Parade!

My kids have been enamored with parades since I first read them the classic book Parade by Donald Crews.  They've seen several parades in Colville, but their first parade in Maine was a special affair.  In fact, we may have set the bar too high for their full enjoyment of any future streetside processions!  You see, the kids got to be IN the parade, which was a pretty BIG deal.

We were all part of the UMM float, which featured a painting of the main administration building.  This photo also happens to show my office windows, along with a replica of the "Seasons Greetings" sign on display throughout the holiday season.

Here are the kids on the back of the truck towing the float, where they practiced their princess/prince waves, shouted Christmas greetings and threw candy toward unsuspecting observers who probably wished, in hindsight, that they had brought hard hats:

On our way home, our family had a nice discussion about the special privilege it was to partake in the parade, and how we might not always get to be so involved in the festivities.  Thane took it all in stride, and stated that it would be good for other people to have a turn.  Annabel, as always, had her own take on it:  "And just think, Thanie.  Next year we can get a whole lot more candy by standing on the street watching."  She's always looking on the bright side, that girl!