New Orleans, Tiana style

A major bonus to visiting family in Louisiana is that New Orleans is also home to my oldest's favorite Disney character, Princess Tiana.  My sister-in-law and her fiance were wonderful enough to prepare a one-of-a-kind Princess tour of the city!

Here is the awesome preview site they made for the girls, comparing scenes and characters from "The Princess and the Frog" to their real-life inspirations/bases.

Highlights from the day include:

A visit to the bug museum (not exactly Princess and the Frog, but VERY preschool/kindergarten!!).  Both girls entered, 100% against the idea of bug consumption--and both ended up gorging out on candied bugs!

My oldest's fave was the waxworm fondue:

My youngest preferred toasted waxworm fudge:

We even picked up some seasoned worms (chili) and crickets (salt & vinegar) for Daddy to try!

Next on the list was some Cajun dining for lunch!  We enjoyed turtle soup, blackened gator, grilled cheese, & popcorn shrimp.

After checking out some street performers, artists, and the St. Louis Cathedral--where Tiana and Naveen were married, we enjoyed Cafe Du Monde's famous beignets--the very pastry Tiana baked when saving up to buy her own restaurant at the start of the movie!!

Local artistry:

The Cathedral:

Beignets!

The day ended with a mini corn maze, a walk down the Mississippi, and dinner at a gorgeous WWII Museum, where we got to meet my fiance-in-law's folks--and also check out one of the many gorgeous places the happy couple is considering for their future wedding!  :o)

Somehow, this place didn't scare them!!

 

Strolling toward & along the Mississippi:

Louis' Riverboat!

My first po' boy (fried oysters) at the WWII Museum.  It was delish!

Can't wait to visit--with Matt--when his schedule permits!!