Getting In The Spirit

Skyler, Daddy and I plus an additional 30,000 people, turned out for the Lakeland's 31st Annual Christmas Parade on December 1st. We arrived shortly before 6PM and we're fortunate to have our dear friends, Linda & Julie Piney save us some seats. Once arriving, the Princess enjoyed a slice of pizza.

The event was kicked off at 7PM with a wonderful firework display over Lake Mirror.

Skyler was ready for the colorful & sparkly floats, providing us with free dance entertainment!

Believe it or not, but residents start lining up their chairs and roping them off around 9AM the morning prior to the parade! Linda & Julie guaranteed are spots, the best on the route! These were taken Wednesday morning....

After the firework show, the Police Officers put on a very creative riding display. As soon as Sky saw those motorcycles, she quickly started shouting, "Papa!" One officer was kind enough to stop and let the Princess get her picture taken. She definitely makes friends where ever she goes!

We quickly took our seats and got ready for the floats. Here's a picture of Linda Piney and her new daughter-in-law, Julie. (We witnessed Julie & PJ get married earlier this year and it's become a tradition to watch the Super Bowl with the Pineys)

Sky's 1st Candy Cane......

quick clean up before the parade

Let the Parade begin!

The chilly weather didn't stop Skyler from enjoying over 100 floats and many marching bands. She waved and clapped as the floats went by and got super excited when she saw Santa and Mrs Claus!

The Christmas Parade was the perfect way to welcome the holiday season. Downtown Lakeland was so beautifully decorated and our Sweet Pea just enjoyed looking at all the lights as we walked back to our car. Looks like we started another fun tradition with the Pineys!