Happy first birthday, Hudson!

There is so much to say about this little love of ours turning one today. Too much to try just yet. Happy birthday to a boy who has made our hearts grow with love every day–we’re huge fans.

Visiting the American Museum of Natural History

When I was an editor at Sterling, I was assigned to a lot of projects at AMNH. In fact, when I left, I was in the midst of developing a guide to the museum for children–it spurred some fun field trips. I still had some tickets left from work and so last week we took Hudson to the museum for his first time (after a requisite lunch at the Shake Shack across the street, of course).

I’m not sure I can recall his ever being so excited as he was when he spotted the first, glowing diorama. He was in heaven–running around, waving at the animals and other children, moving from spot to spot and then back again. He ran himself into the ground! (I was trying to remember the name of that bad TV show about Vicki the robot while we were there–“Small Wonder”–because it was like when she went into overdrive and went haywire.) Then, nearly instantly, and only after a few quiet sobs over being picked up, he fell asleep Aron’s chest.

The funny thing is, despite my having been there so many times for work, I had no idea what to do or see or where to go (especially to escape the crowds, who were thick and had–like us–hoped to evade the humidity and heat outside). So I asked my friend Leigh (Marvelous Kiddo–who I consider an authority–for five tips on how one should visit AMNH with children. (Thank you, Leigh! I wish I had known to head to the Astor Turret–we needed a calm space for Mr. Small Wonder.) Here they are:

Flashback: A long weekend in New Orleans

Aron left early yesterday morning to attend a prep course for his board exams. Should be a really fun four days, eh? Hudson and I are staying behind: as much as I’d like go and drink sazeracs and listen to jazz, I have a feeling that our visit–in reality–would play out differently.

Back in June of 2008, Aron and I spent a wonderful weekend in the Big Easy, thanks to his parents, who flew us there to meet them before one of their professional conferences. It’s been a while and we just scratched the surface (so bear that in mind if you’re planning a trip there and use any of this as a reference), but the memory is still a fond one! I thought I’d try to pull together a bit of a trip log in retrospect…

I flew in the day before Aron–who had to work all of Friday–and checked into the Marriott on Canal Street, just off the river and down from the French Quarter. I started the day with beignets and iced cafe au lait at 24-hour Cafe Du Monde (mais oui), which looks out onto Decatur street and Jackson Square. I scarfed down the powdery french-style donuts too fast to take a photo.

After a few more hours (and a much-needed shower), I met up with Aron’s parents for dinner at one of Emeril’s restaurants. I believe it was his namesake spot or Delmonico’s, but I’m afraid my memory fails me! I do know that we also later went to his restaurant, NOLA, for lunch and had a belated first-anniversary celebration with fantastic cocktails, too. (I recall them making my favorite Ramos Gin Fizz of the visit–a classic ‘Nawlins cocktail of gin, egg whites, orange flower water, soda, lemon and lime juice, and cream.)

In fact, the next days are a bit of a blur of restaurant sampling and cocktail testing. But rather than spend much time in the wee hours on Bourbon street, we ducked in and out of wonderful old establishments like Napoleon House (for a Pimm’s Cup) or Arnaud’s (for a Ramos Gin Fizz). Aron sampled sazeracs where possible (a stiff combination of rye whiskey, Peychaud’s Bitters, Herbsaint Anise liqueur and a bit of sugar and lemon).

We stopped into Pat O’Brien’s for their famous Hurricane (which you can now take to go if you don’t want to linger on the patio), and peeked into the Preservation Jazz Hall next door to strategize a return visit.

I led us on more walking tours using print-outs from Frommer’s online guide. They were nowhere near as colorful or informative as the personal tour I’d taken the day before, but they did a great job of showing us around in our limited time ((there are three walking tours, including one of the garden district if you don’t sign up for a tour). We sampled Muffuletta and Po’ Boys and returned for more beignets and wondered if there wasn’t a term for the waddle-like-shuffle that all of us overstuffed tourists seemed to be engaging in on this hot day.

There was a reception at Galatoire’s, and the Bruhns let us tag along. The grand-dame restaurant (established in 1905) afforded us wonderful views of Bourbon Street from its balconies. When Aron and I left, we headed back to the Preservation Jazz Hall on St. Peter’s Street.

Even with all of the wonderful food and drink and history and antique scouting, that hour or so of Jazz was easily our favorite part of the visit. We squeezed in, and for $15 a piece, had a lively show with some tremendous jazz veterans in a historic venue.

We decided not to have another Hurricane next door but to instead head to the Carousel bar at the Monteleone Hotel for their signature Vieux Carré Cocktail and a sidecar.

We mumbled something about not fitting in another bite at brunch the next morning at Brennan’s and then miraculously found room for a bowl of cherries jubilee. Aron suggested sharing but no way, no how. Amazing stuff! Everything there was delicious. It’s a place that gives meaning to the phrase “breakfast establishment”–in the best possible sense.

A parting drink at Lafitte’s Blacksmith shop and we were on our way! I wish I could be there with Aron this weekend, doing the shuffle, but more likely he’ll be exhausted each evening from studying. Pass.

We of course stayed more-or-less to the Vieux Carré and its classic haunts for our very brief tour (relying heavily on Frommer’s and Epicurious). I’m sure there’s so much more to see and do–and if you have any suggestions, please do leave them in the comments!