Blanco takes office)

The weather picked up yesterday. Although we won't complain about the 50 degree days we were having too much, as most of you have had snow.

Off to Texas today. Don't forget to check out the latest pictures!

Niles, Amie and Alex