Mardi Gras!

It's that time of year again. Mardi Gras is in full swing here. Friday night, Grant, Ron and I made the trip across the bay to indulge in a night with the Order of Inca and enjoy a parade and Mardi Gras Ball hosted by this society.

Our dear friends, the Lomax's invited us to partake in the festivities and took us behind the scenes where the Inca's were gearing up for the parade which was to start at 6pm in Mobile. Grant was in awe of all the men vividly dressed in their best Mardi Gras Parade attire and even got to have his picture made with a few...

A few of the Inca's. My friend Emily's three bother-in-laws and Father are in the bunch. They were all so excited for us to be in attendance knowing this was a new experience for us.
Hundreds of Inca gathered in the Mobile Civic Center's Auditorium before the parade started. This was quite the sight to behold. The different "groups" were all dressed lavishly different and the excitement was contagious. A local high school marching band was in the center of the auditorium playing their instruments while their guard got down Beyonce style in "Single Ladies." Not kidding. They had on zebra leotards and tights while they dropped it like it was hot.
The Inca's all piled onto their individual floats decorated for the "Vacations" themed parade while we headed to our spot on the street to await their arrival. But first we stopped when Grant spotted the "Neigh's" as he calls them!
Grant loved watching the parade and took home a ton of goodies, otherwise known as "throws." He received lots of beads, frisbees, stuffed animals, musical instruments, coins and Mardi Gras footballs.

Here's just one of many vacations around the world themed floats. I'm assuming this was an Egyptian pyramid theme.

After the parade we attended the Inca Mardi Gras Ball. Grant was safe and sound with our friend, Matt's parents.

This was our first Mardi Gras Ball and we were so excited for the night ahead.

Here we are with the Lomax's in front of the Mardi Gras themed Christmas Tree!

Laurie, Emily and I all gussied up

The men are required to wear tuxedos with tails to the event.

Ron, Drew and Matt

Cheese(e)! And that my friends is where the pictures end. I did NOT want to tote my DSLR around and be responsible for losing it among the thousands in attendance. Trust, that we had a fabulous and a memorable evening. We enjoyed Waffle Houses' best in the wee hours of the morning and are still recuperating from getting very little sleep. Thank you to the Lomax's and the Lowery's for a fantastic evening! Happy Mardi Gras Everyone!