MOMMMMYYYY, LOOOOOK!!!

I heard this a lot today. And it was shrieked, yes shrieked, loudly and excitedly. It was AWESOME!!

Today we went to the Raleigh Christmas Parade. I know what you're thinking - it's not even Thanksgiving yet. I get it. But what am I supposed to do? It is the largest christmas parade between DC and Atlanta. Poor Richmond... Apparently their gig is weak?!

This was the first year we went to the parade. Usually we think about Christmas parades AFTER they've all happened. Not this year folks. Nosiree. We can thank our friends for ensuring we didn't miss it this year! =) Our friends daughter was performing in the parade this year, so that was added incentive!

Fortunately they're parade professionals. They were there bright and early and staked out curbside seats for both families. Our contribution to the morning was KK donuts, coffee & hot chocolate. What's better than watching a parade, eating donuts, sipping on coffee and hearing your daughter squeal with excitement, while laughing with friends? Not much, I tell ya. Not much.

We learned today that there are A LOT (read: A LOT) of dance studios and beauty pageants in Raleigh. There were a lot of bands too. Most are small. Except the group that is going to the Rose Bowl. Broughton High School will be attending the Tournament of Roses parade in Pacedena CA on 1/2/2012. While my knowledge of the school is limited to knowing that they graduated one of my friends daughters who went on to secure a full soccer scholarship (Go girl!!!), I know that they're a pretty kick butt public school in Raleigh. It's one of the Magnet schools... If K were ready for high school I think I'd be looking at the school. =) Anyway, impressively the band opened the parade and then closed it. We don't know what logistics were involved in pulling that off but it was pretty cool. And they still looked great!!! Good luck guys!!

There were two giant floats: Animal from the Muppets and a Nutcracker. Watching the balloon people today gave us a whole new appreciation for what the crews do in NY and Philadelphia. One of the highlights was the nutcracker flying over our head. Cool!!!

K couldn't have been more excited at the on-going entertainment of the parade. Giant shopping carts, cars shaped like a roller skate, dancers, flag teams, classic cars, motorcycles, dogs, horses, miniature ponies, donkeys, sheep, a llama posing as a camel (had to see it to believe it), and of course Santa... It was an event filled 2.5 hours. I can't count the number of times we heard MOMMY GUESS WHATS COMING?!

It made me smile each time. Her enthusiasm for the little things is rejuvenating. Don't just take time to smell the flowers... Take time to wave enthusiastically at the horses, dancers and llama camels. You'll smile as big as the lil one beside you.

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