4th Of July Weekend Fun

This was our first 4th of July in PA. I was so excited and had planned for the family and I to do a lot, including attending parades, fairs and fireworks. Unfortunately my ulcer had other plans. It took my out for the weekend and zapped my energy. Our neighbors even invited us over for a big bbq party and fireworks but I couldn't get out of bed. I was bummed for the girls but I guess the good thing about them being so young is that they really do not know they are missing anything. Even when they can hear the fireworks going off all around us, they never thought twice about it.

Finally yesterday, on the last day of this holiday weekend I felt better and I was determined we were going to have a 4th of July celebration. We went out, bought some fireworks, food, ect.. and came home. I prepared the food while the girls ran around the yard soaking each other with water guns and hubby set up their swimming pool. I loved hearing the giggling and screeching from the girls as the ice cold water hit them.

The food was perfect. I made pork ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans and corn on the cob. Yes, their is only four of us in our family and I cooked for twenty..lol However, I will not have to cook dinner for the next two days so loving that!

Then I wanted to make something special and creative for dessert with what I had in the pantry. I came up with these Super Ooey Gooey Loaded Brownies. I baked the brownie mix in a 8x8 pan and once cooled I flipped it onto a cookie sheet. I then made homemade caramel. I found this awesome and super easy recipe from Simply Recipes. Once it was cooled enough I lightly drizzled it all over the top of the brownie cake.  I then sprinkled chopped roasted peanuts and placed mini marshmallows. Next I melted down white chocolate and drizzled the chocolate and of course more caramel all over the top. I had bought some iridescent red, white and blue sprinkles and thought it would give a little 4th of July feel, but maybe because it was iridescent only the blue showed up...and still not that well. Oh well it was still delicious.

Then when it was dark and we were full we had our own firework show in the backyard. The girls really loved it and said it was the best 4th of July ever. I love those girls.

M with her first Sparkler

Daddy and girls enjoying the show

I hope you and your family had an amazing and safe Independence Weekend. I can't wait to stop by and see what everyone did and all the yummy food that was enjoyed by everyone. Now it is back to reality. Acres of lawn to mow, a garden to weed, dishes and laundry to be done and some sewing for the shop. Life is good :)