Did you know that Stone Mountain in Georgia is home to the largest exposed granite face in the world? Stone Mountain Park was our first stop as we headed out on another day of new sites to see. The stone carving in the side of the mountain is a must see. I've never seen anything like it before. Likewise, Stone Mountain Park is gorgeous. The air is fresh. We live near so many factories and refineries in Southeast TX that fresh air isn't something we are used to these days.
Besides the carving to view on the mountain, there were fun activities to do and lovely shops to patronize in case you wanted to pick up one of a kind souvenirs. An added plus was having the area all decked out for Christmas. It was a really special experience. Vivian had a great time taking photos and I got some great shots myself despite being such a novice at it!
I ran in to my ole buddy Harley Quinn and some other familiar faces. All I can say is...CUTENESS OVERLOAD!
Aunt Annette bought Little John a Lego Mixel to add to his collection. Then we headed in to Dave and Busters, which was also inside the mall, to play some games and have a snack. One of the games Little John chose was Skee Ball. He was surprised at himself that he was scoring so high!
His faces always crack me up! His competitive spirit is GREAT. He ended up with tons of tickets and got himself some goodies from the merch store then we headed back home. Emma had done really well by this point, being carted all over Georgia even though she is only 8 months old. Sophie on the other hand, was nearing her meltdown point.
Once we got back to Aunt Annette's house and settled in for the evening, the girls passed out from what I can only imagine was exhaustion. They are so sweet when they are sleeping!!
The next day was Thanksgiving. Aunt Angie, Uncle Donnie and Rachel came down to join us. We enjoyed a wonderful meal and visiting with each other. Uncle Mark (Aunt Annette's husband) made TWO turkeys. One deep fried and one SMOKED. I have never tried EITHER. I loved BOTH but the edge went to the deep fried turkey. I have never had a turkey so juicy! I seriously doubt we will ever cook one the same around our house ever again.
We certainly have some great looking ladies in our family! This pic is Aunt Angie holding Emma and Sophie. Vivian is on the right and Rachel is on the left. Angie showed me pictures of Rachel when she was a baby. She looks EXACTLY like Sophie. It's uncanny! I was glad to get to know them better.
As we sat around visiting after our meal and discussing our departure plans, my husband springs the surprise on me. He intends to take me to New Orleans on the way home! (It's slightly out of the way but doable)
Of course it was another place I had never been to and I was beside myself! I have always wanted to go there! He made plans for us to leave out from Georgia the next morning and stay Friday night near New Orleans then drive back to our place on Saturday morning.
We arrived in NOLA at around 4 P.M. It was busy being a Holiday weekend and a Friday Night but nothing like I have seen on social media and TV during Mardi Gras so we were able to enjoy ourselves. We parked at Harrahs Hotel and Casino. I had to snap a photo before we headed out to walk down to Bourbon Street and the famed French Quarter. I couldn't believe I was there.
As we walked down Bourbon Street, I noticed how pretty and "old world" style most of the buildings were. I felt like I was in a history lesson. It was fantastic. I know Bourbon Street can get crazy but we escaped all that for the most part. I am glad we chose this time of year to go. Other than it not being so chaotic and crowded, the weather was good too! I loved all the little shops. We saw everything from regular souvenir places to stores with Vampire and Voodoo Themes! As well as places I have seen featured on shows that I have watched. 
Spirits on Bourbon, for example, was a bar I saw featured on the show Bar Rescue!
Vivian got a palm reading. I must say, I am not a believer in "that sort of stuff" but the palm reader had Vivian dead to rights. Whatever it is that she channels in order to be able to read people the way she does is creepy!! And DEAD ON! John P and I were very shocked....
Our last stop in New Orleans before heading to the Hotel to get some sleep was to stop at Cafe Du Monde. If you haven't heard of this place you should look it up. They have world famous coffee and beignets. We placed our order and once received, walked down the street to sit on a set of stairs to devour our tasty treats. I have never tasted anything like these beignets before. They came to us piping hot and covered in so much powdered sugar, you had to be careful not to breath in from your nose while eating them. What a unique dessert! Even Emma couldn't get enough!
We arrived back in Southeast TX around NOON the next day. After unpacking the car and getting settled back in for a while, I think we took the longest nap in history. It's great to have gotten out of town for a while and also great to be back home!
I am one lucky girl. I have amazing in laws. Not only did I get to visit and get to know them better but I got to experience a LIST of new people, places and things. I can't wait to go back and visit the family again and I can't wait to see what adventure life holds for us next!
Have you ever been to New Orleans?
Have you ever had a beignet?
Here's the link to Cafe Du Monde. You can actually order their coffee and beignet mix online!!
I hope you enjoyed reading about our journey. As always, love to you all!!
Stacey
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