Happy July 4th...(a day late)

Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July weekend.  I know we did.  It was busy but tons of fun!  I made some strawberry jam, that turned out wonderfully and with no mistakes this time.  Little Miss E celebrated her 2nd birthday is style with family.  And the weekend was topped off with an amazing firework display by our neighbor...(and other people in our neighborhood).  

Big L found a tiny frog.

Sparkler Fun Celebrating Miss E's birthday

I've been making strawberry jam with my mother and sisters for as long as I can remember.  But this is the first time I have really made it on my own.  This year I have made 3 batches and have gotten 11 pints and 8-half pints.  This past weekend I got my strawberries from Wal-mart...(I wanted to go pick them myself, but time and kids wouldn't allow).  From that batch which cost $10.68, I made 8 pints.  I was very excited!!!  I am hoping this will last until next strawberry season so I don't have to go buy jam.  

Miss E celebrated her 2nd Birthday with dairy/corn free Strawberry Cupcakes with homemade Marshmallow fluff frosting.  They looked pretty and tasted great too!!!  She looked so cute in her new little dress top I made for her!  And had fun playing with all her new gifts!

The birthday banner I made.

A very happy 2 year old!

Eyeing up the goodies!

The 4th of July has always been my favorite holiday.  I am guessing because it started off the month that I was born in with a 'bang'...no pun intended.  I just love the whole day!  The picnics, patriotism, the time spent with family and friends and the FIREWORKS!  This year I had some fun with my camera.  Some pictures just came out truly amazing...others not so much.  But here are a few of my faves!!!

Hope you have enjoyed.  Thanks for reading!