Bee's New Orleans, LA - Jul 2024

As a family, we used to absolutely love summer. It meant a bit more freedom in our daily routines, brighter sunshine, and the excitement of going on vacation. Hawaii was our go-to destination, no matter the island. We always felt a little more alive, a little more connected to each other, and to life itself when we were there.

Sadly, that’s no longer our reality. These days, summer brings back painful memories of Bianca’s cancer treatments, countless hospital stays, and the heartbreak of watching her fight for her life in the ICU. Ultimately, those memories lead to the most gut-wrenching goodbye we’ve ever faced.

Coincidentally, Bianca’s 2nd Angel Date also marked my first day at a new job. To honor both this milestone and Bianca’s memory, Joel and I decided to take a short trip to New Orleans, Louisiana—a place we’d never visited before.

Despite the summer heat, we were determined to dive into New Orleans' rich history, its southern charm, and of course, the incredible food! We were excited, and it felt right.

Our first stop was Willie's Fried Chicken, a local favorite. There’s something about the crispiness and flavor—it was so good, we couldn’t resist going back for more!

Of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Café Du Monde for beignets. These little pieces of heaven are perfect—soft, warm, and dusted with so much powdered sugar it’s on your plate, your hands, and your face! Don’t forget to pair them with a cup of iced chicory coffee—it’s a must.

Honestly, our quick trip turned into one long food tour. We indulged in all the local favorites, knowing Bianca would’ve wanted us to enjoy every bite. A few highlights included:

• Saint-Germain

• GW Fins

• Commander's Palace

One of the trip’s biggest highlights was taking a bayou tour, or swamp tour, on an airboat. It was an incredible experience, and our tour guide was amazing. The most thrilling moment came when an alligator decided to hop onto our boat! See the video below for proof!

I can just imagine Bianca smiling down on us—probably laughing at how quickly I jumped when the alligator made his surprise appearance. I know she was with us in spirit, enjoying every moment, especially the food!

Love you more, my sweet child.

Momma