Everyone loves a parade

The family is in town this weekend. Yea!  The girls are checking out all the "new stuff" in the garden.

"We're not in Kansas anymore!"

"Nica," Nova, Tom, Amanda and Nova

On Saturday morning we watched the annual West Seattle Grand Parade together.

Candy comes if you are patient...

 Grandpa and Uncle Dave

The parade always starts with the police motorcycle drill teams whizzing by your toes.

 Followed by various fancy costumes, dancing and pageantry...

 Hugh school bands...

 Pretty local high school girls!

 Finally, the arrival of the raucous Seafair pirate boat.

 Not too scary these days...when Amanda was Nova's age, she would hide behind the mailbox.

And what's a parade without a few important messages.

Amen.
(John gets credit for the parade pictures)

Amanda and "Nica" relaxing after the parade.  We thought the country dog would totally flip out, but she was very good indeed. Later we had a picnic in the backyard-- a fun and busy day.