Monday was Visalia's Christmas Parade which they now call the Candy Cane Lane Parade as to not offend anyone who doesn't celebrate Christmas.
I have wanted to go every year since Jim and I got together but never have. One reason is that Jim doesn't care to go, lots of people, sitting in the cold and watching things go by in slow motion is not Jim's highlight in life. I on the other hand have attended the parade for as long as I can remember. From 7th grade through high school I performed in it with band and after that seeing my brother perform and my sister when she was in city council. I have not been though since Jim and I got together until this year.
I decided that Ean and I would get all bundled up in our new winter clothes we bought to go to Oregon and Idaho for Christmas and head out to see the parade. I did not plan to stay long since it was close to Ean's bed time and I know he has a short attention span.
The parade started at 7pm but we got there about 7:30. We stood and watched for quite a while then walked down Main Street a couple blocks looking for anyone I might know. Main street is so packed on both sides it seems that all of Visalia is there. It is kind of neat to stand and watch how many families come out to watch this seemingly low budget and not real exciting parade in order to show their holiday spirit and pride for their town.
It was nice to watch my old high school band go by and remember how fun it was to have "the whole town" cheering for you as you marched by and to think that I might be there in a few years watching my own kids go by so proud.
Ean really liked it and was really good. He didn't get cranky or try to get away or anything. It made me realize that when he is the most challenging is when he is bored. He is like me I guess, he likes to go.
I held Ean the whole time except at the end when I put him on his "leash" and let him walk. This kid is not one bit afraid of getting lost so I got a leash for him and it works great. A tight velcro strap around the wrist about four feet of slack and a handle for me. People look at me strange but I don't care. One minute with my child and they would probably put him in shackles so they can stare and scowl all they want. He of course loved to walk and walked all the way from where we ended 4 blocks to the car.
I am getting excited for the season and can't wait to have the house decorated and have people over.
Eventhough it is called the Candy Cane Lane Parade it is still the kick off to the Christmas countdown and my favorite time of the year.
Eventhough it is called the Candy Cane Lane Parade it is still the kick off to the Christmas countdown and my favorite time of the year.
6 comments:
The leash looks cute. I wonder if I can find Matthew's old leash and use it on Grumpy.
I'll have to remember the leash trick... after all Lucas is part Moore. :)
I wish I could have seen the Christmas (Candy Cane Lane) Parade. I'm offended that they call it Candy Cane Lane parade because I don't like candy canes so what makes Visalia think I'd want to hang out on a whole lane of them? No respect.
Ean looks kind of lost on the leash. haha. Your a good mamma.
Oh shoot I just remembered mine was a harnass not a leash. I guess that would be viewed as even more abusive than a leash. I'll just stick to smaking him in public. LOL Just kidding.
Remember the total 'panic' when Cooper took off or got lost one year at the parade! Ruined the whole event for everyone there...especially you.
I think the leash is a perfect idea from a great Mom. Not only does it keep Ean from 'running off' or 'getting lost'...it also prevents anyone who might be there ready to 'snatch up a beautiful baby' too.
Remembering watching you and Joe in the bands at the various parades made me smile. You stand for four hours freezing to catch a 30 second glimpse of your kids passing by and then have to run like hell to find them before they get into High School and can 'find you' in the mobs.
Now, we are in the local Christmas Parade ourselves...so it never really ends for long. Yet, that all pales when planning for getting all our kids together for ONE DAY at the SAME TIME when scheduling and planning the logistics of this Christmas!
I wrote it all on Joey's Blog and made all the flight arrangements except for Joes, and those flight arrangements had to 'fit in' with other Christmas activity each one of you are planning.
Thankfully, for the first time in my LIFE...all the gifts are bought, and are in the process of being wrapped now...and whatever can be 'done ahead of time' is being done 'ahead of time' so I won't be spending ALL MY TIME while you are here wrapping presents and cooking.
I feel 'the pain' of those logisticians who move whole Armies of Soldiers from one place to another.
Yet, just like going to a parade for the hundreth time...it is still a thrill to anticipate the fun and laughter, and watching all my ducks swim around in the same pond again for a spell.
Being able to share these special memories are the spice of life...and to remember how proud you were marching by in perfect step...hearing the crowd clap and hooray your music, makes me proud to be a part of it.
No matter how old I get, nor how old my children get (with your brother now 40!)...you never stop being a Mom and never stop cheering for your kids accomplishments.
Then, the grandkids come along.
Yes Joe...Getting the 'God' out of everything will surely make us all better people, won't it?
I didn't know you didn'tlike candy canes?
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