jazz fest and hippie love

(this is us--not our parents)

It was a weekend of wonderful.

Bright and sunny and full of festival fun.

With four tickets in our pocket to Jazz Fest, we jumped in Joel's truck, just the two of us, and headed down the road arm in arm.

No bucket seats and interruptions.

We talked in complete sentences.  

(Not that we mind our kid's interjections, but it feels good to complete a thought every now and then).

We talked about what we always do--how happy we are to be married to each other.

And here is where I have to give an honorable mention to my dearest babysitter:

The capable and dependable, very loved and appreciated Miji.

She deserves an award.  We give her money instead.

She probably prefers the money.

(p.s. thanks Miji for taking crazy pics of us on our porch before we left)

(our hippie interpretive dance)

(pre Jazz Fest kiss--notice the trikes in the background)

(original street sounds of Jazz Fest)

Jazz Fest is an experience all its own.

Walking through an old residential district of New Orleans

with it's fragrant lawns and brightly colored homes,

the atmosphere was charged with friendliness and festivity.

And once we entered the fairgrounds, the food stands lured us with their savory smells:

Crawfish Monica, Cochon De Lait Po-boys, Sweet Potato Chips, Sushi rolls, and Shrimp Tacos.

Not to mention the music. 

Arcade Fire entertained us with a performance of musical prowess and Willie Nelsen surprised us with that old spiritual favorite "I Saw the Light".

The most enjoyable of all was the company.  

And the lack of diaper bags...and long bulky strollers.

It was funny, every time I got up to leave, I felt like I was forgetting something, my hands felt oddly empty.

But that meant I could hold my honey's hand.

It's amazing how good that feels.

Holding hands.

And it's amazing how good it feels to wander around.

Not in any rush at all.

We even took our friends to our favorite Italian Ice Cream Shoppe afterwards, Angelo Brocatos.

Mmmmmm....it was a good day.

(our friends Ben and Melanie)

The End