Saturday In The Park

Today was a big day. The local council is kicking off its annual cultural festival, so there was a free concert and fireworks at a local park on the river.

In preparation, Joely had a nap. These are such rare treats now that she's a Big Girl that I had to invade her privacy for a few snaps:




Meanwhile, Lucy got all blinged out for the big affair:



A few moments later I noticed her struggling to resolve a case of Accessory Conflict - what goes well with a Froggy Ring?


After everyone was sorted out, we headed off to the concert. It was held at a big reserve by the river, so as usual the scenery was lovely. Perth really has it over on many other places I've been in terms of open spaces and parks:


When we first arrived, a kiddy band was playing so Joely rushed the stage. You can't see her in the following picture, but I assure you she's in there amongst the moshers and crowd-surfers:


Jo was also very taken with the little girl who was hula dancing with her parents' somewhat fromage Hawaiian music act:


After this excitement, we wandered up to a picnic area to meet some friends for dinner. Of course, there was a playground and Joely was keen to partake:


You may recall that I've pegged Australians as the World's Greatest Picnic Nation. Today the Aussies were in top form as usual; I swear to you that I saw one dude using a moving cart to bring three coolers of food and libations to the festivities. Lucy is catching on, as you can see by her willingness to belly up to the picnic table:


Later, Lucy befriended a cheeky magpie:


While we were eating dinner, a kookaburra dropped in to keep an eye on us:


After dinner, we headed back down to the concert area to take in some live tunes (the former Australian Idol winner was headlining!!) and wait for the fireworks. Joely was in full festival mode:



I think Lucy missed me while I was away in Melbourne; she stuck to me like glue for most of the night and was unusually snuggly in my lap the entire time. Of course, I ate it up like the smitten Dad that I am. I took these shots from my perspective:



We enjoyed the fireworks from the safety of our van - Jo and Lucy both are still a little freaked by the noise. I won't bother trying to post any pictures of the fireworks; I don't think I've taken a decent fireworks photo in my life in spite of the camera setting that says I should be able to do so.

We brought two sleepy, satisfied little girls home and bundled them off to bed. While we were watching the fireworks, we heard Joely go over to Lucy and whisper, "Isn't it special to be up late?".

Special indeed. I couldn't agree more.