Days of '47 Parade!

The parade on Pioneer Day has been a life-long tradition for the Smarts. Jared & the boys packed up the day before and left the house around noon to go save a spot. They are usually the first of our group to get there, Jared always gets us the same great shady spot. By nighttime it's a full on party! I only stayed all night once, when we were engaged. So Thursday night the girls & I get to have a "Girl's Night Out". We maybe do some shopping, always go to dinner, and watch a movie at home. This year we got up at 5AM, got dressed & headed downtown. We eat breakfast & sit around until 9:00 when the parade starts. By 10:30, 11:00 it's all over. As soon as we get home, eat some lunch & the boys take a much needed shower, we all crash & sleep the rest of the day! I love traditions!

Conner & Ashton...heaven knows what time they finally fell asleep!

Someone on the trolley was throwing taffy & tootsie-rolls out!

My nephew Mikey came right to me when I showed him I had licorice. Look at that face & those big brown eyes! He's too cute....

Standing for the flag

Jared didn't even fall asleep during the parade this year, a first I think...

Mallory, Kelsey & Emma all fell asleep on the ride home. It's hard to wake up that early!

One of my favorite parts is laughing at/with my crazy brother in law, Tyler! I must say for the grown ups, he makes the parade more fun. This year he had a notepad and a pen and help up notes. Things like: "Your wife is hot", "Your husband is hot", "Jailbait".....it's fun too see the reaction he gets. One year he wrote down his phone number & ran up to floats and gave it to people. He even got a phone call from olympian Picabo Street. And, of course, everyone's favorite part is when the "Mama's Faith" float comes by. It's a black gospel choir from the Mama's Faith church. Every year he gets on their float with them & sings & dances. It is hilarious! They shop at Macey's, where my Mother-in-law works, and have told her that they love him & look for him every year.