To celebrate the 4th of July, we had Andy, Meghan and Cody over for dinner. Unfortunately, fireworks were banned because of the crazy drought, but we had good food, good drinks and good fellowship to make it a great evening.

I wanted to do an easy menu so that I could spend my time chatting and keeping an eye on Hannah instead of being frantic in the kitchen. Ahead of time, I had some homemade baked beans in the crock pot. When our guests arrived, I had an appetizer ready for munching – chicken and cream cheese stuffed jalapenos – and a pitcher of margaritas. Then the guys fired up the grill while the kiddos played outside. It was 101 degrees, by the way. I sliced watermelon, and Brett grilled burgers and some zucchini and yellow squash (from the farmers’ market). Opened a bag of chips, and we were ready!

Hannah and Cody were good eaters, and I don’t think any food ended up on the floor! (all the adults were good eaters, too) We saved room for dessert; not really, I was really full but couldn’t stop because it looked so delicious. Meghan brought homemade shortcakes with berries and homemade whipped cream. Strawberries,whipped cream and blueberries made red, white, and blue. A perfect summer dessert.

I was lazy and didn’t take any pictures, but you can probably picture the general scene – lots of food, lots of laughing and two silly toddlers giggling with food on their faces. Now it will be a quiet evening in the neighborhood due to the lack of fireworks. Happy 4th! We have a lot to be thankful for!