Bits and Pieces: July

July has been filled with visits to family, picnics at the park, birthday parties, cookouts, bike rides, trips to the zoo, dips in the pool, and, most importantly, beer. Kidding!

Hard day.

I had the greatest foodie weekend ever in mid-July. My mom was visiting, so of course we needed to have two ladies-only brunches. Psycho Suzi's and W.A. Frost were more than happy to oblige, as was Ben, who stayed home with the kids. Actually, I don't know if he was happy about this or not, but he didn't complain. That same weekend I got to go out for drinks! With friends! In Minneapolis! A friend was visiting from Philadelphia, so of course I had to go, because I hardly ever see her. Right? We sat outside at The Lowbrow, and I felt very hip and trendy, though I looked neither hip nor trendy. I cannot express how nice it was to eat these delicious meals without having children a). crawling on me, b). asking me for things, or c.) throwing Cheerios all over the restaurant (ahem, Christopher).

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We took the kids to Highland Fest, the local neighborhood festival, last weekend. Clare loved the bouncy houses, and because there was no line, she got to bounce for quite some time. Christopher loved the ride in the double stroller. He later feel asleep. So it was a good day for him, too.

On the way home, we stopped at Dairy Queen. Clare decided to try to "drink" her ice cream, pouring it all over her lap and the stroller. She was up much too late, probably due to all the sugar. But hey, what is summer without a little melted ice cream in your lap, right?

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We spent the 4th of July in Evansville with my parents, my grandmother, and my brother. It was lovely, and Clare even managed to make it through the parade without having a nervous breakdown. The secret to her new-found courage? Parade candy, of course.

I love the small town 4th. Like last year, we ditched the kids at home and went to the fireworks. And the beer tent. It was great. The kids and I stayed with my parents through the following week. We spent a lot of time watching cooking shows and the World Cup, but also made it to the park, the pool and the zoo. I was able to take advantage of grandparents and uncles who were willing to babysit, and have a girls night out with friends AND a trip to Concerts on the Square. It was a nice visit.

Historical Note: this slide is a famous Madison landmark. I have a picture of myself going down it when I was about four. If I was on top of things I would have found it and scanned it in to put here. I am not on top of things.

Hi.

So, on to August. Here is a preview for you: we are going to attempt a family camping trip. Where we will sleep in a tent. With two small children. I also plan to eat my weight in sweet corn.