Ravinia - MoTab concert

6 years ago, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir came to Chicago for a performance.  It was the first time they had come in decades.  Paige was just a little toddler but we took the whole family to see the choir, especially because we weren't sure when they would come back.  Paige doesn't even remember it at all.

Fortunately, the Choir came back and so once again we went as a family to hear them.  Of course, the Choir is amazing but so is the venue they come to.  It's called Ravinia and is basically a huge outdoor music park.  There is a pavilion and stage with assigned seating, but surrounding the pavilion are beautiful grassy grounds covered in trees designated as "lawn seating."

Lawn seating is perfect if you have kids with you.  The grass areas have lighting as well as speakers that pipe music all over the park.  There are also paved paths that cut all through the grounds so you can walk up to the pavilion or walk around to see friends.

The big tradition at Ravinia is to bring a fancy picnic while enjoying the concert.  People bring tables, chairs, and even candles.  We skipped the candles and table, but we did bring chairs and glow sticks.  We set up in a nice little area, ate a picnic dinner, and then just listened to the Choir.  We also happened to be able to see the huge jumbo screen in the pavilion from where we were sitting, so we could actually watch the Choir too.  The weather forecast rain, but it stayed dry.  Even better it was a little overcast so we didn't have to sit in direct sun or high heat - it was a perfect summer night.

The girls ended up laying on the blanket to listen.  Here
they are "posing" asleep.

Our lawn location was very near the ice cream shop.
How convenient!