Picnic with the Pops Goes Cuban

This August marked our fourth time enjoying the fine stylings of the Lexington Philharmonic and their musical guests at the annual Picnic with the Pops. This year the title of the performance was "Havana Nights" with the Cuban group, Tiempo Libre. It was quite a show. In past years although we have had done well we have never been as successful as we were this year in keeping our food, fashion, and decor in sync with the theme. This was definitely the best food we have had and everyone had their best linen on. And for those willing to take the plunge, we had a set of inflatable arm swimmies to aid with the swim from Havana to Miami when the evening was done.

This year we also stepped out of the traditional wine and started the evening off with raspberry mojitos made and mixed with style. Sarah brought the recipe back from Cabo San Lucas and it is safe to say that everyone was very happy she did. At the very least the mojitos helped fuel some of the fine dancing that went on later that evening.


We always enjoy the company of our friends at the Pops. But it has also become an evening on which we are assured the pleasure of a night out without kids. Although we have made a commitment to have more of these this year, this night was special because we cashed in our silent auction winnings of free babysitting. Well, not completely free since we bid on it. But we had paid the money months before so it seemed free by this point.



So while Callie and Reese played with their wonderful babysitters, Clara and Gibbs McKinley, we did our best to move our hips like the lead singer of Tiempo Libre. Those guys really put on a show.

The last photo captures the whole table at which are seated the usual suspects - Sharon and Chris Chrisman, Rebecca and Chad Mueller, and Tommy Glover. The spice and mystery every year comes from the question of who will Tommy bring as a date this time around. This year it happened to be Pete, who was great fun and who made a fabulous centerpiece for the table. She even contributed to the evening's shenanigans by bringing a couple of fine cigars.