The Norwood Doll Carriage Parade (in pictures)

One of my favorite traditions in the town of Norwood is the annual 4th of July Doll Carriage Parade. Kids (and their parents) decorate carriages, bikes and wagons with as much red, white and blue as they can cram on and walk through the center of town. My sister was a winner of this years ago and now that the next generation of girls has come along, my family has gotten into it all over again. Last year the girls took home the prize. This year we had 4 entrants as Charlotte, Addison, Kyra and Eliza were going to be involved.

Addison checking out the competition.

Charlotte doing her best Michael Jordan impression.

Charlotte seems to be questioning why she can't get her own wagon, while Addison isn't sure if she likes this stuff going around the edges.

Yes, it's the same dress for all four girls... did you expect anything less?

We got there early and got numbers 4-7.
I'm as stunned as you are that someone beat us to get numbers 1-3.

Our group was 4 girls and 15 adults.
I would have thought the ratio would be higher.

Matching crowns and dresses. How could they not win this thing?

This pictures is to show you how serious the town takes this thing. It's a huge event. Also, it's always funny because there are 400 people marching in it and 20 people watching it.

Made it to the center of town with the wagon and decorations still mostly in place. And, in case you're wondering how many pictures I had to take to get one with both girls looking at the camera, the answer is 7.

Alas, they couldn't defend their title. There were twin girls pushing a red, white and blue carriage with twin dolls inside. That's tough to beat.
But, they still got shirts.

Planning has already begun for next year. I'm thinking something big enough for all 6 girls to ride on would get the judges attentions.

-I caught the 1812 Overture on TV last night. You can't tell me that the guy who was playing the chimes put a lot of time in at practice. It looked like he was just randomly banging them.

-So, get this: my mother was moving some leaves that seem to collect next to the house no matter how many times we rake that area out. Under the pile of leaves, she found the plug for the good cooler. It's a 4th of July Miracle!!!