Dunwoody 4th of July Parade

We headed home from the lake late Tuesday night so that we could be home to celebrate the 4th. We work up early Wednesday morning to head to the Dunwoody parade, which is a huge event in the city of Dunwoody. We grew up going to this parade every year and have such fun memories. I am so glad that we are able to continue that with Lyla. She seemed to have fun this year. I think she was a little overwhelmed though and exhausted from being at the lake all weekend, going non-stop, so she did not seem to be as excited as her normal self. 

Any one who wants to be in the parade can participate, so there is a little bit of everything, but one thing that can be counted on is lots of CANDY!! Pretty much everyone in the parade throws candy. There are floats, bands, firetrucks, bikes, and even pirates. It is loud, entertaining, silly and just an "must" Dunwoody experience.

Ready to walk to our spot to watch the parade.

What is supposed to be happening?

Uncle Jonathan, Aunt Kara and Dalton still lived here at this point, so they stopped by to watch some of the parade with us.

Lyla loves baby Dalton.

Sweet cousins.

Not very impressed.

"I need some of this coffee, mom"

"Dad..."

"...you are silly."

Ready for the parade to start.

  

Checking out her candy.

   

"This is it?"

Taking a break with daddy.

 

        Just was not her normal self today.

Allison and Dan had just gotten Marly so she got to come to the parade too.

                                 

She loves Marly dog. Marly was her size at this point.

                                     

After the parade we went home to take a nap and get ready to head over to John and Kelly's house for a cookout. Lyla loves John and Kelly and baby Caroline (as do we!!). We are so thankful for their friendship and what they mean to us. Lyla was so excited to go see baby Caroline, this was her first 4th of July. But I think she was even more excited to see their dog Riley. She LOVES that dog. Riley sometimes forgets his manners and must be on a leash, so Lyla loves to walk around holding the leash and having Riley follow her around everywhere!! It is really funny to watch. Riley is so sweet with her and is so great to put up with being pulled around everywhere. She does not let that leash go the entire time we are over there. I am sure he secretly loves the attention. Dinner was so fun and we were able to just sit outside and enjoy the evening. After we ate, we attempted to do sparklers with Lyla, but she ended up being more interested in the playset than the sparklers. Go figure.

Holding baby Caroline.

They look like they are wearing matching outfits.

"It's ok baby Caroline, I know what to do."

Kisses.

"Let me hold her again..."

Happy girls

Trying out the sparkler with daddy.

Not so interested.

Adam with Caroline.

Lyla and her buddy.

Being crazy with Riley.

Best friends.