:: 4th of July ::

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One of our families' favorite holidays is the 4Th of July. What is there not to love? There is always plenty of family & friends (Jude & Eliza), delicious food, fun games, incredible fireworks and fun smaller fireworks, and of course the reason we celebrate...our independence. Our family has had the tradition of spending the 4Th of July at Tom and Sandy's house...and each year they deliver another memorable occasion! Luckily for us, Tom has mastered the art of smoking BBQ ribs and we contributed this pasta salad and smoothies (I learned how to make these as a waitress at Los Hermanos)...I'll share my version of this super easy recipe below. =) We had a blast playing a competitive game of Frisbee golf (a first for me...but not the last)...even little Tate joined in the game! Some of us need a little practice before next time, but we had plenty of good laughs due to our poor Frisbee skills so I think it was a good trade off...don't you think mom? I had to go in to tend to the baby while the others worked up a sweat playing ultimate Frisbee, and then it was time for root beer floats and fireworks...the best part! The kids got fun goodies from Grandmama and Grandpapa: glow sticks, bubbles, and little popping fireworks that they could do themselves. Despite Lagoon canceling their usual fireworks show, we really loved watching the city fireworks just as much! As I was getting all romantic (as I do with fireworks), Andy turned into a kid again tickling all of us with grass in our ears...and yes it was still funny after the 12Th time. ;) The drive home was fun too as we were able to see straggler fireworks along the way! Thanks again, Tom and Sandy for an AMAZING time!!!

Purple Smoothies -about 2 servings

about 1/2 c. crushed ice
about 1 c. sprite
2-3 scoops vanilla ice cream
about 1/2 c. (or more) frozen strawberries
about 1/2 c. (or more) frozen blackberries
(I was able to find a frozen bag mix of the two of these fruits on sale at Kholers)
top them off with whipping cream...preferably non-dairy

Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth! Add ice or ice cream if it is too thin and add sprite if it is too thick. And remember, you can't mess up a smoothie so don't worry about measuring...just eyeball it. ENJOY!!!