4th of July Parade

Last year Stephen decided he wanted to put his business, RML (Rocky Mountain Landscaping) in the Monument parade.  Over a month ago we figured out how to enter and I went to the dollar store and bought everything we used on our float for $10!  I went back this week to get more but they were fresh out!  Good thing I stocked up early!  Since going to the Monument parade is a MAJOR tradition of my family's and because 99% of Stephen's clients are in the Tri-Lakes area we thought it would be fun.  Then about two weeks ago I started getting nervous and embarrassed and didn't want to do it anymore.  Oh well, I did it and didn't die!  I mostly avoided eye contact with the crowd 1.  because I didn't want to see anyone I knew and 2.  we ran severely low on candy and I couldn't face the crowd  ; )

Our float

Thank goodness my sister Sara was there early to help us set up and feed my kids donuts and bananas ; )

She was there so early, in fact, that she saved our place in line before we showed up!  I should also mention that she ran 4 miles from Palmer Lake just before the parade, way to go Sara!

Colby

Stephen and Colby

Hogan thought he was a rockstar.  I could write an entire post on how 1.  People love dogs more than kids.  2.  People love dogs more than America.  3.  People love dogs more than anything.  4.  People LOVE dogs with stars and stripes on their hair.  5.  People think it's abuse to put stars and stripes on dogs' hair.  6.  People are MUCH more concerned that dogs have shade and water than if kids have shade and water.  MUCH.

But I won't.

cousins Carson and Preston

Our friends Rob and Sarah came to help throw out candy and pump the up the crowd with their two girls Julianna and Claire

Kyla remembered that she got a toothbrush from the dentist last year so when we saw them in line Sara walked her down and asked for one.

Me, cousin Jack, Sara, Carson, Stephen, Kyla, Preston, Nini (Terri) and Colby

Jack

Colby waving the flag

Papa and Colby

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Here we are!

Ready to wave and throw candy!

Rob, Stephen and Josh (who came with his wife Amy and their 3 kids!)

We were in front of the El Paso County Queen and the Kit Carson Riding Club Queen

(on horses)

Josh and Gideon.  Gideon loves John Deere tractors more than anything in the world.  He felt SO COOL that he got to drive the mower, he could have cared less that it was in a parade!

Sarah and Claire

Kyla waving to the crowd like a real princess

There were a LOT of people, the pictures absolutely do not show the overwhelming sea of people on either side of the street.  You know, this IS the second largest small town parade in America.  I KNOW!

The home stretch!  Definitely out of candy here ; )

I am SO glad the parade was on the 3rd this year so we can relax today and the kids can be well rested for fireworks tonight!!  Not to mention I would gladly celebrate Independence Day, my favorite holiday, for a week straight!


Oh!  AND Stephen's sister, Kelli, had her baby, Samuel Jefferson Hawkins on July 2nd!

Congratulations Kelli, Sean and new big brother Jack!