we went to the superbowl parade

otherwise entitled:  one of the stupidest decisions we've ever made.

Everybody told us to go to the parade.  that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Everyone we knew was going.  everyone.  Some schools cancelled school.  our district said it would be an excused absence.  

short story:  we stood in the freezing cold (around 25 degrees) for five hours to watch a 10 minute parade, where we were so far back we could barely see the tips of their heads. 

Long story:  we got there at 9 am, plenty early.  Ryan dropped us off.  He was going to miss the parade b/c of a meeting.  But shortly after dropping us off, he got a phone call and his meeting was cancelled.  He found a parking spot about 2 miles from my location and then joined us. 

I staked us out the best spot ever.  so close.  we were all excited.  people watching was fun.  Then I realized that my perfect parade watching spot was in front of a bar.  How had I missed this small detail?  at first, it wasn't a big deal.  But after a few hours, and many drinks later, it was horrible.  lots of profanity and obnoxiousness.  around 1 pm (after 4 hours of standing in the exact same spot)  We couldn't stand it anymore and we gave up our perfect spots.  should have done that sooner!  We walked around for an hour in the crazy crowds.  think of your most crowded Disneyland trip times 10.  like the crazy crowded subways during rush hour in Tokyo. 700,000 people.  We were never able to find a spot where we could see.  When the parade finally came around 2 pm.  (the parade had started an hour late!)  we could barely see anything.  It was very disappointing.

these are pics Ryan took raising the camera high above his head.

beastmode!!

Russell Wilson on the left, holding up the newspaper

Richard Sherman, (in white pants)--was hilarious.  Everybody loves him around here.  Ryan said, "If Richard Sherman wasn't on my team, I'd hate that guy so much!"

it was a long, long walk back to the car.  But walking warmed us up and we could relax and take pictures.  We stopped at McDonald's for Jake, because that's his favorite restaurant.  My little seven year old ate 2 double cheeseburgers, while Emily spouted off every disgusting McDonald fact she knows.  She's never been the same (or eaten at a McDonald's)  since she read Fast Food Nation two years ago. 

LOVED this mystery machine driving down the road!!

I hope we win the super bowl next year too, but we won't be at the parade!