David’s art projects often extend beyond the classroom, and many days he comes home crusted in paint (thanks, Kinder Care). Here he shows us (with a proud and hearty “Ta-daaaah!”) what may have been a fire truck

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Motorcycle Drill Team demonstrates how to ride safely. Don’ try this at home, or we’ll arrest you

The Armed Forces Color Guard leads the parade and earns a well-deserved standing ovation from the crowd

The Boilermakers Marching Band with the world’s largest drum. It was loud. And apparently their train (the “Boiler Express”) is the country’s largest collegiate mascot. Dude, it’s a train. What do you expect?

David was a little overwhelmed at first by all the noise, but the moment he saw flashing lights, all was well and he really got into it

Patricia Heaton was the Grand Marshal of the Parade. She waved

So, this is Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels (note: “not my man”). He was leading a team of other guys on motorcycles, and they stopped for about a minute in front of us, waiting for the parade to advance. A few minutes later, the people sitting behind us asked, “Where was Mitch Daniels?” and we said that he’d been on the motorcycles. Their response was, “Oh, he was that little guy? That was him?” There’s nothing like respect for our elected officials…

The first balloon of the parade to some through freaked David out a little bit. BUt then it was followed by some racecars, so he was pretty happy after that

This one is only up here for Aunt Sara: Allison Sweeney, the winner of The Biggest Loser. There you go, Sara. Inspiration

Must. Not. Laugh. At. These. Girls’. Dresses. We couldn’t figure out exactly who they were and why they were dressed like Barbie birthday cakes, but we thought they should have come very last, and then the city wouldn’t have had to pay to have the streets swept.