Everyone Loves A Parade

Yesterday dawned cold and cloudy.  Not so unusual in this recent cold snap we've been having, but boy is it cold!!  It was 20 degrees when we got up.  So we bundled up in our hats and gloves and heavy coats and walked up the street to stand around outside, watching our annual Christmas Parade!  Love it!!!

Aidan's buddy from school, Jack, and his sister Rachel, met us at our house with their Mom and we all walked up the road together.  The children loved it!  They were so excited waiting and waiting for the parade to start:

Even Maggie was excited, good girl that she was being. . .

The kids all got their bags ready in order to pick up the candy that the parade participants always throw. . .

And then, HERE THEY COME!!!!

I always have to laugh because the Police Escort at the beginning is always immediately followed by the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Church float. . .nice, but funny.  I say funny because our town officials are always AFTER that. . .

I love that the town always includes some of the old vehicles in the parades we have.  This is an old Police Paddy Wagon.

 There were lots of dogs in the parade this year. . .a whole section of Greyhounds from a Greyhound Rescue. . .and Maggie was being soooo good!!  That's my good girl.

Many churches were represented and several of the area high school bands were in the parade.  

We even had the Bolivian Christmas Dancers. . .many of whom were wearing open toes sandals with no socks!

There were some adorable snowflakes. . .

 And then, Frosty and Rudolph on top of the Fire Engine. . .

And then. . . .THERE HE IS!!!!  SANTA!!!! 

Hi Santa!!!!!

The loot from this parade is almost as much as from Halloween:

After the parade, we headed over to the mall, where we found a parking lot so jam packed, it's hard to believe the economy is still suffering.  So, no sitting on Santa's lap that day.  Off we went to Grandma and Grandpa's to do a little leaf blowing. . .

Aidan really helped Daddy clean up Grandma and Grandpa's yard. . .He was so into it that there was a lot of leaf debris in the bathtub last night!!!  : )

Nice day. . .