We may not be living in our house, but that wasn’t going to stop the fireworks from going off across the street!
Hosting a party in our backyard this year was a lot like renting a pavilion at a local park; you simply bring everything in and take everything with you when you leave! Bonus: our bathroom–despite being in a construction zone–is probably still better than what you’d find at a park!
I decided grilling hot dogs and brats would be easiest (instead of hamburgers), and had everyone bring something simple. Honestly, it was perhaps the easiest set-up and tear-down that we’ve ever had–no dirty dishes in a sink to wash! It forced me to simplify the food, which cut down on post-party clean-up, and I had access to our basement fridge, so that helped a lot. I cooled drinks before they hit the coolers, and then I was able to keep food inside until we were ready for it.
Additionally, Andrew and I took some time the day before to do some yard work, so the morning of we simply cleaned the patio and decorated. My goal, especially since I couldn’t just run upstairs for a quick rinse-off before the start of our party, was to be completely set up and still have time to go back to my in-laws’ for showers. Shockingly, mission accomplished!
Our little village puts on a party in the park across the street in the afternoon, including a foam party (a giant pool of suds trapped inside snow fencing) and train rides for little kids. Andrew tends to get in with Maelle while I snap the photos!
Afterward, we all cleaned up and got into our ‘3rd of July best,’ which for me is becoming the same outfit year after year: my light blue bomb pop tank with black shorts (pictured in a photo below). We grilled twice this year, once before the parade and once after. The kids had their own full-size table!
We always walk up the street a few houses to catch the end of the parade. This year, we learned that Fisher Price throws LITTLE PEOPLE in the parade, but we never get any because they run out before the end. We were all shocked. Not that we need any more tiny toys lying around the house…
I love this photo my friend Wendy snapped of Maelle and me!
Our driveway is just about the best seat in the house for the fireworks! Maelle fell asleep halfway through the fireworks (!!!) and stayed asleep on our patio couches while we cleaned up. First time she’s been the first one asleep–usually our friends’ kids are passed out well before she is!
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