St Patricks Day 2012

Well, this is my first time ever celebrating St Patricks Day.  I have worn green but that was the extent of it.  Here this day is celebrated all week.  People are in green for days before!  I must admit I even wore green on the 16th and 17th:) Caden was out of school on the 16th for a "teacher's planning day" but I really think it is just an excuse (not complaining though). 

We initially said we would stay clear of Savannah on this weekend.  We have heard it gets crazy!  It is said to be one of the biggest St Patty's celebrations in the states.  Jason was told that the parade was family friendly so I really wanted to give it a shot.  I mean we are this close.... why not.  Not to mention I just needed something to look forward to.  Jason humored me and started coming up with a "plan".  We ended up with many plans getting scratched but it all worked out.  Yes, we got up at 5:45 am and left our house at 6:15!!  When we got there chairs and tents were all up and down the roads. Our goal was to be on the front near the beginning of the parade (so we could head out of town as soon as it passed us and before the rest of the crowds) and hopefully in a shade.  We succeeded at it all except the shade part.  If we do it again then a shade will be a must! Jason dropped me off with our chairs to secure a spot while he went to find parking.  After driving around a bit he dropped the boys back off with me and went hunting for parking again... result = 8 blocks away.  It wasn't a bad walk though and luckily the boys and I only had to do it when leaving. 

We had snacks packed and leapsters and my ipod games:)  We ended up near a little 5 year old boy and that was great because the 3 of them entertained each other.  Blake had the hardest time understanding why we were waiting so long for this parade to start.  I knew we were asking for trouble by getting them up so early but I put on some extra patience and we dealt with it. 

The parade wasn't what I had expected.  I guess I expected more excitement or entertainment.  There were a lot of "big wigs" I guess dressed in green suits and dresses walking behind nice cars with signs like " 1981 Grand Marshall" etc.... It would be the grand marshall and all of their family.  They didn't throw out candy or beads.... Caden was disappointed in that.  So all in all I am glad we did it.  It was a good experience. However, I am not sure if I would do it again.... unless we just don't have anything else to do.  I am very glad Jason humored me though and let us go.... just so I could say I did:) You can view the pictures we took in our St Patricks Day album.