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I always look forward to the "resting period" after Christmas and New Year's. It gives our family time to play with all of our new toys and gadgets and implement our New Year's resolutions (a few days of dieting before the king cakes arrive). But this year my period of rest was short and is already over. Mardi Gras and Easter are so early this year it is time to hang out the purple, green and gold wreaths and cut the king cake. Before your calendar gets too full with family traditions for the season, I want to share our two favorite family Mardi Gras activities and would love to hear your suggestions for any kid-friendly parades.

On Sunday, Jan. 27 the CAAWS Mystic Krewe of Mutts Dog Parade will roll downtown at 1:30 pm. We love this parade for so many reasons: We love dogs, the costumes are always great, the crowd is a good size for navigating with a family, and there are always fun things to do downtown after the parade. The theme this year is great: "Viva Paw Vegas: What happens in the kennel stays in the kennel." If you want to participate in the event, registration begins at 10 a.m., and there are costume and float contests at noon.

For the past four years we have traveled to Lafayette on the Saturday before Mardi Gras, and we will be there again this year. On Saturday, Feb. 2 at 12:30 p.m. the Lafayette Children's Parade makes its way through downtown. This parade is by children and for children and always has lots of great throws (we usually rack up on stuffed animals here). While you are there, Lafayette has a wonderful children's museum downtown that is definitely worth a visit.