Summer Time Music

Even though summer is drawing to a close (the students have returned to campus - AHHH!), we managed to have one more wonderful summer evening last Sunday. After having good intentions that were never realized all summer, we finally made it out to the Sunday evening concert series at the South Hills pavilion. They have a free outdoor concert each weekend of local bands (think big bands, not rock bands) and you can sit outside, have a picnic and enjoy the music. We'd gone once before a couple years ago (pre-Hayden) but just hadn't made it back. But with Hayden's love of music (she was just asking about music class today!) and the outdoors, we thought she'd love it. And we were right!!!

We invited our friends, Sarah-Brad-Logan and Ali-Matt, to join us; and despite everyone being busy and tired from new babies and work, they all made it! We were able to set up a lovely little spot with blankets and camp chairs right near the dance floor, enjoyed a delicious picnic, and just had a great time. At first Hayden just liked being able to grab what she wanted for dinner (who knew a two-year-old would eat salt and vinegar chips?!), but as the music started up she thought it sounded pretty good. You can see the little bandstand behind her as she sneaks a chip. She also ate hummus, melon and as many 'snicker-noodles' as she could.
Brad was the first person she was able to drag out to the dance floor. (Daddy was too busy eating!) They had a pretty fun time, though I'm not sure they were doing any traditional moves.
Back on the blanket, even Logan was having a nice time listening to music and hanging out in the sunshine. When Hayden took a break, she came back to say hello to Logan.

But Hayden didn't want to stay at the blanket for long - not when there was music to dance to! There were other kids that kept running around on the dance floor too and Hayden thought that was great. But eventually she pretty much got it to herself and then she really busted some moves. Here's a video! (sorry it's sidewise, I don't know how you 'rotate' a video like you can rotate a photo. But I think you can still get a lot out of it - Hayden's many dance moves, the music, her interaction with another little girl, her smiles. I think you can even hear me giggling at her faintly!)


After all that dancing, it was time to take a break. And following the lead of the other little girl, Hayden plopped herself down on the dance floor to watch. Then she dragged Daddy over to sit with her (on the dance floor!) but she wouldn't look at me to take a picture. She was too interested in what some kids were doing over on the side.
At the very end, she did get a second wind and pulled out some more moves, including dancing on all fours. Yep that's right, she did yoga (downward facing dog) AND danced!
And when they were done playing, Hayden was happy to applaud the band. (She actually did a very good job of clapping after every song.) She had such a great time that we're hoping to go back again this weekend! Anybody want to join us?!