Small town festivities

Shortly before December 1st, all the town decorations went up...being that we live on the main town road, we got to see it take shape. It's been super fun watching this small community prepare for the holidays. All the streets have lights hanging, there are two large lit up signs coming into town and out of town. I love to look out the window at night when its so dark and see all the lights! Downtown set up this most adorable Christmas shed (see photo second down on the left) which I believe is for SANTA himself. Not sure exactly when he's coming, but rumor has it that he will appear soon.
On a very very chilly night (7 degrees) Tucker and I ventured out for the Christmas parade. None of the kids would come, not even after bargaining and begging...lol. My most trusty partner walked with me as we headed downtown. Cold or not, people came. There were hot cocoa stands, cookie sales and people bundled up like eskimos. The Christmas spirit was alive as the young and old took to the cold streets with great anticipation of seeing this parade. I met some super nice people standing there in the cold, of course with Tucker in hand everyone always wants to stop and ask what kind of dog he is and tell me how adorable his costume was! Tucker and I got a good spot on the corner with the photographer from the local paper, and a very nice group of mentally handicapped adults. Oh they were so sweet, and so excited to see Santa! One young man kept saying 'ho ho ho'..then he'd pet tucker and continue on 'ho ho ho'...
You could hear a faint sound of Christmas carolers off in the distance. Shortly after the parade started, I felt this hand grab Tuckers leash and as I quickly turned I saw my sweet son standing there. He said he felt terrible that I came alone so he decided to join me! I hugged him for what seemed like forever then he told me I was embarassing him....go figure. Many of the local businesses made floats on or out of their vehicles, including the fire & police stations. Creativity is the key here. John Deere tractors were pulled through the narrow roads on a very large semi truck, followed by reindeer puppets, Snowmen, and Santa on a bright new shiny RED truck! There were more, but those were my favorites. On the way home, Kyle and I talked about the experience and how we should try to enjoy each and every one. I can see from the kids point of view that this might not be all that much fun, but again, it is a part of the adventure and I hope that I can teach them to stop, and enjoy all of the good things around them. Now, lets see if I can get them to go take pictures with Santa.....NOT!!