July 4 Parade

I took Sam to a kid's parade in downtown Durham for July 4. The word "parade," was a bit misleading to him, apparently, as he kept asking where the marching band was. Finally I got him on board, and we joined the throngs of kids, all decorating their rides.


Sam navigates the crowds during bike decoration.


Close-up of my handiwork.

We had a few minutes left before the parade was supposed to start, so we headed over to the firetruck. Sam was so enthusiastic -- we visited at length before and after the parade -- that one of the firefighters said he wouldn't be surprised if Sam was going to be his captain in a few years.


In the driver's seat.


What parade?


Wait! The parade is starting without me!

Sam and I sprinted across the field to join the parade. He mounted his trusty Radio Flyer and took off for the end of the parade trail.


Speeding past the stragglers.


Riding hard. So hard, in fact, he proceeded to just ride into the back of the vehicle in front of him while I was trying to take photos. We still have a lot to learn about parade etiquette.


Waving at the onlookers.


Proud rider.


Afterwards, he cooled off with a popsicle. "Hmmm. I detect notes of citrus and high fructose corn syrup. A delicious combination."


Then the firemen opened one of the hydrants! You can see the parade veterans thought ahead and brought their swimsuits. Sam mainly hung around the perimeter of the water play.


And enjoyed the people watching.