Taking a family of 6, 4 of which are under 7 years old, to an outdoor night event in winter is a bit complicated. 
Sometimes I get frustrated trying to orchestrate the dressing, travel, food, and timing. 
Sometimes I want to sit down in the midst of all their paraphernalia I’m lugging and have a great cry. 
Sometimes I want to chuck the keys across the parking lot and yell at the kids that we are never ever taking them out in public again. 
But sometimes…. 
Maggie hugs me and says this is the best night ever, Jack’s face lights up with fresh childhood wonder at the sights he is viewing, and Caleb claps his hands and cheers with two year old excitement…
And I remember why I put myself through this torture.
PS. The parade was amazing!

Christmas Parades West Metro Winter