Team Shelton-Est. 2001

Our BFF's Brian and Nicole, drove all the way from Las Vegas to spend the week with us. O.K. they didn't drive all the way just to see us-they were on their way to Virginia and then Vermont, but I like to think that it was all for us!

We met at the dog park, where Bentley and Myla were united with their friends- Buddy and Bandit (two rat terriers). We then headed back home for dinner at the Mediterranean Buffet and a stroll along the boardwalk.

Dan, Heidi, Nicole and Brian at the Kemah Boardwalk

Heidi and Dan

Nicole and Brian

The next day, after bagels at Einsteins (yum!) we spent the day at The Space Center. The tram ride/tour was hot, especially after waiting in line for 30 mins. But the rest of the day was fun. Our night wouldn't have been complete without watching the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics.

Dan and Heidi at the Space Center

The next morning we packed our bags, and our dogs and headed out to Louisiana. We stopped at a few plantations, and then went South to New Orleans, where we stayed the night and 1/2 of the next day.

Heidi and Dan at the Oak Alley Plantation

Heidi at Jackson Square

Heidi and Nicole at the French Quarter

No trip is complete without a stop at Margaritaville

The last stop on our trip was to the Lower Ninth Ward. Within 3 hours of the levee breach, caused by Hurricane Katrina, the lower ninth ward was covered in 12 feet+ of water. Although it's been 3 years this area of the city is still a ghost town. The grass and roads have become overgrown, very few people still live there. Occasionally you would see a FEMA trailer, or people hauling away rubbage, but it was almost completely vacant. It was very eerie.

This was a church, where the sign still lists the time and schedule of the sermons.
Almost every house had a "X" on it, and some even stated who/what was inside (ex. "paw prints inside.")

Then we went North to another area that was badly hit by Hurricane Katrina. It was ironic though, because this was/is a much wealthier neighborhood. Although the damage was evident (such as the High School shown below,) it was an area that could "afford" to rebuild. Only every third house or so was condemned.

We guessed that the sign said-"Welcome Back Cougars, Classes Begin August 30, Be on time, Jamboree Friday."

Heidi, Myla and Bentley standing across the high school next to the 17th street Canal. This canal suffered a levee break, which caused over 10 feet of flooding to the area.