Fourth of July Fun

What a ball we had celebrating the 4th of July with friends!  The holiday came on the heels of a very hectic week so it was nice to slow down and have some fun.

We kicked off the celebrations with our local parade that our library hosts every year.  Harrison refused to go (sniffle, sniffle) but luckily Spencer still wanted in on the fun.  I am going to have a hard time when they get "too old for this stuff"......

My star spangled cutie

Some people really go all out on their decorations - how cool are these?

Conrad the Crawdad led the way
Conrad is the mascot to our local minor league baseball team, Hickory Crawdads

The next Earnhardt in the making......

Always fun to find a buddy

Next up was home to prepare 30 pounds of BBQ for our annual party we co-host with our neighbors. Here is how I do it:

Purchase your meat and let it sit to room temperature for at least half an hour

Quarter an onion and plop in dutch oven/crock pot

Place meat on top and season with salt and pepper

Mix 4 tablespoons of brown sugar with two 12 ounce cans of Dr. Pepper and pour over meat

Cook for 6-10 hours turning every 2 hours.  Cooking time depends on size of meat.  You'll know when it is ready when it falls apart.  If you can't pull it apart with a fork, continuing cooking for 30 minute intervals.

So good!

I whipped up some white summer sangria and garnished it with sliced orange, mango, pineapple and blueberries

Another neighbor smoked two butts on his smoker so we offered him up a fun hostess gift

Then we were ready for fun.....just in time for the rain.  Friends showed up with pop up tents and the kids had a ball playing in the rain.  Fortunately, the rain moved out and we proceeded with our evening.

I was thankful we cleaned out the garage since the band had to move out of the rain.

I put my hubby in charge of sparklers this year because......

the kaboom squad doesn't mess around!

So excited you can finally see our house from the street - will share project curb appeal later

We have a wraparound driveway but share part of one side with our sweet neighbors, 

which makes the perfect party location!

cute little firecrackers in their own right

Famous last words:  "Hey y'all, watch this!"  

I am happy to report all still have 10 fingers and 10 toes

We hosted our party on the 3rd this year.  So for the actual 4th of July we went over to the home of a friend who lives on Lake Hickory.  Kids swam in the lake, played baseball and had a wonderful time.  

Isn't this backyard to die for?

Love our little slice of Americana.  Hope y'all had a happy and safe 4th!

xoxo,

TSS