Jazz Fest 2009: Day Three

Day two of jazz fest started later than day one, mercifully. Maddux didn't do her little 'scream' until 8am, but then she fell back asleep and didn't want to wake up. Finally we woke her just before 9 because we had to get downstairs for breakfast before 10am. We headed to the fairgrounds as soon as we ate, so that we could get better parking and avoid some lines. Both kids were already whiny when we arrived (1145-ish), but that was to be expected. What I did not expect was a full-on show-down with Eli so early in the day. We went to the Economy Hall tent first, so the kids could dance and participate in a few Second Lines. Almost right away we had an issue with Eli not apologizing for an accidental injury. Something that is SO silly, but such a big deal with us. It escalated when I took Eli out of the tent for a time out. He swatted at me several times. This is totally not allowed, nor is it normal for Eli. (*Please know that Lehr and I were very aware that Eli was exhausted, which most likely caused this situation to get crazy quickly, but some things are never allowed in our family. Not apologizing when you've hurt someone is one of them, as is striking someone, especially when you're mad.)

I had Eli in a time out next to a fence for about five minutes before he calmed down and showed self-control. I stooped down to talk to him about the situation and he was not having it. He did not want to participate in the conversation and that is part of our 'process', so in time out he stayed. Another ten minutes passed, with me checking in with Eli a few times, with no improvement. I was tired of missing the show, so I moved his time out back to our tent. I had Eli sit next to the tent stake behind our chairs. I could see him, but he couldn't see the show. Again, I checked in with him, but another huge chunk of time passed. Eventually I took Maddux over to the dance floor (ten feet away) while D & CC stayed and kept an eye on Eli. When we returned, Eli's head was drooping and he appeared to be falling asleep. All the while in self-control. I showed him some much needed grace and put him in the stroller so he could sleep. The poor kid slept through the rest of that show, walking across the fairgrounds through crowds and bumpy terrain, and part of another show. Once he woke up we got closure on the issue, but that officially goes down as the longest time out to date.

While he was napping, Maddie tore up the dance floor. She had a blast jumping and twirling with everyone as the music played. She also picked up some straws and played the air drums, just like Eli does. When Eli got a mango freeze (sorbet-type treat) later in the day, he shared SO well with her. While he and I were in line to buy it, Eli kept telling me, "I gonna share a bite wiff D. Then I will share wiff Maddie." And he did. Without any prompting. Again and again. He shared the whole treat....lots and lots of bites. From one extreme to another, that boy!!

After the treat, Maddux was exhausted, but she does not know how to turn her energy off. I put her in the BOB and went for a walk. Three minutes in, she was out. Completely dead to the world. She slept through a show and a half before coming to again. We ended the day a little earlier due to storms in the area. Just before 5PM it started to sprinkle, so we started back for our car (about 1 mile away) to avoid getting drenched. Perfect timing because it started to pour just as we were buckling the kids' seat belts! When we realized the rain was coming, Eli put on his rain boots, just in case. He was very excited about wearing them, but disappointed they didn't really get wet. Maybe next year, Eli! This year was by far the best weather. Both days were breezy and a little cloudy, and we had no wet grounds to deal with at all!!