Houmas Plantation

We started the day as we normally do. I did some work(re-doing my website), while Kelly did some homeschooling.(see pic) After that the boys had an opportunity to go horse-back riding. They had a great time.(see pic's) We are staying at an equestrian RV park. It is great, except the rent is a little steep($12/night).

Collins' bath time

The highlight of the day was the Houmas Plantation. It is named after the Houmas indians and looks just as you would have imagined.Our tour guide Aaron, did a great job describing the house and its' previous owners. We learned all kinds of things. For instance, the plantation owner would typically have lots of pictures of food in the dining room to let guests know there was plenty of food for everyone. When he was ready for you to leave, rather than ask you to(that would be rude), he would just take the pictures down. That was your cue to pack up. Collin also had a chance to see what a bathtub from that era looked like.(see pic)

On the veranda

We met the current owner, Kevin Kelly. He was an interesting guy. He bought the place in 2003 for $3 million. As soon as he got it under contract someone offered him $12 million and he turned it down. That may sound a little eccentric until you here that after an 8 month renovation he opened the place with a wedding...between his two Labrador Retrievers. It was complete with a doggy gown and doggy tux. The guest list included 1800 people. It was great to meet him and hear how much the home meant to him and the plans he has for it.(he already has $12 million in the place.

I called my dad while we were there and he told me of a rural life museum that relatives of ours once owned dating back to the 1700's. We will visit that tomorrow.

Our tour guide

Reading time

Riding lesson