Pioneer Day Parade

I've talked a lot about my Dad and his team of Perchin horses Dick and Homer on this blog, we consider them family.  I love seeing them all dolled up and pulling the wagon, they are so majestic. 

Well, after riding in the Whoopie Days Rodeo with the Americana's over the 4th of July they were asked to ride with the Americana's again in the Salt Lake City Days of 47 (Pioneer Day) Parade. We were all pretty excited- especially my dad and his partners Rodney and RJ- they were like little kids! They brought the horses and wagon up the night before and had them ready to go bright and early Thursday morning. 

The rest of us arrived in SLC Wednesday night after midnight then were up and going at 7- we were all pretty tired. But we got up and had breakfast then walked down the street to get a spot before the parade started. We weren't very prepared and didnt know what to expect- next time Ill remember to bring lots of cold water and chairs! We borrowed a blanket from our cousin and basked in the sun. 

The girls worked our way to the front of the street and had the best view- even though it was SO HOT!  We sat next to some nice people who let us squeeze right in! 

Scott, Randall, Mack, and Amelia sat back on the grass in the shade. 

The Parade was amazing. The floats were huge and had so much detail. There were marching bands, Policemen doing routines on their motorcycles, and tons of patriotism. It was fun to watch everyone having so much fun. 

 But the best and most surprising part of the parade was when we were front and center with our sweet Prophet!! President Monson rode in the parade and his car stopped right in front of us!! I expressed my love and he waved with his cute little crooked finger, then he waved at the girls and blew kisses. It was amazing- and like I said, we were so surprised! We had no idea he even was in the parade! It was a great feeling and the best part of the entire thing. 

 He was so sweet and had a great big smile the whole time. 

I looked over at my sister, Melinda, as he pulled away and she was bawling her eyes out! It was sweet.  We laughed about how shocked we all were and how we reacted like a bunch of school girls! But we have never been so close to the Prophet, the feeling we had is really hard to describe!

Then a few floats back was the Team, Dad, and Rodney. My mom went to a lot of work and had the Team all decorated up nice and pretty. It was fun to see my Dad in all his glory- he loved every minute. They looked beautiful. 

Initially we had hoped that we would all ride in the wagon, but because of the strict rules and regulations of the parade we couldn't. It turned out ok thought because it was much more fun to watch the parade. 

 We were also excited to see my nephew Josh perform with his school's marching band. They were towards the end of the parade and it was HOT! I felt bad for them having to march in that heat dressed in those uniforms, but they were great and I yelled loud enough for Josh to see me- my family loves that I am so loud!! 

 It was pretty much the best parade Ive ever been to- it put our hometown parades to shame!! Sorry Rexburg! I loved how much detail and effort was put into the floats and just the feeling of pride that comes along with parades. It really was such a great morning. 

After we walked over to City Creek Mall and had some lunch, then we took the kids to the Disney store for their first time. They were so excited- Mack especially. He told a employee that it was his birthday and the store did this little light show and sang to him, he was a little embarrassed but loved the attention! 

We let them each pick out a gift for the trip- Mack picked out Prince Charming, to go with his ever growing Man Barbie collection! (That's not weird?!! Is it?!) Carmen picked out a backpack for kindergarten and Leighton picked out a little Daisy Duck, she held onto it the whole weekend. 

 And I went to the first gas station and picked me up one of these babies! I was lucky enough to find one that almost had my name written on it- that might be the closest thing Ill ever have to my actual name! 

 We walked back to the car, loaded up, and headed to Bear Lake. The day started off so good I really could have just went home after all the excitement! But I was so excited to get to have a few more days of just relaxing and family time on the water. 

 We love summer vacation.