Yes Mardi Gras was about a month ago - but I felt the need to inform the general public that Mardi Gras when done correctly is actually a very fun family event! The pictures here are from a church potluck held at our pastor's home which happened to be on a parade route on a Sunday afternoon. We were close to the beginning of the route. As you can see parents build their children seats on top of ladders so that they can catch the stuffed animals, beads & other toys that are thrown into the crowds. Students get off of school anywhere between 3-5 days for this celebration & there are parades through out the city for almost 2 weeks so you have to be careful where you drive especially close to our neighborhood where many of the parades travel through.