Rose Parade

Another one of our holiday traditions is to go to the Rose Parade in Pasadena. This is one of our favorite things to do each year. Aunt Laura's brother is kind enough to let us take some of his spot that he saves for three days. Three days. There are lots of rules when saving a spot on the parade route, like not being able to sit down at your spot for the first two days. You can't even stand out on the parade route until three days prior to the parade. Her brother brings a wheelchair so he can sit down during all three days. Brilliant. You also can't mark off your space until day three. He always saves a spot at the beginning of the parade route, which is by far the best location. The energy is up, everyone in the parade is excited and fresh, the floats haven't broken down yet or lost many flowers on the road. It's just perfect.

Nadia and Olivia right in front.

This was one of the first marching bands. They said a prayer before the parade started. This was a rare sighting and we loved it.

Grandma, Morgan and Liam waiting for the parade to start.

Charlie hears the beginning of a marching band and starts to get really excited.

Baby Peter bundled up and looking yummy.

Julia holding baby Peter and watching the parade go by.

Scary, but cool, horse guy.

Lots of poop on the parade route. The worst is when someone in a marching band has to step in it because they can't step out of formation. There are lots of pooper scoopers who run up and down the streets scooping poop, but sometimes the poop gets out of hand.

The detail on the floats is mind-boggling and so different in person than on TV.

Only organic material is used to decorate the floats.

I miss my Trader Joe's!

The Boy Scouts concluded the parade. It was by far the best part. Hundreds of boy scouts marched and it was very patriotic and emotional.

These boy scouts are holding up various merit badges, all decorated with flower petals and other organic material.