Can't Buy Me Love - Arboretum Concert

I just love long Summer days!  It's strange to wear sunglasses outside as late as 8PM!  I'm bracing myself for the Texas heat sizzle.

Jordan and I have had an enjoyable couple of weeks.  We both have had our heads under water with work so we treated ourselves to an outdoor live concert at the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum has a Summer Concert series and they host concerts every Thursday right into the Fall.  We decided to go on McCartney night and I loved all the Beatles songs!  The band stayed in character which made it that much more fun!

Here are some pictures from our Summer concert!

Top Left: Jordan and I after set up our little picnic area.

Top Right: It's hard to see in this picture, but this is the McCartney Project Band.

Bottom: The crowd, coolers, blankets, etc. etc.

Top Left: Food trucks!  For folks that don't live right next to the Arboretum, it's tough to get into downtown and still have time to eat.  Fortunately, the Arboretum has several trucks at the ready.

Top Right:  In general, people just seemed so relaxed and happy.  This lady was having a ball blowing bubbles!

Bottom Left: As the sun set, several paddle boats and sail boats on Whiterock Lake came to enjoy the festivities.

Bottom Right:  There is definitely a "kid factor" so one must be prepared for the mayhem.  These kiddos cracked me up chasing each other and rolling their little bodies down the hill.

We ate dinner at the Guavatree food truck (Cuban American food) and it was delicious!  Surprisingly, it wasn't too expensive ~ $20 (I was expecting ballpark prices). 

Top: Just couldn't resist the token sunset picture.  It was a great chill moment to lay with Jordan on my blanket while listening to good music as the sun went down.

Bottom Left: I just LOVE my new Colster!  Was a nice little sussie from Mom. Thank you!

Bottom Right: Jordan in our little corner of the park.  We look really patriotic with all the red, white, and blue!

This was our first excursion to one of the Arboretum Summer concerts.  While we were there, we took mental notes for our next concert.  Although...given the heat, I bet that wont be until Sept or October!

Tips (Do's and Don't's) for the Dallas Arboretum Summer Concert Series:

• DON'T underestimate the walk.  We walked at LEAST a quarter mile but it might have been closer to a half mile.  While that doesn't seem like a long distance, it's important to remember when packing a heavy cooler or wearing uncomfortable shoes.
• While we are on the topic of walking, DO watch out for divots in the ground.  Jordan tripped and gave himself a minor sprained ankle.  Treacherous!
• DO bring a wagon or something with wheels. As I said, it's a long walk but a wagon would have been helpful to carry blankets, food, the cooler etc. 
• DO bring a cooler of water and beverages.  Yes, they allow you to bring alcohol as long as people are responsible.
• DO eat before you go if possible.  The food was great and reasonably priced but the lines were long.
• DON'T bring your pets (only service animals are allowed).  I know, it's a bummer for the Gails.
• DO arrive as early as you can to get a good spot.  We were right on time and ended up on the right side facing the stage.  I actually really liked our spot because we had a great view of the lake and didn't have people surrounding us shoulder-to-shoulder.  
• Do bring binoculars.  They would have been helpful to look out at the lake.
• DO bring a flashlight for the return walk. The paths are well lit but as I said, those divots are sneaky!
• DO consider a plan for trash.  I found myself wishing that I'd brought a plastic bag so we could save ourselves trips to the trash cans.
• DON'T worry about bringing too much stuff.  Think light blankets, small purse (if you must) and only the necessities. 

That's about all I have for you tonight!  Hope everyone is enjoying their Summer so far!