Everybody Loves A Parade...

Yesterday afternoon was our brand spankin' new city park's official ribbon cutting.  A lot of people were there for the event.  Way more than expected.  Lots of families. The new park is generating lots of interest and excitement it seems.    A.J. brought Alex to the opening because, as he said, "Alex was there for the groundbreaking, so he should be there for the ribbon cutting."  Sounds good to me.  The thing that stuck out the most to Alex about the entire event was the giant scissors! :)

Our Mayor declaring the park officially open!

Later in the evening, A.J. and the boys got to ride in the Christmas parade.  They lead the parade, getting to ride with the police chief.  A.J. said that after a few minutes in the car both boys were hanging halfway out the car windows waving and yelling, "Merry Christmas!"  Meanwhile, A.J.'s parents and I found a good spot to watch and catch the boys in all of their glory, as the parade made it's way to the new park.  There was definitely an energy in the air that I haven't experienced in Joshua.  After the parade ended, we drove to the park trying to maneuver through the traffic jammed streets.  I found a parking spot on the side of the road next to the ball diamonds and made my way to A.J. and the boys.  The park was brimming with families...school choirs, the best hot cocoa in town selling like hotcakes, goodies being sold by the ladies auxilliary, and Santa Claus.  Ah yes.  Santa Claus.    Nanny, Grampy and I took the boys to see the Jolly Fellow.  Alex was ready and well-rehearsed with a short wish list - he knew the drill.  I picked Ayson up to have a look at Santa.  He was really excited and waved.  As we moved forward in line Ayson stepped forward to get a closer look - still excited, still waving, still wanted to sit on his lap, all systems go.  When our turn came Alex took a seat on Santa's lap, and Ayson began reaching for Nanny's leg.  So it was just Alex and Santa...

 After Alex was finished, Santa stood up to gently approach Ayson while Nanny held him, but Ayson leaned way back and stuck his lower lip way out.  Santa just gave him a quick pat, and that was that.  As we were walking away Ayson said, "Santa scare me."  Don't worry, he wasn't traumatized too much!

Hope you all had a great weekend too!