we went to ballet

Ballet in the park, a tradition since the 70s we were reminded, to bring the community together and show off our world-class ballet in training. Though it was lauded intensely it lived to expectations, children sitting in parents' laps, singles, hipsters with dog, families, wheelchairs, couples... Everyone happy to be out a gorgeous clear eve, children tuckered from a play at the nature playground.

We went early but still parked far at six as others thought the same. Hard to tell any uptick in kids since the playground is always full and in use. What a difference! What a paradise as kids. He ran out his energy, sliding faster than ever in pants and shoes not catching on the steep drop slide. Once the sand and water was discovered we went no further, shoes and socks off, dump truck happily appropriated and more good messy fun every minute. Learning how to play side by side, to watch for others as he ran and to wait turns at the slide. Hard concepts to teach a two year old at times but we are moving there, though hands still flail out and smack mom when hurt or unhappy with what he hears. The behaviour still young, my sometimes baby, but understanding so much he often delights me. Today he knew when I told him dogs can't eat peanut butter, that dogs eat bones and dog food and meat but that peanut butter is no good for dogs. This as he intended to go offer his snack, he turned upset by what I'd told him to smack my glasses off. No, i told him, you Don't hit. Mama doesn't like that. You are mad, but you can't hit me. 

But when the music started and the dancers emerged he stood focused watching. His eyes glued he stood right close to me but stared intently at the stage, delighted and excited by the jumping and spins. My little dancer whose body moves non-stop. He stops his day at a good song and stands to wave hands and bend over, bopping and moving to music. This he did at the show, between sitting quietly in my lap, hugging and laying down watching the sky and simply standing, staring at the dancers. His interest was so intent I couldn't believe at only two he would watch so closely. 

We funnily ended up sitting with friends, not realizing until we both arrived at the same patch of grass. I carried jude and his snack as we aimed for an open spot in the middle of the crowd, perfectly in line with the stage. We arrived at the same time and i'd said "i think there might be room for us to share" before hearing my name and looking up to see the sharers were sisters I work with and her two children. So funny without looking for friends you end up together. And lovely to chat with her slightly older children and see what comes next. 

Before the ending and mass exodus of people i packed my very tired boy into a hardly used mei-tei wrap and carried my monkey back through the playground. Remembering the rows of swings, the slowly disappearing slides and monkey bars that made up the shell... and now a fantastic use of space clearly well paid for. How lucky we are to take in so much for free. Lucky :)