The Coldplay Experience: Tim & Erin style

So much to blog about, I scarcely can find clarity of thought. First things first: Coldplay.

We were blessed to have our parents come in from Arizona, and they graciously offered to babysit the boys. Oh boy, a whole night without children? We were elated! We had a lot of fun being able to drive their minivan. Our car is slowly dying and has no air conditioning. Words cannot describe the joy and elation one feels when cold air is blowing on their face in 110 degree heat.

We made it in record time and scurried along to our VIP parking, which the Pagans so lovingly got for us. We were escorted in through the VIP entrance and found our way to the merch table. You simply cannot go to a Coldplay concert without buying a t-shirt to commemorate the experience. Then it was up the 400 steps to the lawn seating.

Now I must admit, I actually enjoyed sitting on the grass picnic-style with my blanket sprawled out over the lawn enjoying the scenery with all of the other people who couldn't afford better tickets. However, that joy quickly left me when I was greeted with the overwhelming smell of cigarette smoke. Yeah, that was unpleasant. Once the concert started the group of 4 people in front of us smoking, quickly escalated to 17 people all puffing away. Then they pulled out the marijuana. We definitely got a second-hand high from sitting next to them. Ofcourse the marijuana made everyone happy, so the R rated makeout sessions began and then one or two fights ensued. That's when we were really wishing we had gotten better seats.

But the CONCERT was incredible. I love how Coldplay makes their concerts an experience, not just a bunch of people playing music on a stage. The lights, the props, the giant yellow beach balls that came out during "Yellow" the confetti that shot out of canons on "Lovers in Japan". Incredible. But still, Chris Martin was a tiny stick figure from where I was sitting.

After much of the concert had commenced, they took a quick intermission and filed up the 400 stairs I had walked. Just 15 feet away from us, they took their spots on a tiny make-shift stage. And played "Green Eyes" (a song that Tim says was made for me). And a wonderful acoustic rendition of "Billy Jean", paying hommage to the late, great Michael Jackson. It was incredible. They were so close I could see the beads of sweat pouring down Chris' face as he played the harmonica. It was incredible.

There are a few nights in my life that stick out to me as great. One, ofcourse, being my wedding night. Another the first night I held my tiny babies in my hands. But I have to say, this night was right up there in my top 5. If you ever get a chance to see Coldplay, do not pass it up. Watching those guys on stage made me really kick myself for not naming my son Noah Coldplay Warkentin. Oh well, maybe the next baby....