Sweet Pea

The Sweet Pea festival is one of the most anticipated events in Bozeman's summer lineup, which is saying a lot considering that our short summers here are packed with so many warm-weather-worshiping activities that they make my head spin.

Though the girls and I were whooped from a week of adventuring with Joanna and Balboa, including two or three nights out on the town soaking up music and good food, we couldn't resist the lure of a late afternoon on Lindley park's sweeping lawn enjoying a performance by Ballet X, a contemporary dance troupe out of Philadelphia whose seemingly carnival-inspired creative ballet was so refreshing and bold.

I loved watching Stella disappear into the crowd with her friend, feeling so confident and safe, then reappearing here and there just to check in. Her independence is growing by the day.

After the show, my own gaggle of sweet peas made their way to the cotton candy stand, where the fun continued.

Day Two of the festival delivered a double whammy of fun: an amazing performance by Austin-based Hot Club of Cowtown, including the best stand-up bass and fiddler players Chris and I had ever heard, and the pleasure of the company of special guests Mimi and Poppop.

These Washingtonians have a little two-step in them afterall!

 

We danced the night away, right on up until we straggles our way to the car, taking a short cut that involved an incredibly steep descent, a treacherous creek crossing, two face-plants, (one by each of my parents,) and a lot of good humor on their parts.

Thanks for your relentless good cheer, mom and dad.