MSU Homecoming Parade

Tonight we had a great time at the MSU homecoming parade. While it was a little chilly... 45 degrees (it got cooler as the sun went down), we were all bundled up and tried to stay as warm as possible. I can't complain because the rain held off and it wasn't as bad as it's been in years past! The parade theme this year was "We've Always Been Green" and promoted environmentally green initiatives. The floats were made by using recycled materials and there were lots of different types of materials used. From pop cans and laundry soap bottles to newspapers and boxboard. The crowd seemed bigger this year because the streets were packed solid on both sides up and down the whole parade route! The kids had a blast and really enjoyed the parade. Evan had no problem going for the candy this year. Last year he was a little hesitant, but not this year! We met up with my friend Jessica and her family. Evan had fun with her kids, Grace and Matthew, collecting candy and enjoying the bands. I'm going to keep this part of the post short because I've got lots of fun pictures to share! Some I'll post here and the rest I'll post a link where you can find the whole album.

All bundled up and waiting for the parade to start.

Evan and Daddy trying to stay warm.

The parade always begins with Spartan Marching Band! Em absolutely loved when the band started playing. She was clapping like crazy! (Oh how the color guard brings back memories of my high school marching band days!)

It wouldn't be a MSU parade without Sparty the greatest college mascot around!

The Izzo family- we used to joke that his daughter was mini Lupe (his wife's name) and his son was mini Mateen,(his son's middle name is Mateen, after Mateen Cleaves) but not so much anymore... they've definitely grown up!

The mens b-ball team that will be headed to the Final Four this year! Woo Hoo!

The fish float was made out of laundry detergent bottles.

Cool airplane float!

The parade brought a little humor about mid way through. One of the horses left behind a little something not so pretty right in front of us so we all got a kick out of watching people step in horse dung as spectators were trying to warn them, "watch your step!" After the parade Evan's school had a post parade gathering with cider, donuts, and hot chocolate. Evan got to play with a few friends from school so he was excited! It was nice to warm up with some hot chocolate. Little Miss Emmaline was all about the donuts and we caught her trying to sneak a third donut after her two she already gobbled up! Thank goodness they were only donut holes!

By the time we got home it was after 8pm and we hadn't eaten dinner yet. I was so glad I had decided to make soup earlier in the day because it definitely hit the spot tonight after being out in the cold. I tried a new soup tonight- Italian Chicken Soup which turned out great so I'll post the recipe soon! Click here for the rest of the pictures!