The Weinbergers: Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?

It has been entirely too long since I last blogged. July was crazy. Joe was out of town for basically all of it, so I was in Houston hanging with my parents. I was also working on my two online classes that will finish August 20th. Yes, you can complete 15 hours over the course of two summer sessions. Whew, it hasn't been easy though. My time in Houston was really special actually. I was able to have a last kid summer with my family, a last hooray if you will. Finally, my travel itch was somewhat satisfied the third week of July. For about a year I had been saying I wanted to celebrate my 21st in New Orleans. The timing wasn't right, so we waited till July to make our trip. It began as just Joe and my parents, and evolved into a big family affair. I say for the most part it was a success. It was a bit hot, ha a bit. However, that did not keep us from experiencing multiple parts of New Orleans. I got to experience a side of New Orleans I never had before, being a minor and all. Don't misunderstand me, the classy side... I guess. I also had some really, really good french toast (apparently my thing on vacation) & AWESOME bbq shrimp from Mr. B's (one of my grandmother's favorites). It was a great trip, and I appreciate everyone who came to celebrate with me- it really means a lot! Here are a few pics. from our trip.

Dinner the first night at Irene's Cuisine. It was a beautiful restaurant, and would have been better if they had given me what I ordered.

Day 1: Our adventure to The Garden District. We rode the St. Charles street car and experienced classic New Orleans architecture. We went to awesome antique shops, The Columns Hotel to have a drink, and walked a lot!

That afternoon we got back to the hotel and Karen and John had arrived. We all had a great dinner at Mr. B's Bistro. My grandmother, Mere, would go to Mr. B's for lunch when she worked in the city. She died my Junior year of HS, so experiencing something she loved in the city makes it a whole lot more special.

Day 2: A trip to NOLA is incomplete without a trek to Cafe Du Monde!

The three of us hadn't ever been to Casino, and I guess second to Vegas New Orleans is the place to go. We only played the slots, and only won about $6-we put in $20 ;) .

That night we went to my Aunt D and Uncle Sim's house for a family get together. Little did I know they had planned a little birthday celebration as well. It was so, so sweet. Three of my dad's cousins were able to come, my dad's sister and brother's families and it was a really special time. My dad's cousins were telling stories about my Grandpa Sim, who died when my dad was 14. It was great to hear his legacy. This pic. is the classic pose for my dad & his siblings.

This is everyone (minus Karen & John) that was in attendance. I can't say enough what a special time it was. I love you all so much! I am blessed beyond words. Thanks Aunt D & Uncle Sim.

Cousins! (and few cousin in-laws) These are my Louisiana cousins, and we had a great time catching up. It's so fun now because it's like we are all the same age. The night ended with some great home videos, which never disappoint.

Day 3: My dad really loves where he comes from, and so do I. I love going back with him, and it is always a special time. I'm so proud to be a Diano. This is Lake Pontchartrain where my dad spend a lot of his childhood. The morning we leave we always take a little driving tour of my dad's favorite spots.

This was my Mere's house when I was a baby. I took a picture like this back in the day, and have been wanting to re-create it for giggles. I think because I didn't spend a whole lot of time with her and she is gone now, it means a lot to reconnect- in a way.