A distinct feature about being a "Chicago-an" is that we treat our parties seriously. This includes tailgates, life milestones, charity events, and even room mother parties. So when we have a block party ... this isn't your normal, run of the mill neighborhood get-together. Our block party this last weekend included a jumpee, a balloon guy (aka juggler), a live band, a slip & slide, two grills serving brats and burgers, an outdoor movie for the kids, appetizers, sides, desserts and lots of beverages. Now throw in 3 downpours, thunder, lightening, a tornado watch and the party is really memorable. This is my all time favorite thing about Chicago ... our neighborhood. It looks like Mayberry and it's a fantastic place for kids to grow up. Our block could field it's own baseball team, we have that many kids, that young. We live in our front yards during the summer and we keep up with what's going on with each other's families, kids and pets.
The only thing missing from our evening was a wet t-shirt contest but after the first downpour ... that too happened (not such a good thing for those past our wet tshirt prime like me)!
It was hot, muggy, buggy and rainy but everyone had a great time. Gosh, our best trouper was our across-the-street neighbor Walter. He's 93 years old and lasted through 2 downpours and the Belmont.
Our niece Melanie made it in for the weekend. It was so nice to have her. I think she enjoyed her stay ... it certainly was entertaining. She's living 3 hours away this summer (internship for Caterpillar) so we hope to see more of her ... assuming that we didn't scare her off this last weekend.
Back to the party, we had lots of creative retreats ... front porches, umbrella's, garages ... yes that's our youngest set eating dinner next to our gas filled lawnmower ... and under tree's. We didn't say that we were the brightest lot huddling under trees with lightening but after viewing the horse race with a few beers ... we liked our odds!
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