I Love A Parade

Someone once said to me "no one really likes parades, anyways..." Au contraire my friend-I actually love a parade. I love the merriment, the marching bands, the grown men driving tiny little vehicles, sitting on the curb and catching tootsie rolls...I love all of it.

The last few weeks of summer have been a parade of activity. Ellie took her first airplane ride on a girls trip to Michigan to visit (and in most cases-meet for the first time) family. It was a fantastic week catching up, exploring Northern Michigan, trying new things, eating too many cookies, and just relaxing with family. It was a bittersweet departure, we wanted very much to extend our stay-but missed our boys terribly. They claim they missed us, too, but I know they had a bachelorific week filled with late nights, questionable hygiene, and McDonald's takeout!



My bro and I-we always have a good time together...particularly if the kegerator is involved!

The original Miss Ele with our own little Miss Ellie

Immediately upon our return we headed up to Fitzwilliam, NH for a day of camping fun with our fantastic neighbors Drew & Crystal. Nathan had a blast playing with their grand kids Dylan and Felicity, "driving" Drew's boat, and we enjoyed a delish picnic buffet. These campers don't mess around...there was some freakin' good food here!

And what would a Labor Day Monday be without a hometown parade? Growing up, the weekend always culminated in Manton's Harvest Festival parade...always standing in our spot next to the mini-mart-we delighted in the music, floats, Lutke trucks, Dynomite the clown, grown men driving little vehicles (you may have noticed-this is my favorite!) and of course the shower of candy. Though my own children have yet to experience this longstanding tradition-I'd be derelict in my duties as a Mother if I didn't find a parade for them today. Marlboro, MA provided just exactly what I was looking for. Nathan thoroughly enjoyed every minute, Ellie slept peacefully through the whole thing, and we came home with a sugar high and a gigantic Diego balloon.

taking candy inventory

I DO love a parade!

Now go to bed, it's a school night after all!