Our Christmas Eve was pretty unusual this year! We headed to Shreveport the day before Christmas Eve for the Independence Bowl. You can check out our first day here.
Christmas Eve day was the kids outing. We made sure that all of the girls would be able to go on the outing. The morning was pretty hectic. We woke up early to have breakfast and get ready, and headed downstairs to complete the paperwork for the kids. Once everyone was ready, the girls loaded the bus and headed to a trampoline park, and then to an arcade/pizza place for lunch. The girls all said that they had a blast and they came home feeling pretty spoiled!
Once the kids headed off, the wives headed to a Mardi Gras museum.
Apparently, everyone loves to celebrate Mardi Gras in Louisiana. Several years ago, when we were at the GMAC bowl, I learned that Mardi Gras originated in Mobile. And we toured a museum there. It was pretty neat to see the difference in how it's celebrated in Shreveport. The costumes are very similar, the floats, the beads.... but in Mobile, the kings and queens of Mardi Gras are the debutantes, while the kings and queens in Shreveport, are on the older side, if you catch my drift.
The current queen was there and told us about the organization that puts on Mardi Gras in Shreveport and all that it entails.
They served us King Cake, and I found the baby in my slice. Tradition says that I have to buy the next King Cake and host the next party, so guess what?! You're all invited to the party!
After we sat through the presentation, enjoyed the cake, and admired the elaborate costumes, we headed outside to look at the floats.
We were able to go in one, and were shocked to find bathrooms on board! But, they said that the parades can last 2-3 hours, so I guess they need a bathroom!
When we were finished, we headed to a chef demonstration.
The chef showed us how to make Shrimp and Grits.
I have to say, the Shrimp was fabulous! The grits, well, they're not for this Southern girl.
After our cooking demonstration, we did some shopping, and then headed to Zocolo for lunch.
I had their Shrimp Pasta, which was too die for! After lunch, we headed back to the hotel and picked up the girls. Then, it was straight to the room for naps!
The girls and I all had about a two hour nap! When we woke up, we headed over to the outlet mall for some shopping.
The girls were pretty mesmerized by the fountains!
I think they really loved justing being out of the hotel!
We found a gigantic Christmas tree and I tried to take a picture, Addy Pearl wouldn't come any closer though!
And, then we finally convinced her.
The girls really wanted to go to Build-A-Bear, so we did!
Megan picked out a LaLaLoopsy doll to make.
She warmed the heart, gave it a kiss, and shoved it inside her doll.
Addy picked Olaf, but wouldn't participate in the stuffing. She did however go over and pick out a heart, and warmed it up and gave it a kiss without any prompting. This girl learns fast.
Gretchen picked out a My Little Pony.
Then the girls gave their new toys a bath.
We closed the mall down, and headed to meet the shuttle.
Once we got back, we changed clothes to get ready for dinner and then we had a team meeting.
Everyone was excited when Coach Montgomery announced that Santa had stopped by for a visit!
The girls were pumped! And the look in their eyes and the smile on Gretchen's face, made our away-from-home Christmas Eve pretty priceless!
But, Addy was getting a bit sleepy.
All of the players took turns having their picture made with Santa.
DJ's video staff had their picture made and then it was our turn.
The girls were excited that Santa knew their name, and told Gretchen that she probably talked too much at school!
And, then this happened! Probably, the very best picture and moment ever.
Tomorrow, I'll be sharing more of our Christmas Eve and our Christmas morning!
That last picture :)
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