NEEDTOBREATHE

We're in. It's all in. Thanks to the help of more than a dozen people, everything was moved in 3 hours flat. We are all loving our new place. The yard, the space, the being able to play our music as loud as we want. LOVE it.

We have been blasting NEEDTOBREATHE this week and Sylas sings his heart out reminiscing about our fabulous time in Chicago. 

I am struggling with how to adequately express our gratitude for everything that took place AND how to write about it without it becoming a book. 

Are you ready for a ton of pictures?

We picked up our tickets at Will Call at around 6 p.m. and were delighted to also find 3 meet and greet passes in the envelope. There was a little note from NTB's tour manager telling us to meet at the "West Gate" at 8:25 p.m. I thought it a strange time as the guys were playing from 7:25 to 8 p.m. and then Taylor Swift was starting at 8:30 p.m. We honestly don't know any of Taylor's music, but wouldn't other people be wanting to get back into the arena to see her? 

Come to find out it was a private meet and greet for JUST SYLAS!!!!

I've never seen our son so nervous. He was starstruck and could barely speak. The guys were great though, getting down on his level and setting him at ease. 

All four of the guys were so genuine, asking Sylas questions about music and his favorite instrument. Of course drums. We had been chatting for about 10 minutes when Joe (the drummer) stepped out of the room. He came back with the head of the snare drum and all of the guys had signed it for Sylas. 

After Sy's initial shock wore off, he started chatting a bit more and was asking Bear about the new record and which guitars were played and the name of the album, etc. I was so proud. We spent about 15 minutes with them and I know it's something that is going to stick with Sylas for a long time.

We then headed back into the show and shortly after Seth joined us. After that I think Sylas forgot about Ryan and me. 

Towards the end of the show, Seth took Sylas RIGHT DOWN by the stage. I think every member of Taylor Swift's band waved to Sylas. One of the guitar players even handed him his guitar pick. And right after Taylor's last song, she leaned down and handed Sylas her very own guitar pick. 

Sylas is now a Taylor Swift fan. 

 We didn't get back to our hotel room until midnight and sweet little Sylas just laid in his bed staring at the ceiling for at least 15 minutes. 

It was a magical night. One we will never forget.

This photo didn't really turn out, but I had to share as this is how Sylas looked for most of the evening.

Thank you NEEDTOBREATHE for being so incredible. We look forward to your new album coming out in September. [Check out their site to listen to a couple of their new songs.]

AND we have an extra copy of their album "The Outsiders" to give away. If you'd like, please leave a comment on this post and I'll choose a winner via random.org sometime on Wednesday, August 24. Giveaway is open to anyone, anywhere.