Thanksgiving Parade

We headed downtown for the parade this year, which we haven't done for a couple of years.

It was great, but my favorite part was the lady standing next to us: she talked to every person who went by and got most of them to talk to her (the mayor, the sherriff) and got a lot of people to come over and shake hands with our part of the crowd ("Darth Vader--get on over here! Don't you act like you don't me!"). She tried to get all the high school kids to relax and smile ("You not from my school, but that's all right! Show some pride!" "Girl, I like that hair ribbon! I'm gonna get me one!"). She had everyone around us cracking up! She sweet-talked her way into winning some tickets to an Aeros game, and she earned them in my book!
Waiting patiently for the parade to begin.

Brennan enjoyed all the fire trucks and their sirens didn't bother Evan, thank goodness. But Brennan was probably most excited about the helicopter hovering overhead.

For Uncle Ben: The MOB (Marching Owl Band)

The Shriners are always fun to watch zipping around in their cars.

Brennan wasn't too sure with the first few characters that came over to shake hands.

Two of Thomas' favorite parts of the parade--cheerleaders and beer.

The kids managed to get some prime real estate, thanks to the people we were standing next to.

Marian and Aidan's favorite part of the parade.

A high school band, getting down!

Unlike the Sponge Bob balloon, Nemo was staying afloat just fine!

Sponge Bob went down completely shortly after it passed us, and had the crowd squealing with its swaying from one side to the other, threatening to tip onto the crowd.

Brennan was most mesmerized by my favorite part: Santa Claus!