Today we strolled around the finished floats.  We saw them gearing up and practicing for the big day.  A band was even part of the action which was an added bonus.

Today we were fortunate enough to take a tour of the Tournament of Roses Mansion.  The theme of the Rose Parade is Hats Off to Entertainment.  Here are a few photos of the outside. 

Outside the grounds

A photo of Piper and mommy outside the mansion

Taking a rest with the rose garden in the background

Enjoying running around

In the background are the Grand Marshal cars.  Below is a better photo inside the tent

Checking out the media tents

We were able to take a look inside the mansion and get a glimpse of what life was like back when the Wrigley’s owned it as a residence.  It was so beautiful and nicely decorated for the parade theme.  They have special rooms for the Rose Queens, Grand Marshals and for Football.  What a wonderful treat to see!!

Here are the sketch drawings for each float in the parade

The Rose Queen Room

Photos of each Grand Marshal

Even our friend Mickey was a Grand Marshal

Inside the Football Room

A small tribute to Grandpa who played at Purdue.  They made it to the Rose Bowl the year after he graduated.  So close!

Here’s Grandpa with Bob Griese (the quarterback he played with during his years at Purdue that took them to the bowl the year later)

A small look inside the first floor

Today we took Piper on her first trip to Disney!  This was also a first time trip for daddy, Grandma and Grandma.  It was a great day to walk around and see why it’s called the happiest place on earth.  Piper had a blast!  She was such a good girl without having much sleep and being completely off a schedule.  Our first ride was on It’s a Small World.  She took everything enjoying every second.  We did a few other rides with her which were also fun.  Then, we watched the Christmas parade and saw lots of Disney characters.  The day ended with another trip on It’s a Small World.  This time Piper jumped up and down in the boat the entire time and really let loose.  It’s too bad our photos don’t capture her excitement.  Looks like we will have to go back….

Yay!  My first trip to Disney.  Now I can show off my Minnie dress

My very first ride on It’s a Small World

On the ride

Let’s do that again!

My first set of mouse ears

Mesmerized by the Christmas parade

On final ride – It’s a Small World