Happy Birthday America Parade

The Friday before Fourth of July, my suburb town hosted a Happy Birthday America Parade. It's one of the best things about the place we live - there's a small, hometown vibe floating around our neighborhood with events and happenings taking place every week in the summer. Yet, we're still able to take advantage of bigger events the greater Twin Cities has to offer. I'm really thankful to stay at home with Tory so I can take part in all of these programs around the city.

On this day, I invited my friend Jodi and her kids along to attend the parade with us. Luckily, I re-read the website the night before and realized it was more of a "you are the parade" vs. a "sit on the sidewalk and watch" type event, so Jodi and I brought strollers along for the kids to ride in. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but it turned out to be really fun. The parade organizers has streamers and balloons for the kids to decorate their bikes, wagons and strollers. It just so happens, Tory is way excited by balloons these days so this aspect alone made her entire morning. Some people came to the event with their bikes and scooters already decked out in full red, white and blue and others used the supplies provided to make their Happy Birthday America tribute. Just before the parade, we met up with Laura and her kids, too.

A few veteran soldiers led the procession of kids and parents along the park sidewalk. It was kind of nice, actually, because there was no worry of vehicles around the kids. We did two loops around the park area, then ended at the outdoor pavilion for treats and a magic show.

My red, white and blue girl

Tory and Allie before the parade

The magician was a bit of a bust. I think she was probably fine for older kids and those closer to front and center. No worries though; our group of kids had fun running in the grassy area nearby.

Tory, Bella and Oliver eating snacks before the show starts

Group shot! Impossible to get all the kids to look at the camera.
(L to R: Tory, Jake, Allie, Bella, Oliver)

Cheese!

Bring on the Fourth of July festivities!