Memories and traditions.

Two years ago, we took one of our first family outings as a family of five to our local holiday parade. We froze our butts off, but that day was so special and held so much meaning. Just weeks earlier, Kyle and I arrived home from Russia with Nika in tow. She was such a baby ... I don't think I realized at the time just how much of a baby she was.

Holiday parade December 2008

Last weekend, as we sat and watched that same parade ... I couldn't help but reflect on the past two years. We are happy. We are creating family memories and traditions to last a life time.



There is something about holiday parades that make me all giddy on the inside. Gathered with friends and family, sipping hot cocoa and munching on donuts, anxiously awaiting the first glimpse of the parade.



Remembering my marching days, tooting my clarinet and trying my hardest to keep a straight line. Getting emotional at the sight of soldiers marching in unison, bringing the memory of my grandfather to the front of my mind.







Counting my blessings on the sidewalk beside me.







And the historical parade closing ... Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves.





These are the traditions we are making because the memories are priceless.