4th of July Weekend!

 The 4th of July has to be one of my top favorite things for summer time.

BBQ's, parades, flags everywhere, fireworks and of course

a day that we honor and celebrate our country.

Below are some pics from my weekend. I was super excited that I didn't have

to work on Friday. A friend invited me boating on the lake and it was the perfect 

start to my weekend. Then the 4th was spend BBQ'ing, relaxing, and watching fireworks.

It was a top notch day as it is every year!

 ^^Some of the spread for the family BBQ...never dissapoints!

 ^^Mr. Mason just kicking back and soaking it all in!

 ^^These brothers of mine keep me laughing all of the time.

 ^^My niece's birthday cake that my brother made.

 ^^The birthday girl and I.

 ^^Sparkler party.

Summer Recipe's

With summer in full swing my mind is racing with all the fun things

I want to cross off my list. Lazy days at the pool, outdoor movies, 

tennis, and of course food plays a crucial role in the summer months.

I've rounded up some recipes I've tried and loved and seem to make every summer.

Teriyaki Chicken:  This recipe is so easy and you can throw it all in a ziploc bag and marinade

it overnight and have it ready to grill on the BBQ. It's easy, delicious and you 

can make a big batch!

Fresh Broccoli Salad: I first tried this recipe at a cousin's BBQ and I was sold.
Crunchy, flavorful and I'm getting my healthy greens in for the day.  
This recipe calls for raisins and sliced almonds
but I like to switch it up with dried cranberries and chopped cashews.
You can get creative with your ingredients
and add sunflower seeds or any other nut or just omit the nuts altogether. 

 Fresh Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad is always a hit at any BBQ. I love this recipe

and I will usually add some chopped up pepperoni because I like the spicy flavor

it adds. Either way thought it's a good pasta salad.

Fruit Tart: I love to bake with fruit that is in season. Fresh berries are always 

in abundance this time of year so it's nice to have some go-to recipes that

incorporate them. This recipe is delicious and not rocket science.

Fresh Strawberry Limeade: When the temperature's rise, my desire to have

a cool and refreshing drink also rise. Sometimes it's as simple as some mint leaves and squeezed

lemons or lime and some sugar and ice and other times on special occassions I get real

crazy and make this yummy limeade recipe.

Family Stay-cation

About a month ago my family had a weekend family reunion. We usually

go somewhere, but this year it just didn't pan out with babies, 

work schedules, etc. So instead of just canceling the whole event, 

we decided to have a stay-cation and make a weekend of it.

It actually ended up being a lot of fun. We went swimming to the water park, 

had a movie night with smore's around the fire for the first day. The second day

we went on a hike up Sundance, had lunch and then rode the ski lifts.

All in all I'd say it was a successful Santamaria family reunion.

I love spending time with these crazies I call family, I fit right in!

 ^^Baby Emmy

^^Sibling rivalry on the climbing wall.

 ^^Smore's around the fire.

 ^^My brother Mark and his son Odin, showed up as Superman ready for our hike!

 ^^Look at those mountains, simply breathtaking.

 ^^Mom and dad.

 ^^My sister-in-law,  a trooper to hike with her newborn.

 ^^My cute parents make me laugh. My dad showed up looking like he was 

going on a safari instead of a hike and my mom made her own fanny pack.

 ^^Stewart Falls.

 ^^Mom and I.

 ^^Dad after running under the falls.

 ^^The family, minus a couple who couldn't make it.

 Riding the ski lift.