We weren’t quite sure what the big Mardi Gras weekend had in store for us this year. It was forecasted to be a total washout, and there was a question of whether or not the major parades would even roll. However, everything proceeded as scheduled, and it actually ended up being really great.
Jeff rode in Endymion again (with Jay and Doug), so Erin and I decided we would chance the weather and head out to see him. Dana and Dave elected not to open Dave’s clinic for their annual Endymion party, but they told us we were welcome to hang out on the porch anyway. So that’s what we did!
We got out there around 3:30 and found out the parade’s start time was moved up by half an hour. Perfect. There was a brief rain shower, but we were sheltered on the porch. And I had outfitted the boys in rain boots and bathing suits, so they were all set.
The parade got to us just after 4pm and we didn’t see any more rain the rest of the night. Saints players Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore were on one of the first floats; they looked like they were having a blast. Riley and I got Matthew’s dad Josh’s attention on float 10 for the second year in a row and he threw us some cool stuff. Then we crossed the street to see Jeff, Jay, and Doug on float 14. So fun.
Riley also scored a really cool silver skull mask from a random rider. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time and he benefited. He was SO excited.
So the weather turned out not to be much of a factor on Saturday. But Sunday was a whole different story. We took another risk and went out to Thoth. We met up with Dana, Dave, Claire, and Colin right near the beginning. The boys were once again in their rain boots and bathing suits, and that ended up being a good thing. Oh, and we also ran into Ms. Paulin! Riley and Claire were so excited to see her.
A downpour started right at noon, when Thoth was scheduled to roll. We all got pretty soaked (although Riley did hide under a tree for a tiny bit) but the boys had a great time splashing in the puddles. We made the most of it, but it did make me grateful for many past years of beautiful weather.
We eventually dried out and enjoyed one of our favorite parades. We saw our 610 Stomper friend Fred, Scott and his brother Ryan, our other friend Scott, and Dana’s BIL Ryan. And we all went home sporting new orange Thoth hats (after we watched the clean up crew, of course).
Plus, there were some pretty epic puddles to walk through on our way back to the car. What a day.
We took Monday off and enjoyed a relaxing, parade-free day, but we went out with Grandma to see one last parade on Mardi Gras morning: Rex. It was a gorgeous day!
And with that, our 2018 Mardi Gras season came to a close. However, there are only 26 more days until the St. Patrick’s Day Irish Channel parade!
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