The Fest

It was extremely hot today in Northeast Ohio. Our suburban read 95 degrees as we were leaving and there had to be at least 90 % humidity. Now, I don't know exactly what the amount of humidity was but I think my guess was pretty close. So, because of this beautiful (HOT) weather we decided to take our family OUTSIDE to a concert/festival full of inspiring music, engaging activities, and uplifting prayer. This whole collaboration is called "The Fest" and it is an annual event that the diocese of Cleveland puts on. We have wanted to attend "The Fest" for the past 2 summers that we have been here in Ohio but for some reason something has always come up. That is, until this year. So, we loaded up a cooler with Capri-suns, fruit snacks and ice. The essentials for any Gallegos Family outing. We finally had the opportunity to attend this year and I have to say that it was well worth it. Here are a few pictures we caught from this afternoon/evening. Jordan and I in front of the stage.
We ate dinner and a lot of junk while we were there. This picture is of all 4 of us sharing a bowl of dippin' dots. (If you notice, Sydney is screaming in the background for another bite!)
Patrick and Sydney chillin in the shade while Jordan, Isaac and I are waiting in line for cotton candy!
O' Ya, speaking of cotton candy, have you ever had cotton candy with 90% humidity outside. Well, it is not a pretty picture. It was like it melted right in front of your eyes. Here is a close-up!

And a picture of Jordan and Isaac enjoying their cotton candy. If you look closely, Jordan and Isaac also look like they are melting. Their faces were very red by the end of the evening.

Patrick and the kids after we had been outside for about 1 1/2 hours. Sydney is relaxing back on Patrick's legs.

A close up of Sydney and I.

So, after a lot of playing, food and running around it was time for the music. There were a lot of great performers but we only watched the ones that performed later in the afternoon and early evening. When we got there Brandon Heath was performing. (If you don't follow contemporary christian rock music than you may not have any idea who any of these performers are.) I really like his music and I have to say that Jordan knows a few of his songs also. Next, Praise-apella performed and then following them was Jars of Clay. It was a really great concert and I was bummed that we couldn't get too close to the stage. (It was just too loud for the kids. I am officially old, I have to stay in the back with my kids so it doesn't hurt their ears.) So, here is a picture of the lead singer of Jars of Clay. I got this picture of the jumbo screen. How pathetic.

I did sneek up and catch this picture of them during one of their performances.

After the concerts everyone celebrated Mass. Unfortunitally for us we had already been there for 4 hours and our kids were in melt-down mode. As much as Patrick and I wanted to stay we knew that the kids needed to go home and get to bed. So, off to the house we headed and Isaac and Jordan were asleep before we got home. Sydney somehow managed to stay awake the entire trip. So overall, I have to say that "The Fest" was a success and we are already planning next years trip. It is events like this that remind us how truly blessed we are here in Ohio. God is Good!!! Love Ya and God Bless, Tara G.