Today is the 17th of May

In the life of an American, this is just another perhaps lovely or cold spring day. In the life of a Norwegian, this is the national holiday...a very big day filled with parades and other fun stuff. This day began for us (and any Norwegian who has any affiliation with school-age children) early - like any other school day. We get up early, dress up in our Sunday best, then send our kids off to the bus stop to catch the bus for school. Once they arrive at the school, they board another bus by grade to ride into the Stavanger city center for the children's school parade. We at home, finish up getting ready (in other words, get Mary Alice who likes to move at what seems like turtle pace, ready). Then we jump in the car and drive downtown to watch the big event. We decided to meet up with members of the branch and the missionaries again, if we find them. There are many walking in the direction of the parade, dressed up in their sunday best or best Norwegian cultural dress (called a "budnad") in varying colors, depending on where you grew up in Norway. The ladies wear long wool skirts with elaborate embroidery that usually includes a sort of apron, with a shawl and silver necklace/broach. Few of the men wear a tailored vest with knee length knickers and wool socks. The rest wear suits with ties. They look great and the feeling is formal and festive when you begin to see them everywhere! I don't think I have ever seen anyone dress this nice for a parade in America, let alone for the whole day during the 4th of July festivities! Its neat and it really feels like a special, respected day for this country. I like how they dress up for their country and literally look their best! It says a lot to me. Ok, back to the parade. When we arrive, we are greeted surprisingly with cheers of "Hurrah" led by the former branch president in his loudest cheering voice. I should have brought the video camera just to capture his fun and good cheer for all the kids parading by. It's worth watching a parade with this crowd. This year, that also included 8 missionaries (6 of who serve here locally - WOW!). This parade is all the local schools. Each school carries a banner at the front, usually has a band, and many of the littles are dressed in budnad's. I wish I had taken a ton more picts. Here's a few I did get.

Walking to the parade.

Dave took this picture...he still likes BMW motorcycles.

The only vehicle in this parade, besides the two politi bikes with it.

Little watchers.

Most of the schools have a band.

This is a girl from the branch. I think she's around 10?

This was an impressive line. They were all doing a Norwegian folk dance.

Two little friends from the British International School.

Eli.

Adam.
Had to show one more. He is walking with a girl from Poland.

Do any of you know this guy? Festive Elder Fisch.

Following the parade we find our kids and start walking to the car. Once we have even began, the streets are already practically empty and you would never have guessed there had been a parade here just 20 minutes ago. As we approach our car, we find that all the others have pretty much gone their separate ways. We jump in and head home for lunch and perhaps a relaxed day at home with no other plans but which is sure to include lots of play among all the expat kids who live here in our neighborhood. The Norwegians are still out watching other parades and continuing to celebrate their country's big day. It is fun to have our children participate in the school parade. It draws in a lot of people to celebrate with Norway and their beautiful children. It was a great parade. Thanks Stavanger!