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Louisiana and Mississippi Mission Tour, part 1 (Baton Rouge)

Well, it finally happened.  After "several" years, I finally made my return to the illustrious states of Louisiana and Mississippi. And this just in - hell finally froze over and donkeys flew. I have to say it was a whirlwind trip - five different hotels in five cities in five days - but it was fun to see several of my family members, including my Missionary Parents, and to visit with friends old and new.

 Day 1: Easter Sunday. Flew to Denver where I met up with my sister and her family for our flight to New Orleans.  


Finally arrived in New Orleans in the wee hours, then checked in to our hotel, the Crowne Plaza New Orleans Airport.  Since I'm currently a Gold Elite loyalty program member, I was able to get us complimentary breakfast in the Club lounge.  The service was incredible, and guess which is my new favorite hotel?

 After a ridiculously few hours of sleep, it was off to Baton Rouge to meet up with the Houston and Wyoming family, as well as with the Parents.


First stop - The campus of LSU, and Tiger Stadium.  OK, so technically, Baton Rouge was another mission, but it made for a convenient meeting place.  And we got to see an actual SEC stadium. GEAUX TIGERS!


Louisiana's Old State Capitol Building



 At the Mississippi River, near the USS Kidd - named after Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, commander of the USS Arizona, who was the first US Navy flag officer to die during World War II.

Dinner was just across the way at Shucks On The Levee (a soul food joint located at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino, don't judge) - where I died and went to heaven on the Fried Catfish platter, which came with hushpuppies and cole slaw. YUM!!

That night we camped at the Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge, and again got to experience great service, and the breakfast in the Club Lounge. Crowne Plaza is fast becoming my favorite brand - as long as I can maintain my elite status. After that, it's back to the HI Express cinnamon rolls.

Day 3: The next morning, we met up at a local park to have an Easter Egg hunt with all the kids.  



After the Easter Egg hunt, it was time for a few family photos. From the way they're both grinning, I think the folks may have been happy to see us!

A quick stop at the Baton Rouge Temple Grounds - the temple is quite small, but the grounds were beautiful, and  the Spirit was strong there.

"I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven..." (Revelation 14:6)

"The House of the Lord. Holiness to the Lord."






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