How is it already July? Beats me. Summer has been full of things to love. I have gotten to spend tons of time with my charges and my daughter. I have been able to enjoy a few glasses of wine on the deck, coffee at outdoor cafes and countless cannon balls into the pool. Here is a peak of some of the little things in life…

My mom’s charge (“R” age 8) made this little fairy house. Its a shoe box wrapped in gift wrap. She cut a “door” and made a pathway out of buttons. Notice the “swimming pool” to the right. Any fairy would be happy here! She placed it on her patio behind a large planter. I spotted it when we had a play date there and she explained that it is for the garden fairies to enjoy while they are in her yard. I always admire her creativity and charisma… I miss being 8.

O loves visiting Kiki and Papa K (my parents). On this visit we explored their deck and terrace admiring flowers. Unfortunately O just couldn’t resist picking a few. Papa K wasn’t as amused but he forgave her after a snuggle and kiss.

I snapped this in the foyer of Moerlein Lager House on a girls night out. I love the shape, varying sizes and hanging heights. The amber colored round glass reminds me of the bottom on a beer bottle. Coincidence? And check out the patterns they reflect onto the ceiling!

Girls night out also yielded some savory treats. I ordered this caprese flatbread with pesto, mozzarella, tomatoes and balsamic reduction drizzle. To. Die. For. My mouth is watering as I type. I’ll be visiting again soon.

For Christmas my dad got paper lanterns from my mom. Well, I hunted them down on Amazon for her but I promise it was worth the trouble. What a cool gift! They are nearly 3 feet tall and came in all sorts of colors. Each one has a wax “fuel cell” that you light after unfolding the lantern. Even though they take a few minutes to assemble and a few more to get lift, they are really neat to send off. We watched this one go for quite a while. Some people light them as a wish, or in celebration or memoriam. We chose yellow this time in honor of my late grandfather. He loved yellow. He’s been gone one year this month. We thought it was fitting to send something to heaven for him.
Every Sunday we attend the Hyde Park Farmer’s Market. One of our favorite booths is Jean Paul’s Paradiso. They specialize in flatbreads, pies, danish, pretzels and so much more. Hubby likes the apple turnover and I love the cinnamon rolls. No surprise: O loves both. How picture perfect are these pies? They look fake!

Oh, and I got my run on too. I’m so not a runner… but Molly (right) talked me into doing the Color Palooza 5k last week. I’m so glad she did. It was a great experience and tons of fun! My scalp was stained yellow, my armpit was blue and purple and even my toes were stained through my (mesh) running shoes. I soaked in the tub for an hour that afternoon and turned it so green that I couldn’t see the drain. I still showered three times before the color left every inch of my body.

Hubby and I got out for some grown up time with friends for the Hyde Park Blast. Best block party in town that includes several runs, cycling races and live music all for a good cause (The Cure Starts Now)!

O got her first pedicure from Aunt Lala (Molly). She was extremely cooperative and excited. I keep catching her looking at her toes while she walks saying “Woo woo!”