Having fun at the Endymion Ball...Mardi Gras 2014! (Grand Marshal: Ian Somerhalder! Woot!)

As many of you know Mardi Gras is normally a few weeks long in New Orleans, and that's all cool and stuff, but normally when Mardi Gras time comes my family and I leave.  It's not that I don't like Mardi Gras, but once you've seen it 20x's or more it does get old...

However, riding in Mardi Gras is something totally different. This year my hubby got to ride in Endymion (which is one of the best parade's to ride in), and he had a blast. I didn't get to see him until the end of the night once his float made into the superdome where the parade ends and the concert and ball begins...

This year the Grand Marshal was Ian Somerhalder! Woot! (He was too far away for me to get a good look at him, but I can at least say I was in the same room with him. LOL (Check out this link to see tons of pictures of Ian from The Vampire Diaries and also Norman from The Walking Dead.)

Here are a few pics of me and some friends (and the hubby), a few before and during the Endymion Ball.

To some it up: If you haven't done Mardi Gras in New Orleans you are missing out! If you live here and you are tired of it - then ride instead. Happy Mardi Gras!

Hugs,
Dawn

All About Mardi Gras ~ New Orleans Style...

So what is Mardi Gras all about?  When will Mardi Gras be next year and the year after that?
What is with the King Cakes and the baby inside of them?
Well, I'm not going to tell you all about it, instead I'm going to be lazy and let you follow this link and dive right into all the wonderful information already posted at this other website.

I love Mardi Gras, however, I stick with 1 or 2 parades a year (maybe that many), and never on Mardi Gras day. Too many people for my taste. I hate huge crowds with not enough restrooms. Yuck.

The first Mardi Gras I remember was when I was around 3 yrs. old, and my parents took me, my brother and sister. (My lil brother wasn't around yet.) I think we were in Grenta on Fourth Street. And all of a sudden I recall these beautiful horses. They were huge! I was standing in front of my mom, aching to get closer to them. Well my Mom was waving to the men on the horses to try and get them to throw beads to us, but instead of throwing them the man on the horse decided to get a closer look at my Mom.

The next thing I recall was my foot hurting real bad. And then my Mom arguing with the man on the horse who happened to be a policeman. Oy. From what I heard, he got an ear full. Luckily, she wasn't arrested. :-)  Ahh, the good ole' days of Mardi Gras. Now all I have to worry about is the kiddo's being flashed. I stay clear of the horses...even though I love them still today...

Oh yeah, you want the link: Mardi Gras New Orleans .

Happy Mardi Gras...Enjoy!

Dawn