Rebirth!

Eli chanted that most of our trip, and today he finally got to see them (Rebirth) in person. As we drove to NOLA, Lehr played a few Rebirth songs, one of which started with the call-and-answer chanting of "Rebirth". Eli loved it. He was so excited to see the tubas and other horns in person today....this kid loves his music!

After breakfast we walked down the street to catch a trolley. As expected, the kids loved it. Maddux liked leaning out the window and Eli couldn't get enough of the whole experience. Since we knew naps would be hard at the fest, we put both kids down for an hour before piling into the car.

Our first stop was the Economy Hall Tent which usually has more traditional (sometimes 'old school') New Orleans music. I wanted to spend some time in that tent due to its dance floor and frequent second line parades. During the first set, Eli got out on the floor and danced with Mommy, stopping every few bars to drum with the band (he had his straws in hand). A few songs into our dance floor stay, a little girl came over to say 'hi' and dance with Eli. Two peas in a pod. The little girl's name was Molly and she was three, so Eli and she got along great. They kinda yelled at each other (some type of weird tribal greeting, I guess), and then they hugged until they fell on the ground. Goofy, but they had a good time. After she left, I took Eli to the other side of the tent where he walked/danced in his first second line parade. The gentleman in front of us was kind enough to lend his umbrella to Eli, which he loved.

Maddux ate more veggie red beans and rice...she couldn't get enough! Napping was difficult on the second day though. She caught about 30 minutes during the fest, but that was it. I think it was hard for her to be cooped up in the back pack or BOB all day. The ground was much too muddy and dirty for her to crawl around, so she was antsy.

Both children expired a bit earlier today, so we left around 6:30, opting to skip the very last show. Tomorrow we load up the car and head home. Eli has already told us, "I like Jazz Fest. E-i go again next time?"