The Omnibus: World Series Victory Parade

In case you've missed the news, On Friday night the Cardinals won the World Series! Yes folks, St. Louis has been living the dream all weekend. At church today, the Pastor was careful to point out that the vestments on the altar were red, not for the Cardinals, but for Reformation Day.

In 2006 when the Cardinals last won the World Series, we were living in Northern Virginia. Christian was about six months old. Because I had a colicky six-month old, I fell asleep during the game. Darren kindly woke me up so I could see the win and beginnings of the celebration.

Christian is now five, Connor is three (really, only three?). This post season has been so fun--not only are we back home in the best baseball town in the country, but this is the first year that Christian is really tuned into baseball. Every game, he did great with paying attention to the score, asking questions about what was happening, and getting to know and be a fan of the players. It's been such fun to watch a young Cardinals fan experience a great World Series victory. I hope he remembers some of this when he's older.

Probably within seconds of Game 7 ending, if not sooner, Darren and I decided that without a doubt, we were going to take the boys to the parade today. We did. And it was great.

The parade was schedule to begin at 4, with the parade starting at Union Station, heading down Market Street, and around to Busch Stadium. We were late. When we arrived downtown near Union Station at 2 pm, this is what the crowd looked like as far as the eye could see:

Folks started arriving during the morning to stake their claim on prime viewing spots. No worries. We managed to squeeze into a spot with a good view.

Warning: There will be a lot of photos. One, because I take a LOT of pictures, and two, it's the World Series victory parade!

Because we were there two hours early, the boys had time to play. Why not throw some leaves?

Connor loves trees.

There were vendors selling t-shirts, pennants, noisemakers, beer, food, etc.

There was my husband.

Whew. I need a break. Squeeze applesauce, anyone?

These guys found a really good spot to see the parade. Nearly every Cardinal that went by got a laugh from them.

This was a great idea.

The Clydesdales are here!

Tony LaRussa!!

The World Series Trophy

Here come the Cardinals!

FREESE!!!

He was constantly moving, waving to the folks on both sides of the street, but here's Pujols!

Ace! Say hi to Chris Carpenter.

Theriot is cool.

Rally Squirrel is here.

Mark Mcquire

Christian was wedged in between what must have been the two most unfriendly Cardinals fans. No matter, he squeezed in and was completely focused on the entire parade.