4th of July Round Up

We have a lot of family living with in a 20 minute drive of us. First, I should mention I actually LIKE everyone in both my husband’s family and my own. I’m actually quite close with my own parents and brother. All my in-laws, from MIL to cousins are super cool. This seems like a perfectly normal thing to me. I grew up in that type of environment; but I know it doesn’t always happen for everyone and I’m aware I’m very fortunate.

Getting along with the whole family and having them close is awesome for so many reasons. Free babysitters of one.

No, in all seriousness I think it’s been so good for our kids to spend time with extended family. Having aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, even great grandparents around who love them is such a great thing. It’s a little bit of that “it takes a village to raise a child” kind of thing. Everyone looks out for their well being, teaches them things, spends time with them, reinforces good behaviors we want to teach like you know, manners. Plus it is kinda nice to have free babysitters.

I also have to say not only do our kids have a village, so do my husband and I. We know our family has our backs when life tosses us problems and we have people we love to celebrate with when good things come our way. 

And boy do we celebrate! My oldest son is a May birthday, which was just last month. That kid had 6, count em’ 1-2-3-4-5-6, birthday celebrations! We call this phenomena too much birthday, I think it may have originated from a berenstain bears book? The one thing about having so much family around is that by the time we see everyone for a holiday, birthday, or other event we celebrate quite a number of times. Obviously six celebrations for one birthday is just a little ridiculous, but things just worked out that way by the time we made it around to everyone this year. (I will say part of what happens is everyone lives about 20 minutes away, but in opposite directions.) On the plus side it’s kinda fun. 

Fourth of July is no exception to the holiday crazies. Lots of people to see, lots of food to eat, lots of celebrating to do! Honestly, sometimes we don’t even manage to catch everyone… but we do try. Like many of you, our family is all about the bbq on the fourth. So I figured I’d share a round up today, so you have enough time to plan for Friday, of some of my favorite bbq and 4th friendly recipes you might want to try.

Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork with a super easy Creamy Coleslaw is always a winner. 

If you’re looking for a fresh take on the burger think about trying Tarragon Lamb Burgers. 

Add this all important condiment to the table to jazz up, well, anything!

For sides I’m lovin the Farm Fresh Pasta Salad,

the super easy Pesto Pasta Salad,

or the Boozey Chipolte Chicken & Quinoa Salad.

 

For desert you just can’t go wrong with Strawberry Shortcake! 

Or maybe an apple pie? These are the best pie apples eevverr! 

 Since we’re traveling to people I personally will be making up a few sides, certainly at least one of the pasta salads, and probably desert. Strawberry shortcake is a good bet, but there is this crazy cake of Food 52, that looks like a flag when you cut into. I might go wild and give it a try.

Hope you find something fun to add to your menu; and have a safe and happy fourth!