Summerfest Kickoff

Summerfest kicked off it's 11 day run with Bon Jovi last night. Not being Bon Jovi fans, Terri and I opted to go for the "Big Bang" fireworks show at the lakefront.

I have to admit that the most fun of being in the crowd is people watching. It's entertaining watching the little kids run aroud, waiting expectantly for the show to begin. One of the vendors, selling those flashing bunny ears, glow in the dark sticks, etc., didn't have to move for a half hour once it got semi-dark out. His little pushcart, all shining brightly, attracted the kids like moths to a light bulb.

The crowd was pretty well mixed with parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, kids, cousins, you name it. And everyone was having a great time.

I recently finished "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon professor who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006 and decided to write a book reflecting on his life.

Randy writes that he wanted to leave some history for his young children to read about in hopes they remember him. Throughout the book he explains how it's important to live the life you have rather than feel sorry for yourself. His perspective on death in eye opening.

I thought about him while I watched the families at the lakefront. So many of them were totally engaged with each other, enjoying the outing. Sometimes we forget how these little adventures are remembered by the kids. As adults we take a lot for granted, enjoy ourselves at something, and then quickly forget the moment. We need to take the time to remember those times when we were at peace and happy and try to make those moments an everyday occurance.

Did miss not having the grandkids along. Adam enjoys the fireworks as long as he has his headphones on. Noah? Not sure yet. He's usually sleeping somewhere when they're going off. Alexis? At 4 months, I'm not sure she'd have full appreciation.

It's a good week to look forward to. Planning on a farmer's market during the morning, a little nap in the afternoon and an evening at Summerfest. Have to share time at two different stages, one with Cowboy Mouth and the other with Barenaked Ladies. The lineup for the main stage looks great, with No Doubt, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder, Kenny Chesny, Keith Urban. And the side stages are just as packed with great acts.

Follow that up with the 4th of July. We might just have one or two around for the 4th of July parade in Wauwatosa (been there every years for the last 30+ years) and fireworks.

Enjoy the weekend!