The Kid's First Reggae Concert

I was asked a couple of weeks back if we would be interested in meeting at Standley Park for a free reggae concert. I have never really been a fan of reggae music, but figured she had a point when she mentioned that the kids would love to hear it and dance a little. It took little to talk Eli into free evening entertainment.

I prepared a picnic for us to take: fried chicken (yes I said "fried") that I had soaked in buttermilk and then seasoned before frying, a couple of rounds of french bread that Eli picked up, and a handful of plums. Of course I had to pack jalapenos for Eli to crunch on with his chicken! Jugs of water and a couple of little cookies for the kids and we were set.

We got there and Jill, Jeff, and the kids were already there. They had GREAT seats on the grass right in front! There was a stage and then plenty of grass in from of the stage for dancing...then we were right there so we could watch the stage and the kids and other people dancing :) We laid out our picnic and got comfortable. I made plates of food for Gabi and Eli. It seemed so rustic! I loved it! Gabriel and Julian were off pre-partying in the grass, jumping around and catching up.

Joyce, Steve and the family showed up right before the music started, if I remember correctly, and laid out their picnic. SHe had a fabulous arabic lentil salad she was nice enough to share that was quite delicious. It was neat seeing Zoe get happy when she saw Julian and Gabriel...and Julian and Gabriel get all happy when they saw her. They all ran to each other and said hi and gave hugs (how dignified, eh?) and then ran off to play in front of the stage.

Once the music started all of the kids went nuts! It was neat because a lot of the songs were covers of songs we already knew so Julian would get excited if he recognized a version of a song he had heard before. The concert was from 5:00-7:00 and I am sure you will believe me when I say that the kids danced the entire time. I think there were a few nibbles here and there, but for the most part, it was dancing and tag-playing. There were loads of families there and some brought coolers with food and drinks and put up umbrellas and everything! There were groups of people who tastefully drank wine in plastic wine glasses. There were older couples who were cutting a rug (er, eh "cutting the grass" rather). There were LOADS of kids on the playground. Lots of friendly people smiling everywhere. It was just a really nice family sort of environment with something for everyone.

The kids LOVED intermission time when they gave out free ice cream cups! YOu know, the kind with the little wood spoon? DANG!! Take me WAYYYY back to elementary school!! ANyhow, Julian and Gabi got about half through theirs when we interceded and confiscated them so they would eat their dinner! THAT little touch by the community made ELi wonder why we hadnt go to more of the concerts in the parks this summer. But we had no idea they did them all over San Diego on the weekends during summer! Lesson learned!

Start to finish...a fabulous Sunday. I love this city. I love Eli and Julian and Gabriella even more! :)

Julian doing his signature pose when he is dancing:

The kids having fun during the concert:

Julian and Zoe dancing the evening away:

Breakin' it down:

My kid has some serious moves: