I look forward to this tradition every year.

I don't know how a parade can be so fun, but pair it with friends, children, food, coffee, and running into half the town and it equates to the perfect day.

What I love better?

The one excuse to dress up as a cowboy. Kade did a great job at holding his "best dressed" title. Get 'r' done, Buddy.

Although Kid doesn't look impressed, he was, of course, enamoured with everything. This year he told me he wants to be a "marching band leader". Let's hope he changes his mind.

Drums are where it's at, Kid.

Miss Paliss and Evelyn Belle--two blond beauties!

I have special place in my heart for this kiddo. First, his Daddy was my first crush in the second grade (don't worry, it's passed). Secondly, his favorite color used to be pink (real men admit that). And lastly, his build is very similar to Baby Bee's, so naturally I just want to squeeze, tackle, and tickle his tough and broad little bod. But seriously, look at those eyes and lips!

Yay for social time too!

And of course, pro-creation must continue so there are two little babies hiding in this photo.

After spending the whole day barbecuing home-grown lamb, checking out the hop plants, and listening to music, we had a nice visit with Grandma and Grandpa Peters (who I am pretty sure have not changed and/or aged since my birth), headed back to our Inn (also known as Bobbi and Chad's). Again, some more social time while the kids ran around shirtless shooting basketballs until they eventually crashed on their pillows, exhausted from a momentous day.

The following day, we packed up (after eating our custom omelets and freshly steamed chai lattes, courtesy of Bobbi, "Miss Delicious"), headed for Jake and Lisa's. I love them. They rock. This is why every girl should have brothers! We allowed ourselves to bask in their service of again, great food, and allow our children to again, parade around shirtless and exhaust themselves.

I'm so proud of Yammy (long story to Jakey's nickname, but if you knew him, you wouldn't even question--he's just so Yammy), he has his own "stilt garden"... I call it his "stilt garden" as it's raised, but created and invented by none other than himself, so customarily he built it to be four feet tall. Quite convenient. Grandpa was so proud, I could tell, as Yammy's love for tomato gardening comes straight from his gene pool.

This little girl is so fun. She's got the most beautiful dark and golden skin I have ever seen on a baby. Plus, her personality is quite pleasant. She's that kid that you don't even notice is around.

I was enjoying this moment. Kid was chatting it up with Grandpa Brown while Grandpa discreetly wiped off his hands and face. It's remarkable how something so natural can be so impactful.

Grandma and Grandpa with three of their eight great-grandchildren.

We finished up the day with more relaxing and lounging. Look at these two. They laid back in this raft for about 10 minutes. What little buddies, just six months apart.

Getting home at 10pm last night was interesting. The children were exhausted, as were we. Today has been half-recovery, half-meltdown for the boys. But every moment was worth it. It was, indeed a wonderful Mother's Day had by all.