Third Year For The Grand Illumination Parade

Well, we packed up many layers to head out to the Grand Illumination Parade one more time! We had even more beautiful weather than last year, so were actually quite comfortable in just our sweaters. Since it was so nice, it seemed as though all of Hampton Roads came to see it and were packed on the streets at 5 pm. We got front spots as long as we walked down far enough, and staked our claim...not without a few difficulties from certain people who think they can sit in front of us without showing up so early...but we'll leave it at that. :)



I was sooo excited to see Lorelei's reaction this year. She got a glimpse of one balloon on a commercial from last years parade and went CRAZY so I thought she would just flip out in person. She was having one of those afternoons where she started crying as soon as she woke up from her nap and only gave us a few short breaks in between tears, but as soon as the parade started she really enjoyed it. She would "ooo" and point at things going by and point out the bands to Brian and exclaim her excitement to Mike (as if they couldn't already see them themselves) to make sure they were catching it all. She did holler at me a few times too. ;) Makin actually stayed awake a large majority of the parade and then was totally out other than waking up to some loud crashes from the bands going by.

The dads covering their girl's ears as the police go by with their sirens...this was a reoccurring sight as the kids seemed to think much of the parade was way too loud!










Brad and Lorelei both entranced by the huge inflatable dog going past. :)













On the way home there were many more tears and major melt downs and although she did fall asleep in the car, as soon as we woke her up to get out she started crying again, not forgetting what she was upset about right before falling asleep. :) Sooo we had to get a positive reaction the next morning. :) We'll see how the Santa visit goes this year... :)