LAKE MARTIN SWAMP TOUR

We decided yesterday afternoon to take the kids on a swamp tour. Rather than head out on a big gator-feeding boat or take a long trip out on the Atchafalaya, we went over to Lake Martin (one of the best birding hot spots in the country!) and went out with Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours. The kids really enjoyed themselves. James and Manu were interested and calm the entire time, learning, listening, looking, and just being awesome. Leo was adorable running around the boat and happily sitting down to play with Spanish moss and cypress needles. Cora managed to sit on everyone's lap (well, not the strangers, thankfully), even James' and Manu's, and harass Leo by stealing his nature toys. We finally placated her with more gummy octopuses. She's lucky she's so cute! (She really wasn't naughty, just antsy and loud, and we were lucky that the other tourists didn't seem to mind the sound of her voice...)

The largest/oldest Bald Cypress in Lake Martin, estimated at 500 years old

Best buds

Checking out a hatched egg plucked from a gator nest

At one point I teased Jay that he should toss Cora overboard (she was being particularly "colorful") and James thought we were serious. Though he was more concerned about his daddy going into the water, so he kept a tight grip on the back of his shirt for the rest of the ride. He really is being quite protective of his hurt and healing daddy!

 After the tour, it was lunch time, so we headed west to Pat's for more delicious cajun/creole treats, then hightailed it home to the 'Burg in time for dinner and prep for the week. It was a fun weekend and I'm so glad we went for the race and the adventure. I'm thankful that Jay was willing to travel, and grateful that Alex was able to help him manage the kids while I was racing. Thank you Jay, Alex, and Sophie, and all your cute kiddos for a great trip!