Holiday Parade

 Milwaukee Holiday Parade 2012

 Went out to meet Sarah & Matt. It was a warm (50s) and sunny morning.

 Thick crowds, but not on the bridge. We found first row access and Lydia had the best view of all on Daddy's shoulders. She was excited for the parade, but then wouldn't show it.

 Abigail was good throughout, but gives Sarah

 

and Uncle Tom the skeptical look for not being Mommy. 

Surprise!

My Uncle Tom amazingly spotted us in the crowd not knowing we were there. He was out to see John marching with his trumpet.

 

The bands were out with their garland covered trombones

 

and energetic dance moves. I tell ya, my high school band certainly never moved like that!

 The next exciting thing happened when we all thought the street sign was going to pop Rudolf!

 But then he gracefully rounded it

 and continued to glide through the air as he does so well every Christmas Eve.

Then, of course, I spotted my cousin John marching just in time to see the back of his head, so no picture. Tom ran off to get a picture, so we said, "See you at Thanksgiving," and then Santa came 

 as this elf announced and whistled as he did tricks.

Santa. How disappointing he was. He had the deepest, most dismal sounding voice. 

Lydia didn't even get excited.

 

 Here's my turkey coming to get you.

 

And my favorite gummy smile in the world.