Happy 4th of July {And a Family Celebration!}

Happy Birthday USA.

It’s been a few years since hubby and I have hosted the family 4th of July Party. There was no way I was going to in 2014 and last year we thought we were selling our house so we didn’t open the pool. This year we didn’t open the pool until 2 weeks before the 4th, but decided to open it.

That morning dad brought over the hay trailer and they loaded up the hay bales to get them off the field so that the fireworks didn’t catch them on fire.

Tbug made a 4th of July Fruit Flag. She used Blueberries, Bananas, Cherries, and sliced strawberries. I think it turned out awesome! So we made an aluminum foil bowl for the strawberries, sliced the bananas in slices. Cut up the strawberries. Stemmed and pitted the cherries. Then layered them into the pan. Tbug decided to use banana chunks as the “stars” in the blueberries.

Bananas start browning when they hit the air, so a tip to keep them looking “white” (or yellow) is to coat them in lemon or lime juice.

Then we put our swimsuits on and hopped in the pool. This is my little water child.

Hubby went to mow the hayfield with the lawnmower, yes you read that right, just a couple patches for fireworks, so Wes took over grilling the chicken. We had grilled chicken, lots of sides, homemade ice cream, fruit, and lots of desserts.

Then it was time to get back in the water while the homemade ice cream continued to freeze.

Once the ice cream was done, it was time for dessert, then…

The main attraction…. Fireworks!

I hope everyone has a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

Also, please keep my family in your prayers. My great-aunt passed away on Saturday. She led a great life, she was 94 and passed away in her sleep, but it still hurts!