I loathe discussion of Christmas and seeing decorations, etc before Thanksgiving. I still had most of my shopping done before then, but it just drives me nuts to see all the Christmas stuff so early. Anyway, that’s not the reason for this post.
Taylor’s gonna be busy this month! Last night was the Gardendale Christmas Parade and her dance studio had 3 floats. The one we wanted her on was looking very very full. The one we didn’t want her on (had a bubble “snow” machine that got kids soaked last year) had room. We spotted her teacher who helped us pack in two more little girls onto the float we wanted (oh, the 2nd little girl was Taylor’s friend from daycare, Layla, who is also in her dance class). This was about 5:15. About an hour later we hear, “Mama, I need to go teetee!” from both of them. Yes we’d all gone before we left and usually would’ve been fine. Of course, no portapotties or bathrooms nearby. We saw one girl and mom head off and Brian grabbed Taylor, Layla’s mom grabbed her and they followed. Come to find out, a guy had told that first mom to find a bush. Taylor and Layla got back and Taylor loudly proclaims, “Mama! I went teetee in the grass!” Layla’s mom was telling her to please not be a girly girl… she finally went. Taylor didn’t go immediately which caused Brian to say (with some dred), “Taylor. Do you have to go poopoo?” (No, thank God).
And then we were off! The tradition is to throw candy to the crowd. We’ll bring bigger bags next year. Oh, and we learned not to stand beside the float while we’re walking along. The kids on the float throw candy as well. We got hit. A lot.
We were astonished at how many people were there. In all of the crowds, we saw only one couple we knew. We’re planning on driving the route today to find out how long it was, but we’re guessing 2-3 miles.
After that was dinner at a place we hadn’t eaten before (because all the usual places were packed with parade goers). Jalisco Mexican Restaurant. It was alright. We might go there again, but we definitely prefer Habaneros.
This Tuesday is her school play. Next Saturday she dances at a nursing home. The Sunday before Christmas is the Children’s play at church and then it’s Christmas!
Busy Busy Busy!