Nawlins

Many a people would call us crazy for heading out to Nawlins (aka: New Orleans for those who are not from the south) for an overnighter with 44 teenagers...Sin City can be a dangerous place with that kind of combination. Meet the teachers who dare to do it! Ha-Ha-Ha! Actually, it was a breeze and such a wonderful trip. Our annual IB Junior fieldtrip is to Vicksburg, MS to soak in the Civil War importance of the small town on the Mississippi River - however, this was the year for change. New Orleans is the new annual trip for sure.

L to R: Dana, Karen, me, and Marilyn

Choctaw IB Class of 2011
(I had them as freshman and will all of them again next year as Seniors)

1st stop - National WWII Museum. Incredible. Best part though is the 4-D movie about D-day invasion. We met many WWII veterans who volunteer there and heard their stories. Just as interesting, we heard why NOLA was the site for this national treasure... the Higgins boats that were used in the D-Day invasion were built and tested right there in New Orleans. Very cool story centered around Higgins Boats.

Favorite thing that touched me the most.
Of course I already knew about the blue star flags, but I think I would really like to get one. If you aren't familar with the history of these flags, read here.

After dinner, we were treated to a walking ghost tour through the French Quarter. Now those of you who know me, know that I'm a HUGE scaredy-cat... but it was really cool (and convincing with many stories and pictures that were taken).

After a good night sleep & a hearty breakfast, our first stop on day#2 was to the Rodrigue Art Studio New Orleans (aka: Blue Dog Galleries) where we had a fabulous opportunity to meet the artist, George Rodrigue who happened to be in town. As an IB candidate, our students study many artists in their 10th and 11th grade year (as well as put together a large portfolio of their own) and George Rodrigue was one of those artists they were very familiar with. Me, on the other hand, knew nothing of him. When I left there, I was "wowed" and learned so much about him, art, and art history (and that is definately NOT my thing). It was really cool.

On the streets of New Orleans, ALL kinds of people can be seen (dare I say "original"?)

After lunch and shopping on the RiverWalk, our last stop was Mardi Gras World. Yeap, we went to the place where they create, design and build all of the Mardi Gras floats for the New Orleans parades. I didn't even know a place like this existed. It was insanely big. Once again... learned the history and really got to see the behind the scenes action. I even got my picture with a few familiar faces that Thomas will be sure to recognize...

This is only a glimpse of this year's floats... we got to see them all.

Scrat (the squirrel) from Ice Age

Stuck between Mrs. & Mr. Potatoe Head

Thomas favorite for sure...

Now that the annual IB Fieldtrip is complete, Spring Break has started and I'm very much looking forward to time with Thomas & Abby as we prepare for Daddy's return in less than 3 weeks. Wow... 3 weeks. That doesn't even seem real. Been a long 7 months. The light is shining really bright at the end of our tunnel.