Queen's bday

This past Saturday was Queen Elizabeth, the queen of England's birthday. It takes place in June, even though her birthday is in April. This is because June usually has nicer weather for her public outdoor party. The most important event of the day is the historic military ceremony- Trooping the Colour (the queen's birthday parade). The parade included over 1400 officers, 200 horses, and over 400 musicians from 10 bands. It was so large I had to google to find out exact numbers! :)

Everything was set up as it was for Princess Kate and Prince William's wedding. Does this make us tourists or locals for making sure we were at Buckingham Palace for her birthday parade? 

When the flag is up it means the queen is home.

The amount of horses that were part of this parade were insane. Just when you thought it was over-- more horses would appear. Here comes the band...on horses of course.

Michael enjoyed the cool cars. 

The royal family, Princess Kate included, was dropped off first so they could watch the festivities from the balcony.

This wasn't Princess Kate, but doesn't she look like she could be? I googled her to see what she wore and it wasn't her. She was on the carriage in the picture above.

Here comes the birthday girl...

Could you imagine these festivities every year for your birthday?

The yellow peep turned into a light blue peep. :) That one's for you, Libbie.

The Queen got out of her carriage and stepped on to this little platform. Personally, I thought it was a little anticlimactic. She was set up perfectly to give a speech. I didn't expect the crowd to start singing happy birthday to the queen, but I was surprised there wasn't even clapping.

Her family was right behind her, including Princess Kate.

If you thought that wasn't enough, we walked over to the royal park to watch/listen to the gun salutes. Grace was smiling the whole time. I love the following set of pictures Michael was able to capture.

CHARGE!!!!

Admit it-- you thought it ended here. As the cannons were being fired off, military aircraft were flying overhead...

How did you celebrate your birthday this year?

I hear your baby's 1st birthday is kind of a big deal. Any ideas on how we should celebrate Grace's big day?