If you know me, you know that I LOVE the Fourth of July! When I was a kid, we would always spend this day at my Grandma’s pool on Lake Erie swimming, having cookouts, lighting sparklers, and watching fireworks. My grandma was always very committed to a theme, so we also listened to patriotic music and my sister and I would have all of the outfits and accessories like matching swimsuits and light-up necklaces and headbands. It was always such a magical time. When I was in my 20s, I rented a condo on the lake very close to where my grandma lived and was able to start these traditions all over again. Fun fact, I met my husband at that very pool a few weeks before the Fourth of July in 2014 and we were married on July 8, 2017!

Once we had our girls, all of the magic began again while seeing their joy with the old traditions of accessories, sparklers, and s’mores. We don’t live on the lake anymore, but we do have the cutest bike parade in our neighborhood, which I will take as a lovely replacement. I know my grandma would approve. We also have a neighborhood party at the park after the parade with water balloon fights, field-day-type games, and even a band that plays the national anthem. Once we get home from the parade, we host a brunch for some of our friends (who just happen to be the parents of our girl's BFFs). We set up our big inflatable waterslide and the sprinkler and have as much of a “pool party” as I am able to re-create 😊.

For our Fourth of July brunch, I make my signature egg bake, fruit salad, and some homemade muffins (this year I am going with chocolate and banana oat with mini chocolate chips). Both of those recipes are in my Healthy Baking Recipes blog post. We also serve mimosas, and this year I plan to add a little coffee bar with fun toppings! I’ve personally learned that the way to make it to fireworks when you start with an early morning bike parade is to limit the mimosas and sub in iced coffees ;)

I usually serve some tortilla chips with queso, guacamole, and salsa for our afternoon snacks and throw in a veggie tray to meet our fruit and veggie needs for the day! For dinner, we stay traditional and grill burgers and hot dogs served with potato salad and baked beans. We usually make some s’mores and play with sparklers after dinner. The kids basically spend the whole day in their bathing suits, which is just what my grandma would expect 😇.

In previous years, this would bring us all the way to bedtime. This year, I think both girls are old enough that we may walk to the park and see some fireworks! They absolutely loved seeing them at Disney World, so I think they are ready. Hopefully, we can convince them to take an afternoon nap so they can make it with no major meltdowns. Wish us luck!

Depending on how the holiday falls, we also celebrate the 4th with family, usually the Saturday before. My mom makes her famous ribs and macaroni salad with baked beans and corn on the cob. This is possibly my favorite meal on Earth. There is so much good food surrounding this holiday, no wonder it is one of my favorites!

I hope everyone has a fun, festive, and safe Fourth of July!