Fourth of July

Begin the day with waffles (homemade or store bought) topped with sliced strawberries, fresh blueberries and a dollop of whipped cream.

 Keeping safety in mind, we can celebrate Independence Day in a celebratory way.  It may not be the large gatherings we have had in the past. With luck, Mother Nature will grant us mild weather allowing outdoor activities on this special day. Here are a few ideas that are easy and fun. 

 Hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, potato salad, corn on the cob, blue corn chips and red Doritos.  

Desserts include white cupcakes decorated with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and/or red, white & blue sprinkles.

Root beer floats are a favorite at our house.  My husband has made them for guests ever since we bought the house and it's a tradition that takes me back to when my Dad made them for my brothers, sister, Mom and myself growing up.  

Let's not forget ice cream sundaes or banana splits.  Provide the red, white and blue sprinkles , hot fudge, caramel, or chocolate sauces and customize. And the whipped cream!

Favorite games we play are croquet, bocce ball, volleyball (play it with a beach ball if you don't have a volleyball) and frisbee.

Make up a summer scavenger hunt for backyard fun.  Who can be the first to find a bird, flip flops, shorts, ice cream, bike, ball, or lawn chair?  Use your imagination. The possibilities are endless. Popsicles for participants are a fun finish.

Set up the back yard pool.  Due to stay at home restrictions, pools are difficult to find this summer and taking longer than usual for delivery because of high demand. If that's the case, bring out the sprinkler and let it run.

 Line up to take a  turn at the pinata where everyone scrambles for the prizes inside.  

Fire up the fire pit in the yard and bring out the makings for S'mores!  We like to find sticks to use for our marshmallows in the yard. The hunt for sticks is part of the fun. 

Make campfire pies over the fire pit with our Campfire Pie makers.  You need a can of blueberry, cherry or apple pie filling, white bread and butter. 

Place a piece of buttered bread face down in the pie maker. Add 3 tablespoons of pie filling on the bread, top with the other piece of bread, making sure the butter side is against the pie maker.  Close the pie maker and place over the fire.  Cook for 5 minutes or until the bread is browned.  Cool a few minutes and enjoy!

How will you be celebrating this year? Have a safe and happy holiday!