Cherry Parade

We finally did it. I actually walked in the Cherry 'Royale' Parade and they don't call it Royale for nothing! The first year, I was hugely pregnant with Owen. Last year, Paul was gone and I didn't want to do it alone. So this year, even though Paul was on duty, I huffed it with the kids, clear across town, to meet the helicopter and all of the other families to walk in the parade. We were stationed about half way through and were #50 in line! It was a long parade, but so worth it.

There were some great things to point out:

As we waited, the Michigan State University band was there, which was pretty exciting. However, not nearly as pleasing as when one of the high school bands started playing 'Hail to the Victors' (The U of M = huge OSU Rival) and Kailey, without prompting, I kid you not, COVERED HER EARS! I'm sure it was just a coincidence...but was it?

We saw some very interesting belly dancers. There were even some very pregnant belly dancers. Yep, this cherry festival has got it all!

The big dragon balloon's head really deflated, so we got a good laugh at the dragon shaking his booty while we waited...for an hour...before it was our turn to join the parade.

The best part was the reception we received from the crowds. This isn't really a military town. We don't get the warm, cozy, thanks for all that you do, from this town that we have in other places we've lived. We even had a chat by one of the higher ups about not responding to any negative criticism. Well, there was no need. As the helicopter started to roll (it was being pulled...obviously not flying), the crowds started to cheer. They stood up, they yelled thank you, and were incredible. It felt really good for them all to be acknowledged, as they should be. I think we were all a little shocked because it was that way for the entire route. Kailey again, kept yelling, "Coast Guard to the Rescue!" (And Owen slept). Too bad Paul missed it, but it was pretty awesome.

Oh, and our sweet Megan, the Mermaid/Cherry Princess won and is now the National Cherry Queen and won a $10,000 scholarship! See, it pays to be nice to three year olds!