My Minnesota pride takes a real hit this time of year. Why? Because I LOVE Chicago oh so much in the summer!! There- I said it! I love Chicago like a fat kid loves cake. The dreary rainy days of spring make way for the most beautiful days of Chicago summer.
Here is my top 5 favorite summertime Chicago activities...
Whether it's going to a walk, dipping into the lake or having late night BBQ at the beach, I absolutely love living so close to the lake! This summer's added perk- the dog beach. Oh Marshall, you have no idea how much fun you are going to have.
German fest. Rib fest. Fest. fest. fest.. there is one nearby every weekend! Good food + good music + good friends = perfect summer activity.
We have spent many evenings over the past few summers lounging at a nearby park listening to local music. We like to bring our own dinner and a few adult beverages and voila! ..the perfect inexpensive date night.
I love walking around a good farmers market in the morning. The fresh fruit, the fresh flowers.. love it! What's even better? The new Thursday evening farmers market in Lincoln Square. We can easily walk there from our place and now that there's no more new TV there is absolutely nothing better to do on a Thursday night.
5. A good long walk.
To say that I have walked every street in my neighborhood a hundred times would probably be an understatement. And that was before Marshall came along! As long as there is some good company by my side I could walk around aimlessly for hours... preferably with a Starbucks drink in hand.
This will be my 9th summer in Chicago and I am truly starting to feel like a legit Chicagoan, I guess the summertime really brings it out of me!
That's right.. our little Marshy is going to be a big brother. And no, we are not adding any more animals to our rapidly growing zoo. This time we are going to add another person to the mix! The little love is expected to arrive early January. We are beyond thrilled and feel incredibly blessed!!!!
With the help of my mom and sister we got down to business. We started off by replanting some new fresh flowers in place of those who had not survived my first attempt and spring gardening.
The finished product turned out just as I had hoped. Simple and green.
And what did I do with all of the random bricks you ask? Why I made some cheap plant stands to keep the lone survivors away from their arch nemesis Marshall.
Thanks again Mama, I couldn't have done it without you!
Here's to hoping this is my last green thumb post for a while :)
Sidenote- these pictures were taken AFTER Jakob got home and dinner was already set to go. Don't think my first grilling experience was supervised by someone hiding behind the camera lens. I'm a brave girl and did the whole thing by myself dangit!
And what did I grill you ask? I whipped up some delicious pork chops with a homemade marinade. I don't mean to toot my own horn but they really were delicious!!
I'm happy to say that my first solo grilling experience was a total success! Another thing to check off the ole bucket list.
We look forward to Ribfest every year. And how can you not? Ribfest is the perfect excuse to consume 4,000+ calories of Chicago's most delicious BBQ and greasy favorites completely guilt free.
And consume we certainly did.
With good music, good friends, bubbles galore and heaps of ...
live animals....??? It concerned me too girl.
The Ribfest tradition wouldn't be complete without a little rain. No joke- it rains EVERY year we go.
Not a problem. The urban response to rain? Grab one last funnel cake, cover the baby and hightail it to a local Starbucks. 
Love it. Only 360 days 'til next year. Let the countdown begin.
What kind of terrible plant parent doesn't feed her babies on a 100 degree day?! Apparently this one. Sad day. I have been watering 'round the clock and hoping that some last minute CPR will save my grim looking flowers. Let's just say things are not looking good and all 7 pots are in critical condition. I will keep you posted if conditions improve.
