Pepper Fest Parade

Sophia and I went to the Pepper Fest parade in North Hudson on Saturday morning. Unfortunatly Jared had to work and couldn't join us. It was very fun, but it was the LOOOOOOOONGEST parade I've ever been to. Way too long. It was over 2 hours. Sophia (and I) were completely done about an hour in, but it just kept going like the Energizer bunny. Here are some pictures from the day...

Papa (Gary) bought her a new Dora chair!

Lounging in her new chair, waiting for the parade to start

Playing with Mama

Here come the fire trucks!

Cover those ears! Those trucks are LOUD!
The fire trucks are a little bit scary. Hold me, Mama!

Budweiser Clydesdales

All the pretty little horses... (one of Sophia's favorite lullabies)

Beads!

Snuggling with Papa. SO ready for a nap

4th of July

Sophia and I packed up Saturday morning to head to the Hudson 4th of July parade. We were both pretty sad that Jared had to work and couldn't come. We got all the gear in the car and headed for Hudson. We arrived about 10 minutes before the parade began. I got stuck on Main St (the parade route) and couldn't turn off down any side streets because people were blocking every street! Finally, I was able to turn off and found an excellent parking spot only 2 blocks from where the family was sitting.
When Sophie and I walked up, we were shocked to find Daddy sitting with everyone! He surprised us and took a half-day off so he could be a part of Sophie's first Fourth. It was such a wonderful surprise!

The fam waiting for the parade to start

Sophie was especially curious about the loud fire trucks.

Watching our first 4th parade as a family!

Sophia had loads of fun with the mini bottle of bubbles she got!

Sittin with Daddy watching the marching band

Summer "Firsts"

Sophia had a big day today! We have been trying to take advantage of the warm weather and get out as much as we can. So today, I packed a picnic lunch and we headed for the park.

Sophia's First Picnic:

Lunchtime!
After lunch, we laid in the shade and played for awhile

Smiles
...and giggles
After Jared got home from work, we all ate dinner, took a walk, and then got into our swimsuits and played in the pool. We blew up a bigger one for Jared and me, and Sophia had her own little pool! Hers was warmer though, so I crammed myself into her pool too ;)

After we were cooled off, we got dressed and headed to Sophia's first parade! It is SummerFest in Oakdale this weekend, and the festivities started at 7pm.

Sophia's First Parade:

When the clowns went by...

Picking up candy!

Sucking on a wrapped sucker

After we realized that at some point she got the wrapper off...

A good shot of her blue tongue

First parade as a family!

Waving to the floats

Heading home