casa de coop 'n cruz: We Love a Parade

Yesterday, we celebrated the 4th with Coop participating in his very first parade. It was actually the only parade in town as Estes has their big July parade next week for The Rooftop Rodeo. I'm sure we'll have Rodeo Parade pics to share as well (Hee Haw!).

Coop had been gearing up for this big event for a couple of weeks. When I asked if he like to be in the parade, he wanted to make sure his friends would be with him. He seemed a little hesitant at first thinking he would be a one man show. I assured him that his camp friends would be with him and then he was fine. He did let it be known that he hoped he could play the tuba. I told him that I wasn't sure if his class would have a tuba in the mix but I was certain that whatever his get up would be, it would be top notch. I kept my giggling at the notion of Coop playing the tuba to myself and tried to keep our parade talk serious. But come on people, that is one funny visual (and request) if I do say so myself! Am I not right?

Two things I learned yesterday: 1) Cooper is a very stoic parade participant and takes his job seriously. 2) Kids can be embarrassed by their mother as early as 4yrs old (who knew).

Cooper was beyond excited the morning of the parade and was bouncing off the walls before I dropped him off for camp. When I checked him in, one of his counselors asked if he was ready for the parade. He happily answered yes and I just had to be THAT mom that had to give my 2 cents as well. I (not so) innocently interjected that Cooper was all set but was really hoping he could play the tuba and wondered if they had any in their set of props (hardy har har, thinking I was oh so funny). Well, I didn't even get a chance for the counselor and I to have a moment of thinking how cute that visual would be before Cooper jabbed me in the ribs and said under his breath 'stop saying that, Mommy!'. I was quickly put in my place and could tell there would be no more tuba talk.....all righty then, moving on. Coop then had tears in his eyes for the first time (that I'm aware of) at camp and I felt like a big ole CHUMP. I then assured him that I wouldn't say anything else about his parade aspirations and promised that I would never embarrass him again throughout his entire childhood. I really said that. In front of witnesses and WITH A PINKY swear! Uh-oh, I'm in trouble. Yes, I made a promise there is no way I will be able to keep (knowing my track record). But I had to act quickly. My promise seemed to work though and he was able to move on once we talked it through.

Once Cruz and I dropped Coop off we headed up to the parade spot to meet up with friends we had invited for the big event. Yes, they wanted to be there for Coop but also because it was a fun 4th event and something to do. Cooper knew we would be in the crowd and I told him to watch for all of us. The parade started with all of the Day Campers followed by Camp Guests and then Staff.

Once I spotted Coop, I couldn't help but notice how stoic and serious he was. Not upset. Just serious. When he found his "entourage" in the crowd, it was tough for him to hold back a smile. But I saw how proud he looked at that moment and even saw a tiny little smile wiggle out. It might have brought a tear (or 2) to my eyes.