The parade kicked off at 11:00, and Erin is about an hour drive for us, so that meant leaving the house at 10, and missing Saturday gymnastics. (not a worry- we can do a make-up class Tuesday).
When we got to Erin, we called Krista who let us know there was not really a choice of where to park. Police were directing parking, and directed us into a massive grassy parking area. We had to drive around and wait in traffic for a bit, but finally got creative and found a spot.
With no cash on hand, thinking a parade is a free event, we decided to be creative when walking Anna Claire by the carnival and food vendors. Besides, we go to a couple of free carnivals identical to this one during the spring and summer. I saw no need to blow big money and wait in long lines on something we will do in a few months for no cost and little wait. We reminded her that she wanted to see the whole parade and then go to Subway for lunch. This satisfied her, with her green bag in hand, ready to score some parade candy.
We finally got to our usual position in front of the courthouse by 10 after 11. There were so many more people at this year's parade. And lots of big kids. I moved us down a bit so Anna Claire would not be bullied by big kids like last year who took all her candy.
Or so I thought. The girls she sat near were about a year or two older than her, and they hoarded all the candy just as bad as the teenagers last year. I may have made a commit that I knew they would hear, and after that they started letting her get some and even giving her some of theirs. I think sometimes kids just don't think. They are just in their own little world.
The candy giving was pretty sparse compared to next year. So if a couple of cars drove by and Anna Claire didn't get candy, she would start to pout and whine. I just kept encouraging her to stay near the front and get in there. By the end of the parade, she was keeping up with the big kids getting candy.
She was super-excited to give a firefighter driving a fire engine a high five.
At the end of the parade we made our way back to the car, excited about our Subway sandwiches. Anna Claire matter-of-factly let us know she would have a ham and cheese with Lays potato chips and a chocolate milk. She LOVES Subway.
On the way back from Erin, Larry asked to stop at Hilltop market. We ended up finding the yummy bread they used to serve at Charlie's Steak House. He was so excited. Anna Claire also got a "special treat" for being a good girl.
When we got home, I was really mad at myself for avoiding putting sunscreen around her eyes or not putting sunglasses on her. Sunburn all under her eyes! Poor baby!
Aside from the the sunburn, we had a great day with perfect weather. Nice time spent as a family.
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