East Cobber Parade 2011

Ava recently received a flyer in her Kinder keeper, "Calling All Apples" to march in the East Cobber parade with Mrs. McKenzie, who is the featured "Teacher of the Year 2011" for Murdock Elementary.  When I asked Ava if she wanted to walk in the parade, she said "no."  When I mentioned that I could walk in the parade with her, she was excited about the prospect. 

She wore her pink Murdock Elementary t-shirt.  We brought some flags we had in the garage.  Doug and Liam met up with Amy Hoffman and Mekhi, who were planning on watching the parade. 

Ava and her teacher, Teacher of the Year:  Mrs. Meleesa McKenzie

It was fun.  The atmosphere was charged; the high school bands were playing, mascots and unicycle riders surrounded us.  We met up in the parking lot, where Ava's principal (Cynthia Hanauer) let us pick out a piece of the "good" candy (chocolate) before the parade.  (In this parade the participants throw out candy to the kids along the parade route).  Mrs. McKenzie showed up a few minutes after we did, when they presented her with a pink feather boa and a feathered crown.  She got a laugh out of that.  She got to sit in a convertible car, up high, to wave at everyone.  She thanked us for coming. 

There were only THREE kids that showed up from Ava's class, including Ava!  I honestly thought there would be a gaggle of them. I was very glad we went. She was a little skiddish at first, wanting to hold my hand as we walked along the route.  The parade went down Johnson Ferry Road, toward the Olde Town plaza; in all I would say we walked over a mile.  Ava did so well!  Toward the end, she finally let go of my hand and would wave her flag.  She was excited when we save Mekhi and Amy, Liam and Daddy cheering us on. 

I'm glad we participated!

Peace, love and parade waves,
Shelly, Doug, Ava and Liam

Other staff members who participated in the parade.  Note Mrs. McKenzie's THRONE!  ;-)

Ava sat in this motorized car near the Cobb County firemen's display, at the festival following the parade.

Mekhi riding in the car.

Liam and Mekhi petting the sweetest rescue dog.  She was abused.  I felt so sad for this dog!

Liam absolutely loves dogs.  

The parade.

Mrs. McKenzie's banner and car, as she rides in the parade.

Here we come with Mrs. McKenzie!

She's got the parade wave down pat, now!



And I got to meet ELVIS that day!  Elvis was at the festival after the parade. 

Somehow he's not quite as "filled-out" as I remember? ;-)

Liam and Mekhi getting ready to slide down the inflatable slide.