Neighborhood Pioneer Day Parade

Okay, I'm not going to lie - this year's parade was a bit of a letdown for more than a couple reasons. Reason #1 - We usually do something unexpected and out of the ordinary for the children's parade like a remote control car made into a float, or a walking float. But, this year we thought we were bing lame and just decorated bikes. Which, turned out to be something unexpected and out of the ordinary - who knew. Which brings me to Reason #2. Reason #2 - No one else decorated their bikes - NO ONE. Come on, how hard is it to get out the crepe paper and streemers? Really. You only have to look at pictures of years past to see that this year was pretty boring in the way of decorations. (Sorry, all you Windsor 2nd Ward members who might read this - I'm just calling it how it is.)

Cameron and Landon's bikes were as decorated as you can get without hindering the function of the bike. Jayden didn't want to be a human float this year but still wanted to throw candy. I told him that he either had to decorate his bike or dress up like a pioneer in order to be in the parade. So, he put on a hat and an old jacket, filled his satchel with Salt Water Taffy, and walked the parade throwing candy to the spectators - yes, both of them.

Here, Landon and Cameron are lining up for the "parade".

Right before the "start" - notice all the NON-decorated bikes. Sheesh!

Okay, so once the parade started, the kids were off like a shot. The kid holding the parade sign tripped over it and fell - nearly being trampled or ran over by the kids behind him. Which, brings me to Reason #3. Reason #3 - This is a PARADE, not a RACE. Not more than 30 seconds later, poor Cameron wrecked on his bike. I mean wrecked - and hard. I guess he looked behind him to see if he was "winning" and completely lost control of his bike - it was BRUTAL to watch. Needless to say, I pitched the camera and ran to help him. So, no action shots of the pain. But, here is a small sampling of the aftermath of the "Windsor 2nd Ward Pioneer Day Parade."

Of course, after the parade they had popsicles and water balloons, which always becomes a bigger water fight. After being chased down the street by a teenager and a bucket of water last year, I decided to leave before the buckets and hoses were brought out. Call me a party pooper - Reason #4.

But, 2 out of my 4 boys came home wet and smiling, so maybe the parade wasn't a complete bummer after all. Well, maybe we should ask Cameron.