Old-Time Banjos and Rainbows

One half of the double rainbow...

...and the other half!

Jackson liked playing with umbrellas, but really preferred the pirate one (of course!).

Patrick was literally screaming with laughter as he got splashed.

Jackson wanted a picture with the rainbow.

The Old-Time Ragtime Band

Civic Green Park hosts some great family music on Thursday evenings during the summer. We didn't make it to any last summer, so I was determined to see at least one performance this year. I packed a picnic supper and the boys and I got to the park WAY early to get a spot. Jason was planning to meet us after work. I was so focused on getting everything together, I never heard the weather forcast. When we got to the park, there was hardly anyone there, so we definitely had our choice of spots. However, as soon as I had the blanket spread and the food out, it started to rain!

We dashed for the picnic shelter I deemed would have the best concert view and grabbed a table. We shared the shelter with three other families and a singles group from the nearby condos, which made for some interesting conversations. A somewhat soaked Jason found us in time for supper. One of the other families had a boy about Jackson's age, and they played together while we waited it out. They took turns holding umbrellas in the rain runoff and splashing each other with much giggling. Then they spotted a baby rabbit, and it was all I could do to keep Jackson from chasing after the poor wet little thing.

The rain finally let up, and to our wonder, a complete double rainbow appeared over the concert stage. It was very clear, and so beautiful against the dark sky. I asked Jackson if he knew what rainbows meant, and he said, "A promise!" We discussed again the story of God's promise to Noah on our way to our lawn spot.

The band was really fun. The performers were mostly older folks, and they were pretty talented. Each musician was given a chance to shine, and several of them sang solos. It was good, down-home folk music and made you want to tap your foot. A local bank handed out free mini beach balls and ice cream, a very winning combination for all ages. Jackson and the other children ran around between the parents and the stage bopping the balls all over. We all had a great time, and I hope we get to do more of these, minus the rain!