First obstacle. Even at 9:30 on a Friday morning, I-35 was stopped. My kids were very impressed with the Texas Exit and had no clue people even drove like that — we didn’t. We did cut through the Denny’s parking lot and onto a road that my iPhone said would get us (and everyone else who bailed) to 620. We ended up getting to the gate in plenty of time. Plenty of time to wait and wait … and wait. Finally, 15 minutes after the declared opening time, we were let in. Thankfully, we were at the other gate this year, giving us a much shorter distance to walk to the kids’ area. We settled in, enter the raffle, and had hair paint (kids only).
Soon after we spotted “Spare the Rock” Bill and “Zooglobble” Stefan and their families, then it was time for Unlce Rock! What a great show! We just adore Uncle Rock, and love “rock and Roll Babysitter”, “Sugar Talking” and “Playing Possum”. I was thrilled to see him play with a full band that included his son (awesome). I do think I’d rather have heard more of his original stuff that the superhero medley, but maybe that’s just because we know his music so well.
After Uncle Rock, we had to try to meet up with my sister. She was given bad information, but we managed to exit and find her to give her a ticket. Unfortunately, as we re-entered, the “bag checker” had a problem with my personal camera and was not going to let me through. I just walked by her and went in. All my stuf was inside!! Sheesh. I think they need to rewrite the rules. People can bring in cameras that record video, but my simple SLR, even if it has a detachable lens, isn’t allowed. Give me a break!
Suze came back with us to the kids’ area and realized why I could not hear her on the phone (we had to text). So loud! But it had to be loud to be heard over the nearby stages. I talked to some of the “assistants”, who really do a great job running the show. Suze left, then the girls colored an played in the sand area (how nice is that) until (and during) Jambo. I really like them. Nice sound, fun lyrics. Great to see them again, though I didn’t spot their daughter who was such a Sippy Cups fan last year.
As far as the kids’ area, it was almost the same as last year. Nice shade covering and fun activities. My kids’ didn’t like the new kind of spray on tatoos, and I am sure disappointed that HEB didn’t bring back the wonderful apple an celery snacks that they had last year. That was a bummer. The sand area with sand toys and the misters are wonderful.
After Jambo, we went in search of vegetarian kid-friendly food. We found bean and cheese burritos (Chloe declared them to be just like Moe’s, which is five-star in her book). I had a falafel. We came back to the kids’ area for Big Don. He seems to be a local hero, but I’d rather see Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, who has more inspiring lyrics. Then Anthropos (which I really liked) and School of Rock. While they put on a good show, my kids did not like it and went in search of earplugs (the plugs were too big or Chloe’s ears). Then the raffle — “Spare the Rock” Ella won something, which was pretty cool. Chloe didn’t want to drum in the circle, but wanted to go look for a fan. I bought the girls cokes (kept them moving!) and we got over to the AT&T place, but the fans were all gone. We stayed for a lot of Gogol Bordello before moving over to Mates of State, whose blog Band on the Diaper Run I really enjoy. Nice music for us to relaz by. Suze showed up (I texted that we were near the Whataburger flag). Chloe had to pee, and that turned into a half hour and really gross porta potty run. After the show, Suze biked to the car while we walked to the pick up area. The newspaper directions appeared to be backwards on which directions of the roads were open, so it took some time, but then we were on our way to G’town and the birthday celebration (Camille is ten today!).
?????????, Camille!