Highlights from the Block Party

Last Saturday was the party on our block.  The street was barricaded from traffic, the giant grill was set up, the fire department came to show off their shiny red truck, there was a bike parade, face painting, a scavenger hunt, pinata...
food, neighbors, perfect weather... all in all a wonderful afternoon!
The party kicked off with the visit from our local fire department.  In her excitement before the party, Alli drew a picture for the firemen.  She presented it to them with a shy smile while clinging to my leg.  The kids got to check out the truck and the firefighters opened up the hydrant so the kids could play in the water to cool off.  Kids were running and biking through the spray and splashing in the ample puddles. 
And just when you think you can't top that...
The kids decorated their bikes and had a bike parade down our block!  Dozens of delighted children zoomed up and down the street with streamers waving.
I painted faces.  A scavenger hunt was organized.  There was chalk to draw on the street.  A pinata was bashed... that is what prompted Ruby's tears.  She didn't understand why the kids were hitting the pretty rainbow thing and she was very upset.  She got over it when the candy fell out.
The food was great... of course nothing beats grilled hamburgers and hot dogs on a summery day!  There was a beautiful spread of pot luck dishes and a giant flag cake made of fresh, ripe berries.  It was all so festive and fun and delicious!
The kids wrapped the evening up with sparklers.  Alli and Ruby were fascinated with the tiny fireworks at their fingertips.  When the sparklers ran out, Alli and Elijah serenaded the block with their rendition of "Leaving on a Jet Plane" (which mostly consisted of the chorus).
This was one of the most fun Chicago afternoons we have ever had.  There is no fun like the good-old-fashioned kind... especially on a warm autumn day!