Beach bound for Mardi Gras break

I know those that do not live in the New Orleans area are thinking, why would one ever leave New Orleans during Mardi Gras? Well not to burst your bubble but after 30 years it gets very redundant.  Do I love moon pies, fun costumes and pretty floats?  Of course!  However, taking a 4 year old and a 1 year old out to a parade isn't as fun as it was in my teens. 

Along with the majority of the metro New Orleans area we decided last minute to leave town and go on a vacation for Mardi Gras.  No, we didn't go to Disney World like 90% of those traveling did but instead went to Gulf Shores.  Our crew of 15 was excited to spend a few days on the beach and my boys were so excited to spend time with their cousins.

On our way we had breakfast at Cracker Barrel in Mississippi and as I went to check out from the Old Country Store there I went to find my wallet and it wasn't in my diaper bag.  I immediately freaked out and went to the car to search for it when it hit me that I didn't put my wallet back in my diaper bag when I went to Noah's mardi gras parade at school the day before! Ugh!  My personality is a strict rule follower so I start to panic realizing I can't even drive without my license.  Ahh!

Thankfully this wasn't any indication of how the rest of our vacation would be.  The whole experience was nearly perfect!  The house exceeded our expectations and it was beautiful.  We had so much room and it was on the beach and we had our own private pool.  The weather was still chilly so we couldn't take full advantage of the pool but it was heated so the kids swam a few times.  The kiddos even saw dolphins swimming, how neat is that?