Jazz in the Park!

Tonight we went to Jazz in the Park with my dad and Ning in downtown Milwaukee's Cathedral Square. It was so much fun we can't wait to go every Thursday night! We spread our blanket right beside the playground, danced to the music, ate grilled corn (with Cajun seasoning) and battered chicken fingers, and sipped wine. It was a perfect night.

We lost Charlie for a little while, but the park officials were kind enough to bring him to us when they came upon the little guy watching the musicians just feet from the stage. (The first place I looked when he went missing was the row of Harleys near our camp). I tried packing the kids popsicles, but they were like juice in a bag by the time we pulled them out -- the kids were heartbroken because they had earned them for good behavior earlier in the day. Ning to rescue! She ordered a virgin frozen strawberry lemonade for the kids -- Popsicle in a Cup!  (She and I had the spiked version a little earlier).

 On our walk back to the car, Madeline and Charlie were so excited to see horse-mounted police officers. Charlie kept saying, "Police ride cars, not horses!"

Ten minutes after we left, we were back home, marveling that we have the city of Milwaukee and all its benefits at our fingertips, but that we live in Pleasantville down the street.

Never ever have these children needed a bath more -- between the barefoot walk back to the car, the playground sand, ketchup and popsicle juice, the bath water was actually gray. The dirtier the kid, the happier!

Scrubbing them down!

Grilled sweet corn with Cajun seasonings and Parmesan cheese