Oasis In the Bayou

Today we had our weekly family outing, 'family time.' We decided to go to a place that many have told us is a great catch all park where the kids can run, jump, and have a bunch of fun. We were wholly unprepared for the surprise we were about to embark upon.

Driving past lots of dilapidated houses and remnants of Hurricane Katrina, we did not know what to expect. Suddenly, we turn a corner and see a huge welcoming sign followed by full tennis courts, large and beautiful trees that lazily hang over the streets and create a sense of complete serenity.

We park our car, get out and begin to walk towards the amusement park that is housed within this great park. We hear cheers, screams, smell the wonderful aroma of barbecue and popcorn. With excitement, the kids jump up and down in utter surprise as we prepare to enter the amusement park. Ride after ride, they are filled with youthful joy and plan out their next move. All we hear are calls of "Can we go on that next? Can we get a snow cone? Can we play in the park now dad?"

It was hot and humid, but nothing could replace the pure delight and joy expressed by all three children as they happily ran from ride to ride. No long lines. No huge park congestion. No fear of losing your child! It is the perfect size for family fun. The park is big enough to not get completely bored, but small enough to be contained in one afternoon. There was even a great park full of a fire truck, a space ship, fairy tale depictions, and serenity. It was a veritable cornucopia of juxtapositions of imagery and imaginations.

We had to stop momentarily to eat lunch. Hamburgers, hot dogs, or nachos were the main menu items. Not really a great assortment, but now we know we can bring food into the park. (Mental note for next time.) After lunch, the kids went on a few more rides and we finalized it all up with snow cones and slushies.

For only the second time since we arrived in New Orleans, once we got back to the hotel, the children fell right asleep for a nap. Any day where the kids can be kids (sweat, laugh, get messy, scream, run, jump, and smile all day) is a great day!

We had a ball Laughing Out Loud, and Enjoying Our Children and Family Time Today! Find something that you can do that helps you to Laugh Out Loud and Enjoy Your Children today! No matter whether the kids are 2, 15, or 25!