The kids' FIRST Christmas Parade

I finally decided to brave a parade with the kids this year because a friend of mine told me of a parade in the afternoon in a small town nearby.

The boys move WAAAAY back when a clown appears and who can blame them? Tristen doesn't take his eyes off the clown lest she makes a sudden move!!

. . . but this one comes bearing candy so she must be okay! Vince moves in fast!!

Once the parade starts and candy starts flying out into the crowd, Vince is soon pouting because he hasn't mastered the art of throwing elbows and poking other children in the eyes to get to the candy. I try to get him to focus on the cool cars and horses, etc that normally would appeal to him. But he could not get past the disappointment of reaching for a piece of candy only to have it swiped away right before his very eyes!! After 10 min of listening to him whine about going home, a piece of candy was heading towards my head and I snagged it (and yes, I would have thrown some elbows myself if need be to get it!) With some candy in his belly, Vince was finally able to enjoy the parade! Hurrah!

Vince's favorite part of the parade seemed to be at the end when he discovered a piece of candy the other kids missed. Needless to say, if we go to another parade, I will be searching for a candy-free one or bringing a bag full of candy to throw directly at Vince. Mia was equally impressed with the parade.

Later on that day Vince went to a Pajama Pizza Party and made his own pizza! His friend on the left, Evan, sang throughout the party: "I'm the Birthday Boy and I'm four years old!!!"