Tulip Time

****If you are confused....see the previous post about my break and catching up!

 

 

 

I’ll start back at Tulip Time.  The second week of May. 

We did things a little different this year.  We only dressed up in our costumes once and much to my dismay, Jamahl never made it in to his.  Jamahl and I have routinely marched in the parade with his class and all along, my plan was to have all the kids in the parade this year.  I am not sure what in the world I was thinking, but once I really looked at the reality of the girls marching, I finally admitted to myself that having them march may not be the greatest idea.  Logistics and possible weather got in the way of Keyan marching, and it finally dawned on me that McKenzy would never make the march without full on whining the whole time, so I decided to switch it all up.  I carried SO much guilt for not supporting the school but once I let go of some of that, the kids and I had a great afternoon enjoying their half day off from school, watching the parade, savoring our share of fair treats, and spending it with family and friends.

My sister-in-law, her girls, and her mom joined my mom, the kids and I for a fun afternoon at the parade.  We packed a lunch and headed downtown where a great friend had saved us seats right along the parade route.  Last year it was scorching hot, but this year it was a little cool and windy so the kids stayed in their jackets and wrapped up in blankets. The girls all loved the flag girls in the marching bands and all of the kids enjoyed waving to their teachers and friends in the parade. Keyan’s favorite part was the fire truck at the end of the parade.  She was certain that it was the one that she had ridden in and was thrilled to end her parade with “Max’s fire truck!”  We ended the afternoon with snow cones and elephant ears.

parade time VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

       

We gathered up all of our stuff and besides a few minor parking lot issues, we were headed back to the house to do a quick photo shoot of everyone in their costumes before we knew it.  Ideally, there would be time before the parade to take pictures, but there never is so we end up with kids who are ready to be done with the whole thing and parents who are trying to convince them to just quick smile. Here is how it went!

Photo shoot VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Paul and I promised the kids one ride each at the carnival so we headed back downtown Friday night sans costumes to enjoy a fun family night.  We grabbed corn dogs and gyros and watched the Dutch dancing. Year after year, I continue to be amazed at the festival our town puts on and the people that flock to come and see it.  Pretty neat to celebrate our town’s heritage.  In an attempt to not spend a fortune on rides, we let the kids each pick one ride to go on.  Great idea in theory, but by the time we all snaked through the crowds to look at every ride before deciding, and than figured out who is going to ride which ride and who was going to ride with each other…let’s just say that next year, we will do some better planning! In the end, we had a fun filled night together making memories…that is what it was really supposed to be about right?

My new favorite “fair” food…a baked potato with pulled pork and cheddar cheese! Super yummy and in fact a reoccurring menu item on our own dinner table!