Melody Marks is mother to Lucy, Ruby, and Molly; wife to Matt Marks; and a Child and Family photographer serving the Greater New Orleans area. She loves watching moms fall in love with their babies all over again through the photos she takes. This holiday season, she is especially looking forward to the magic of the season and getting to share those special moments with all of the families she meets.
Panama City
A short drive away, Panama City offers affordable fun on family-friendly beaches. Our girls loved making sand castles and running through the water, but they loved burying their dad most of all.
The Children’s Museum Membership
While we all know the heat this summer was epic in the worst way, the Children’s Museum is a perfect way to stay cool and still let all the energy out. The kids are especially fond of the bubble machine and the water mover.
Quick and Easy Midweek Meals
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. It’s as simple as a Caesar salad kit, grilled or rotisserie chicken, and the pasta of your choice. We throw this together in less than 20 minutes and everyone likes it enough to request seconds.
The Public Library
Everyone knows you can check out amazing books at the library, but we’re currently also loving the lesser known perks. Browsing the aisles is the perfect midday outing at the library to help pass the time and beat the heat. My husband and I enjoy listening to audiobooks, music, and movies on the Libby and Hoopla apps, courtesy of our library membership. Our girls attended Reading to Rover this weekend and each took a turn reading to a therapy dog.
Date Night at A-Tavola
Making time to be together without the kids is work but so worth it. My husband and I enjoy sitting at the bar at A-Tavola as it boasts a lively atmosphere. A cold Paloma cocktail and any of their Neapolitan-style pizzas are the perfect pair for a delicious dinner. And don’t skip dessert, the cheesecake is unforgettable.