Gopher Count 2012

 Normally the Viola Parade is the first week of summer. It is one of the kick offs that Shana and I never miss. I love going to it. Matthew is getting older and I wonder how long before he says no thanks. This year Kaden had Basketball camp and Matt was on his own. The parade started with this baby pony. He was so cute. 

 Then there was the gopher himself! Hope he still had his tail. They really do shoot and count gopher tails as part of the festivities. Mike and Matthew really want to get in on that side of this celebration.

 And then there was Addie. This was her year! Last year she would get a piece of candy and then sit on the side of the road and eat it. It was too sweet. This year, she realized that parades like gopher count are a lot like Halloween without all the work. She watched her candy add up.

 I took Matt's picture with Mr. Liberty. One of my favorite side things about the parade is the political representation... I know that sounds odd but it is really nice to see who is running and what they stand for. Carla Nelson was a yes! However, her running mate put a sticker on Matthew without asking under her sticker and I was not too happy about it! 

 Normally I would not post a picture of a float...after all it is a ride full of kids that none of my loyal followers(hi Grandma Dot) know. However, check out the kid with a sucker on his head! I thought that was worth sharing. 

 I wonder if this will be his last bag of candy from the Viola gopher count...

 Addie kept her eye on her bag! 

 She is finally getting the hang of this parade stuff!

 look at all that loot!

 With all the candy and other extras that were handed out. This was Addie's favorite. A green hand on a popsicle stick! She LOVED it. 

 When to we get to shoot gophers mom?

 This is seriously the best parade there is. It is so short and simple and yet the kids get so much loot. I don't know why people would go to another parade.

 The end!

 Huddy and his friend quickly found shade and looted the loot!

There is our small group. 20 pounds of candy heavier than 30 minutes ago!

Shana, I hope I get another Viola parade with you. If I don't just know that every first Thursday of summer I will feel like I need to be somewhere...and I will craze freezy pops and tootsie rolls!