Trip Home: Jacksonville & New Orleans

Spent - that's how we felt Saturday morning as we loaded up the car and headed north to Jacksonville.  The vacation brought amazing experiences, long days and 10-15 miles of walking daily .  We were happy to be visiting Dad's Grandma, Uncle Scott & his husband Rob and looking forward to some R&R.  When we arrived we found a tropical paradise with lemon, banana, & pineapple plants coupled with wild animal sightings and a pool!  It was great to see all the family and we got to hear and tell our fair share of Vermont stories.  The girls loved meeting everyone and quickly became best friends with a relentless fetching dog named "Bandi."  This was just what we needed to recharge!

It was nice to relax around the pool - Taylor by far spent the most time in it

Dad & Jordan test the floats

Scott & Rob beat the heat while Taylor keeps diving

Dad & Grandma rehash Vermont summer memories and yes that's Taylor still swimming

Cannonball!

Jordan takes a crack at styling hair

Rob got rave reviews on Mom & the girls complimentary cuts!

The house was a real wilderness preserve - we saw an Armadillo & later this Deer in the backyard

The aforementioned Pineapple plant

We surprised everyone with group photos bright & early Monday morning!

After 2 great days we started the long drive back to Texas with a 8 hour trip to New Orleans.  It was a new experience to be in New Orleans and I would say that a few short hours was enough for us.  We did check off a few must see's in the French Quarter and enjoyed a dessert before retiring back to the hotel for the night.  

While we were driving through Mississippi, Taylor lost her loose front tooth!  This sparked much debate on whether the Tooth Fairy would find us on the road.

Grandma told us a story of the time she & Scott took a great river tour on the "Natchez"  During our walk heading to Bourbon Street we were excited to find the boat

The St  Louis Cathedral was impressive

Our walk down Bourbon St lasted just long enough for Mom & girls to pose for this picture

We stopped at Cafe Du Monde for some Beignets!

Taylor shows off her new smile 

Jordan dances in the street - we're thankful it's not Mardi Gras

The Tooth Fairy did find us!

All good things must come to an end - so ends our 11 day trip to and from Florida - we are blessed to have had the great times and memories the vacation delivered!