Happy Independence Day!

Our country turns 235 years old tomorrow, and we celebrated the event by eating and playing cards with friends :)

Dave and I supplied the burgers, dogs, and location, and we asked our friends to bring the sides.  We ended up with quite a spread, including deviled eggs (which might not have made it to the table after the appetizer-ish munching we did), fruit and vanilla yogurt for dipping, baked beans, chips, and Watergate salad (aka 'green stuff').

We decorated the deck umbrella with these festive patriotic paper medallions from Party City - I think they're too cute to throw away, so I might squirrel them away in my party chest for another red/white/blue occasion :)

I made mini cupcakes for dessert - dressed up with these awesome mini pinwheels!  Aren't they so cute?

We also made some refreshing fruity water like we had at our Berry Berry Good class at Miller Farms - we left out the mint, but it was citrusy and tasty!

Bonnie might have taken some, but I completely flaked on taking pictures once people arrived, so the only ones I have are of the preparations!  Guess that means I was either busy in the kitchen or yapping.  Typical.

After we had lunch we played two hands of Hand and Foot, my favorite card game.  I'd explain how it works, but I'd butcher it so you can read about it here, if it fancies you.  It's so fun - hurts the brain a little, but fun!