Live on the Green!

Having an awesome picnic!

On Thursday night of last week Roland, Aria and I enjoyed a free, outdoor concert a couple blocks from my work in downtown Nashville. Roland loves downtown and is always excited to point it out when we drive past. So the excitement of a visit – which is frequent – starts when he can first point out the skyline. Add this to the fact I had been telling him about it (and using it as leverage) all week, we were all pretty amped.

Aria was really interested in the Great Dane puppy a few blankets over. These are the super hipster parents in front of me. Great seats, right?

While the weeks weather was not promising at the start, by Thursday evening it was perfect. I’ll be honest. I was nervous. I generally am when it comes to just me and the kids out for an adventure, so I take all that energy and throw myself into meticulous packing and planning. Navigating a couple city blocks, unsure of the crowd size, the kids interest in the event and then the walk back, there was plenty of energy. I am foolish that way.

Roland eating grapes enjoying the first band...who's name escapes me.

We had a blast. When you evaluate it, we’re just a family hanging out on a picnic blanket in the grass on a late summer night listening to music. But it was so much more than that – and so much more magical. Roland just zoned into a little man, confident and eager to explore. He was so good! Aria just wanted to be outside and dance (sigh, definitely my daughter). We had wonderful time just the three of us, listening to music, people watching, eating our dinner. Here is where I witnessed some of my favorite moments: watching Aria, unaware of the world, standing in the grass, bobbing her head, swinging her arms and gently shifting her weight to the music. Catching Roland, lost in a sandwich bite, nodding along to the beat. Content just to be.

Proof that I was there!

At little over an hour later, Calen and Jennifer joined us, which was a great treat. Aria had new people to show off her accessorizing skills (you’ll just have to witness in person) and Roland, unsurprisingly, wrestled Calen relentlessly. Midway through the second band an impromptu and surprise firework show started out of LP field. I was pretty sure it was the National Firework convention again – and this is their way of ending the conference. They don’t announce it because who wants to deal with all those permits and people? So you just have to get lucky – like we did – and be sitting there when it happens. It. Was. Awesome. Aria was entranced. Roland sat on Calen’s shoulders with the funniest slack-jawed smile. Heaven.

And has the hipsters and super-cool kids started to arrive in droves (really, where do all these people reside?) we efficiently packed up and headed out. Calen and Jennifer were gracious enough to escort me back to the building, but now I know – it wouldn’t have been an issue at all. Quick change into PJs and we’re on the road in minutes. Both kids went straight from their car seats to bed, and not to be too corny, which visions of music and dancing filling their heads.