I heart New Orleans

Dear girls,

Five years ago this week, your father and I became engaged. It's hard to believe it's been that long. Yet, it explains so many things about our comfort level around each other. I won't bore you with any of those details.

There isn't much of a story involved of our engagement. We went to New Orleans for Jazz Fest, held the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May. I see the lineup for this year's Fest and I have to say that I'm utterly crushed to miss it.

We were supposed to meet friends, but they didn't attend after all. On one of the nights, we were about to eat dinner in a very nice restaurant when your father asked me to marry him. I hardly remember what I ate or how it tasted. It was all a blur. I wasn't even sure if he was serious at first.

For a few days, it didn't feel real because we didn't have a ring. And, for some reason, I needed a ring -- nothing fancy, of course -- to help me realize the truth of the matter: that I was going to get married. Finally! Finally. But, all those finallies are another post for another day. In fact, I'm sure we'll have lots of chats about the times leading up to when I finally met your dad.

Anyway, while in New Orleans, which was devastated in August 2005 by Hurricane Katrina, we did a lot of the touristy things to do. Ultimately, food led our every thought. I was amazed that you could drink in the streets. I don't mean just water in sippy cups, either.

Since the devastation, I've checked up on some of our favorite spots and most are doing OK. Check out these links and if you go to New Orleans, please pay them a visit.

Bayona -- The Spot. The place that started it all. This was five years ago, so not sure how the food tastes now.

Michaul's -- which was apparently where all the older crowd hung out. Still, lots of fun, if you don't get out much. Definitely worth booking for a family party.

The Voodoo Museum. Enough said.

Riding a street car through the Garden District. Southern Charm. Breeze in your wickely ruined hair thanks to all the humidity. Perfect.

Cafe Au Lait and beignets.

I'm sorry that we haven't been able to return. I'm sorry that we haven't been able to help with the cleanup. Being a mom has put so many things on the backburner.

But, I hope this post reaches far and wide and reminds people of the hundreds who died during the flooding of New Orleans, of many businesses and homes that were ruined and the families that were torn apart and changed forever.

Please remember New Orleans.

Thank you, dear husband, for making a great American city a part of our history five fabulous years ago.