Gulfport, MS had a holiday festival in the park. We started our half marathon right in front of the place so we could see they had a lot of lights in the park. I was disappointed we had to pay $10 each to get in (I'm used to them being freewill offering). The light display was cool but La Crosse and Mankato displays are better. I got a kick out of the beach theme. Lobsters, crabs, octopus, and Santa's sleigh was pulled by seahorses??? So weird!

After the Gulf Coast Half Marathon we decided to go for a ride to Alabama. I was bored in the car so I looked up things to do around the area and this Gator Ranch and Airboat tour place popped up. Phil immediately said lets do that. Luckily we got on the last tour of the day. We got to see some alligators in the wild and a quite a few in their closed off area. I got to hold a baby alligator. It was very cool!

We decided to show Phil the town. We went down the French Quarter and walked around the old buildings.

Mighty Miss

Checked out the boats on the Mighty (Muddy) Mississippi.

Cathedral made for a King (of France) 

We walked around the Cathedral of St. Louis (named for King Louie of France) and Jackson Square. 

Gumbo!

and finished our tour with some Gumbo for lunch which had this cool painting. 

Joan of Arc

Mississippi (the state) 

After all that fun, we made the short trip to Biloxi. The state of Mississippi welcomes you...here are some tires. Hahaha. 

We checked into our hotel, walked to packet pick up, and went to Mass at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

After church we went to Sal and Mookie’s for pizza. The wait was long but worth it. It was delicious!