Everyone Loves a Parade!

Particularly me, today.

 The little flower has been busy all week at preschool preparing for the school's Independence Day parade. The kids in her classroom each painted a t-shirt and made a shaker for the big event. We were running late this morning despite my getting up early. I forgot to run the dishwasher last night so this morning I had to wash lunch containers. Then we stopped for EVERY traffic light on the way to school. Then, because we arrived so late to school, the parking lot was full so we had to park further away than usual. The little flower was so good about not dilly-dallying this morning. When we got out of the car she happily ran alongside me saying "I'm excited!" I could hear the music playing outside and I felt horrible about being late. We made it just in time. The teacher was waiting at her classroom door with little flower's t-shirt in hand. 

You know that scene in Gone With the Wind, when Scarlett is digging in the dirt for potatoes (I think, it's been a long time) and she says something like "as God as my witness, I will never be hungry again"? That is how I felt today about being late. I will NEVER be late to a special school event again!

Anyway, little flower joined her classmates and I found a spot outside to watch the festivities. Here's my girl, holding her shaker: 

She wasn't sure what to think:

This is one of her teachers, Mollie. She is from Kentucky like my husband. We like that:

Right about here my eyes welled up with tears. I couldn't really see through the viewfinder but I kept shooting. I felt so incredibly lucky to be there and to have her (and the little one on my chest) and to live in America! It was seriously one of the cutest things I've ever seen:

She realized I was there, but didn't crack a smile. Still a little unsure I believe:

Everyone met up for popsicles after the parade. Another parent told me the school also has a Halloween parade. I really hope Chris can come to that one. He would love it and I need someone to man the video camera:

I can't wait to hear what she has to say about the day. I know I had fun:)

Happy Fourth of July!