Summerfest!

One of my favorite summer festivals is Summerfest in Milwaukee.

Always great music, always a fantastic time, always worth every penny. 

This year Turbo & I took the kids to see one of his current fave bands, the Aggrolites. Of course, the fest did not disappoint!

Tres Chic..my kids and their DIY outfits and accessories.

 

Officially too cool for a high five from the sausage guy.

At least Lucy isn't.

FYI - 'Crazy Hair' on an uber blonde like Rex gets LOTS of compliments.

Daaaddeee.

LOVE LOVE LOVE live music!

Top Ten

It's official, the excitement of another summer has hit me hard. I'm already feeling happier, healthier, prettier, all of the joys of the sun and fun that we are expecting to relish in this season and into the fall when we journey to Florida for the beach wedding of two great friends. Not that I don't love all four seasons we experience here in the Midwest, but there is something about summer that makes me want to scream out loud how wonderful and fortunate I feel to be living my life the way I do.

Here is my list of simple luxuries I make a point to savor every summer. Of course, it is one I personally think everyone should, without question, enjoy to their fullest potential in the warm and inviting days that we are about experience...

10. T's & Capri's: I love the day when it officially becomes Capri season and even more when it becomes warm enough that I can pack away all my clothing with sleeves.

9. Bare Feet: If you know me well you know more than ditching the excess threads, I LOVE saying sayonara socks & shoes.

8. The Lakefront: I can't say enough how privileged I feel to be able to enjoy the sights and happenings of the Lake Michigan shoreline in Chicago and Milwaukee whenever I want.

7. Drive In Theaters: I prefer to skip the megaplex, pack the kids and a cooler and enjoy a double feature at this summer staple.

6. Lazy Days: They mean so much more in the summer when you spend them in your bikini with good friends, a case of (beer), and your feet up.

5. Sun Kissed Skin: Face it, we all look better with a golden tan.

4. Picnics & Festivals: Summerfest, the Taste, German Fest, 4th of July, city fests & parades, backyard get-togethers. Oh, how I love them.

3. Music: I stick by a solid 3 R's rule for summer...Rock & Roll, Rap, and Reggae, all influenced by Turbo's expansive musical knowledge (of course) and played very VERY loudly.

2. Food: BBQ whatever you can, cover half of my plate in homemade salads, and fill the rest with fresh picks from the garden. Oh, and don't you dare skip on the ice cream desserts!

1. Friends & Family: There is nothing better than surrounding yourself with family and great friends that feel like family.

Summertime!

We are so happy to finally be able to soak in the sun full time.

 Got the pool set up, ready for the festivals to begin, and looking forward to busy weekends with our fave people.

Ah, really, what could be better?

Dear Turbo,

Well, you know.

Karleen

(1st Annual) Zoo & Brew

Saturday we loaded our car with food and drinks and headed to Milwaukee with 25 of our fave Ky&Co supporters for the First Annual Ky&Co Zoo&Brew. We had an amazing time soaking in the sights of the zoo all afternoon, tailgating and playing at Miller Park, and watching the Brewers until way past the little ones bed times. It was such an unbelievably wonderful day, I am already looking forward to doing it again next year.

Because I Love My Children...

I caved to their repeated pleas to brave the heat and the crowd for a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity to see the Stanley Cup the day before my highly anticipated, ridiculously over planned, first annual Ky&Co Zoo & Brew. 

The day was long, the weather was hot, the crowds were massive (I heard 2 million people), but the kids loved it. I hate to say they were right...it was an awesome, once in a lifetime experience. 

The E Kids, waiting for the parade to start.

It was only an HOUR behind schedule.

Thanks to Aunt Patti for snapping this cute pic of me & Lucy.

We really lucked out being next to that van...

we all scored free t-shirts and water from the Coke guys in it.

Aunt Lisa and Gretchen were brave enough to

accompany us on this (rather insane) journey to the city.

Ugh, the crowds...Rex & I 'chased the cup' in this crowd

 trying to get him a glimpse of it after he missed in it the parade.

Needless to say, we gave up and watched it on the big screen.

Making a Chicago landmark that much more historical.  

Woo Hoo! My fave Hawk...Big Buff!

There it is with Kane & Toews!

WOOT WOOT

HooRay Hawks! Think we might have to go to Chicago for the parade!!

Melon Head

So, it turns out Lucy LOVES watermelon.

Who knew?

Sorry No Time, Busy Getting My @$$ Kicked...

Sorry that this post is so long awaited, and lacking anything you might really want to read about! I am so horribly busy right now, that I kinda feel bad about the last hour I spent watching the end of Crazy Heart (been watching it in hour increments for the last 3 days) and the few minutes I am going to continue to steal to type this blurb!

Turns out my little shop is starting to be not so little anymore. I have been steadily busy since Earth Day and I am trying so very hard to find the perfect balance between what I want to do and what I need to do to make the most of this awesome opportunity. Of course, all of that depends on how much spare time I have to commit to the Co and still raise (somewhat) normal kids. (Not to mention I have to pay some attention to Turbo!)

Anyhoo...I do have lots to share, just no time to share it. We've been enjoying the warm weather, are gearing up for Ky&Co's 1st anniversary and 1st annual Zoo & Brew, and preparing our pool and social life for another fantastic summer! When we get that under control I'll steal a little more time to type!