Baby, It's Cold Outside!

This year, I thought that Kate and Aaron were old enough to sit through and enjoy a Christmas parade. Since the Raleigh parade was WAY too early and too cold for us, we decided to go to the Hillsborough Christmas Parade instead. It worked out great because it started in the afternoon, and while it was cold outside, it wasn't intolerable.

Okay, so many of you may know that Hillsborough is MY hometown. That's right, it's the place where I grew up, where I went to school, where I learned how to dance, where I went "cruising" in my best friend's convertible, and where I hung out with my friends after the football games at the McDonalds & Pizza Hut. I loved growing up in a small town.

It's been awhile since I've visited downtown Hillsborough, and I noticed that some things had changed. They had some new stores, restaurants & a new grocery store. It was so cute! The Weaver Street Market was the happening place the day of the parade...they were selling (selling out) of HOT CHOCOLATE! We stood in line for quite a long time but finally left with hot chocolate in hand.

We met my mom, my sister and her kids near the Courthouse so that we could watch the parade together. We had the kids all bundled up so they could enjoy the parade.

Kate was really excited to go to a parade. We told her that this was actually the second time she had been to the Hillsborough Parade, but that she was too young to remember the first time. Weird...I think I was actually wearing that same jacket and scarf the other time we went. Might be time for a wardrobe change, huh?

We knew Aaron wasn't going to sit still for the entire parade, so we chose a spot that backed up to a big grassy area. Thankfully, Aaron was able to run and play until the parade started.

It's almost time. I think we might hear the fire trucks...

I remember how much fun it was to sit on Daddy's shoulders...don't you? Aaron had a great view of the parade from there.

A nice couple let our girls sit right in front of their chairs...that way they could be closer to the parade and to the CANDY that would be thrown!

We were surprised to see a familiar face on the first fire truck. Christy Daniels (relative on my mom's side) was throwing out candy to all the kids. She definitely threw several pieces towards our girls...thanks Christy!

Some of the entries to the parade were pretty boring. Really. There were some where people were just walking, holding a sign. Maybe not even holding a sign. But I did like this old car...love the flames on the side!

So glad that Kate got to share this with her cousins.

I thought this was a pretty cool entry. The Faulkner's have been around a long time...they are THE NAME and THE STUDIO for those interested in taking dance lessons. This foursome was showcasing the "clogging" classes (I think). Pretty sure that I went to school with the guy...he was very intense and the most talented out of the group.

I really didn't even want to put this one in my blog, but hey...I can at least give a shout out to these people's creativity, right?

I think I marched in my middle school band...in this same parade...and I remember playing "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas". Wow...that was a long time ago. I loved seeing all the different ways that the band members "festified" themselves. How cute are those antlers and the mismatched socks. Love it!

I thought this was such a cute banner for the Girl Scouts...how adorable are those faces??

Another cool lookin' automobile Love how they have the horns and the wreath on the front.

Just love this photo of Kate. I love her little freckles and upturned nose. She's my serious little girl!

You think Aaron was excited to see this big truck? He loved all the big vehicles in the parade!

My kids love dogs (okay, Kate loves them from a distance). All the girls "awww"ed at this entry.

I think by this time, Aaron was losing interest. So, what's a Daddy to do?

We loved all the marching bands, but I found a special place in my heart for this group.

And especially this man. Loved him!

Guess who's coming folks? Kate's awfully excited! Mom was too...but only because it meant that the end was in sight and she could finally warm her now frozen fingers! Woohoo!

Santa Claus is comin' to town. Love the horse drawn carriage. Very colonial.

One sleepy little fellow who was tuckered out from the excitement of attending his first parade.