Starlight Parade - the kickoff to the Rose Festival

Last night we surprised the boys with a special outing. A ride on the train downtown to the Starlight Parade. I think they would have been happy staying on the train to Hillsboro and back, but we had other things in store. Here they are waiting for the parade to start... It's taken Heather and I awhile, but we've finally got it figured out...If you have something FUN planned, DON'T tell the kids until it's time to leave. I'm sure all parents figure this out. So what if it's taken me almost 6 years. My day was so peaceful without all the, "How many hours until we leave?!"

This was one of my faves last year and we were lucky enough to have the fireman climb their ladder and fall to the trampoline thing below in front of us. Pretty cool to see it. Hope I never have to do it.

Pierce and Evan were going out of their minds with all of the fire trucks, tractors and vehicles in the parade. Pierce was just a little excited as he grabbed Evan to tell him about the truck that was coming up next!

Sesquicentennial? Yes, it's 150 years. Happy Birthday Oregon.

A short walk, a long train ride with two tired boys (one who was quiet, and Evan who would NOT stop talking) a 20 minute drive and we were home again at last. Fun night out, very warm weather, 2 tired boys, and 2 even more tired Mommies!