For the past few years, we’ve spent the fourth of July on a lake in Monticello, Indiana.  Matt loves lake life.  The lazy mornings, the days on the boat, and just spending as much time as we can outdoors. 

This fourth will be no different.  Linc and Lulu are excited to spend a few days with their family, hanging out with cousins, making s’more’s and relaxing.   The weekend can only be made better if we can get in a boat ride or two, a trip to the local amusement park, and of course fireworks.

For me, lake life is a little too quiet.  I miss the hustle and bustle.  I miss the plans and the need to go, go go.  I should just enjoy the quiet and the time to relax, but with two toddlers, I feel like relaxing is a little bit of an oxymoron.

To make this Independence Day celebration as memorable as the rest, I’m planning ahead to ensure we’re ready for the big weekend.  Matt gets to relax, the kids get to have fun, and I get to plan.  Lately, with two little ones, it’s so hard to get ahead and not feel like we’re constantly behind on everything.  If you have tips, please send them my way!  We’re constantly planning the day/night before and it feels like a whirlwind.  And then we’re running to Walmart for the 15 essentials I forgot to bring and yet for some reason the frozen margarita maker tops my list and makes it in the car… Diapers or margaritas… you be the judge. Actually, don’t judge.

While at the lake, we’ll do lots of casual grilling, but at least one night I like to have a special dinner.  Last week, I shared my go-to Entrana recipe, this week, I’m sharing my grilled beef tenderloin.  Another great and easy meal for a crowd, and it takes no time at all.  All you need is a great marinade and a grill.  Pair it with roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, fruit, crusty french bread, and you have a perfect summer meal, that’s super simple.

Sometimes a boat ride calls for day drinking.  This year, I’ll be making pitchers of Bahama mama’s, tropical margarita sangria, and after the kids go to bed, some bomb pop martinis.  I’m not a beer or wine drinker, so whipping up a pitcher of cocktails to share is my specialty.  Although who am I kidding, more than likely when the kids go to bed, I’ll go to bed!

And not to leave out the kids, some homemade Dole Whip popsicles will be a fun snack.   I’m bringing plenty of extra ingredients because I’m sure one batch won’t be enough!  And I have a feeling they won’t just be for the kids.

Another weekend must is a trip to Indiana Beach.  It might be the smallest amusement park in America, but I love it.  I used to go with my family when I was a kid, my high school BFF and I used to have so much fun there.  Matt and I had fun there while dating.  We used to dance the night away with Jimmy Buffet cover bands.  The place is not for everyone, but the memories I’ve made there and the memories that Linc and Lulu are making there are priceless.

After a long day of rides and fun in the sun, we’ll need something sweet.  I’m looking forward to bringing these Firework Blondies.  Something about a cookie in bar form, just makes it better.  Add in some M&Ms and you can’t go wrong! 

What are your plans for the holiday weekend?  Will you be sitting seaside, lakeside or landside? Do you have any family traditions that you had growing up and now you’re sharing with your kids?  I’d love to know!  We’re always looking for fun new ideas to try!

Whatever you do, I hope you have a fun, safe, and relaxing Independence Day!

XOXO