Welcome to the Greatest Fourth in the North 2013.
We made it through the parade, unlike last year, but second-time-around-pregnant Marge didn't even attempt the 5K, unlike 2011. Admittedly, the parade-people-watching has gone downhill since the banner year of 2009. (Though 2010 wasn't too shabby.) Or maybe it's just that the cute toddler next to me distracts my lens from the train wreck around me.
Will and Justin did a 5 a.m. chair drop to secure a shady spot, only to be greeted with a cloudy day.
Here, they discuss the 6 a.m. golf results...
Shoulders are a girl's best friend.
And mom and dad's (give those arms a break)!
This guys was ready.
Just wish his windbreaker wasn't covering up what was undoubtedly a color coordinated shirt.
Maizey enjoyed her props.
And Grandma's lap.
While I enjoyed eyeballing the preteen footwear.
This gal was sporting sassier espadrilles than I've ever owned. Plus a bubble skirt.
And then, of course, there was this guy.
Who I believe loves Arizona, judging by his "Tuscon" tattoo.
Then the parade got rollin.
Yes, this troop leader is sporting a camelback.
And the following two shot are for Uncle Greg.
I gave him a shout, Greg, but only got a wave.
Vampire slayer by night.
Flautist by day.
Here's a teaser of my 2013 fave (guess which one),
along with a couple other gems.
My fave group was the tree farm crew, who gave the "Racing to the Greatest..." theme an Olympic, albeit flammable, twist.
Not to mention their up and at 'em referee.
An oldie but goodie,
the pups were back.
Okay - giving it away - my fave.
And a chica who obviously didn't get the "Appropriate Parade Footwear" memo.
Maizey and Grandpa shared the bounty.
Best get ever.
While this guys costume made zero sense.
Zero.
Rosco, Mr. "Free Shakes" was back.
But no Uncle Paul to dish him sass.
By the end of it, Lady was ready to rock.
"Did you see that lady's shoes, Dad!"
And, it wouldn't be Lake City without a train horn blowin' semi,
spreadin' Yankee truckin' pride.
And to my fave?
Amen, Brother.
As an aside, here is what two rice krispie treats, 6 tootsie rolls, one sucker, three starbursts, two mini-snickers, and a popsicle do to Lady. Happy Independence Day!
