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July 3, 2005
Concert in the Garden (1)
As soon as Grandpa and Grandma flew into town, we rushed home and then fought traffic to the Botanical Gardens in Fort Worth. Karen and I had been to the store earlier to pick up every conceivable picnic supply you can imagine-- summer wine, crackers of every sort, bleu, cheddar, camembert and various other cheeses, salami, prosciutto, and even braunschweiger, grapes, apples, cherries, and juice boxes for the girls.
We were all excited about having a nice evening picnic in the gardens, but even more exciting for Karen and I was the chance to see a local and a favorite band-- The Polyphonic Spree. The Polyphonic Spree experience is one of incredible energy. I've seen them 3 times prior in smaller venues. The entire crowd enthusiastically jumps and dances. Singing along is encouraged and the upbeat songs are innocent and infectious. The average cynic looks at this group and smirks (not to say I'm not a cynic, but I can overcome it occasionally). Even so, I think most people can see the sincerity with which this 25 member, choir-robed group of musicians and singers approaches the performance.
The evening was cooler than normal due to an afternoon rain. We got settled much farther away than I imagined we would be. But it was comfortable and relaxed. We chowed through the picnic supplies like large, ravenous ants. The girls were treated with loads of powdered doughnuts that the Mrs. Baird’s rep was passing out.
The girls enjoyed the concert. Sophia's eyes lit up when they went into "Hail to the Sky" one of many songs she knows. Francesca and I danced lots. She is an amazingly loving and cuddly child at times, which is surprising considering her early days as a "surfer girl." (Karen and I gave her that nickname because she always wanted to be held but only on her terms. When you held her, she would put her arms to either side, to balance-- so that she wouldn't have to lean against you.) She had fun bouncing on my shoulders, or putting her forehead against mine and laughing.
At the end of their last song, the fireworks began. We all thought they would let them loose after the show, not during it. The effect was fantastic.
Grandpa Carries Francesca
Our Spot, Away from the Stage
The Picnic
Francesca and Grandma and Doughnut Remnants
A.B.B
Sophia and Her Magical Glow Ball
Posted by Rich at July 3, 2005 3:22 PM
Comments
Wow! The Spree - how I would have liker to have been there! Looks like a great time. Hope you had a great 4th of July.
Posted by: jeremy at July 5, 2005 10:52 AM
