Friday, November 23, 2012

Everyone Loves a Parade

Everyone loves a parade, right?  Well, we do and we have started a new tradition in our house.  This year we attended the Festival of Lights Parade for the second year in a row.  The girls are so excited to see the stars of the show, Mickey and Minnie, and the boys, well they are good sports.  Luckily we all LOVE the city and enjoy whatever time we spend there.  We start off the afternoon at my Aunt's apartment, once we have messed it up good we head out to the parade.  This year Russ and the two little boys went out an hour before us to scout a spot.  I think we may have had the best spot on the parade route.  TJ and I took the girls out later so they would not have to wait so long.....but there was still lots of waiting.  I love the city and the energy of the city.   Here is our day in photos, I hope you feel like you were there with us.

On the Drive, Lake Shore Drive, it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas.


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One building still had roses blooming and Christmas lights all over.


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The view in the city is always spectacular....this one gets better later.


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We arrived at the corner of Michigan Avenue, The Magnificent Mile and Oak Street, and our waiting began.


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Russ found the perfect spot, seat included!


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We waited, Kendall was especially excited and kept asking for Mickey Mouse.


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TJ took a snack break.  Yes, we let him hit the city and for some reason this made Jake very nervous.  Actually,  I think Jake was worried we were going to have to give up some of our real estate if TJ took too long, silly boy!


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More waiting...


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The crowds grew....


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Told you it gets better!


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More waiting....


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Bigger crowds.....


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The start was near.


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Finally, Mickey appears out of a Chevy Avalanche, Minnie too.


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The start of the Holiday Season in Chicago is official.  As Mickey and Minnie stroll down Michigan Avenue all of the Christmas lights brighten the street.


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There were smiling faces.....


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....and waving hands!


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Chicago favorites.


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Kendall was taking it all in, she really enjoyed herself.


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Near the end, Donald and Santa finished off the parade.  What a fun way to start the Christmas Season.


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Once the crowd started to clear we made our way back down the Drive to my Aunt's for pizza and pj's!  


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The kids spotted this bunny as we walked, it almost looks as if he was watching the crowds pass in front of his house.

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 It was a fun evening and I look forward to our new tradition.  I hope my Aunt is up for it:)



4 comments:

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

What a wonderful tradition! These photos are amazing. Looks like such a great time was had by everyone! :)

Alyson and Ford said...

Oh so much fun! We haven't been to a parade in years.... must find one soon for AA to see! Merry Christmas!

Alyzabeth's Mommy

Elisa said...

love these. :)

Hannah said...

That is so cool. I would love that! It's even better at night.