On Memorial day every year we have a little get together with my husband’s daughter and grandkids. It’s not fancy at all, just burgers, dogs, macaroni salad and baked beans. The menu is usually the same from year to year and we hangout outside, not doing much except chatting and eating. And eating.
Dominic, my husband’s grandson has been making the beans for the last few years. He really likes to cook and I’m glad that his parents don’t try to keep him out of the kitchen. Cooking is a great thing for a guy to know. Bill, my husband can barely boil water and I’m serious about that!
They always bring their Nan, Bill’s mom along too. She really enjoys her hotdogs and ate two. That’s a big meal for her. Can you believe that she will be 96 this year! She looks fantastic! She always wears jewelry, has her hair done and nails polished and she even had a cute little gold purse.
Dominic and Samantha are are just about to get into it. Those two can’t be in the same space for long. You know how kids are…”Mom…..he’s touching me….she’s looking at me” or this one, “she’s breathing on me!”
So mom has to get in the middle and give Dominic the look. Their dad is a fire fighter in Philadelphia and had to work, so he missed the cookout this year. More food for us!
I usually make a homemade dessert and this year was no exception. My cake looks very patriotic and I was anxious to cut into it to check out the color.
It’s patriotic even on the inside. GASP, it’s really blue!
I never heard of Blue Velvet Cake until I came across this and pinnned it to my red, white and blue board on Pinterest. I think my version had a little too much gel food coloring, but it tasted like classic red velvet, that is if you could get past the color. 
I used the recipe from the pin if you want to try it. If you need an invitation to Pinterest just let me know in the comments and I’ll send you one.
I’m getting ready to go to the shore next week and really looking forward to sitting on the beach. My family will be there with me. It’s the first time we rented a big house for all of us to stay. It’s got 2 Jacuzzis, a hot tub, fireplace and even a cute little paddle boat for us to use on the lake and it’s only 200 yards to the beach. I’m planning on taking lots of pictures to share. The beach is such a beautiful place.
The winner of the giveaway from Royal Design Stencils for a $50. gift certificate
is Sally P.
Thanks for visiting! Debbie (((xx)))
Your mother-in-law is 96? No way! She looks fabulous. Note to self: Do more!
The cake looks beautiful. I will check out that recipe.
The grands are like kiddos everywhere and your daughter has “the look” down pat.
Have a wonderful time on vacation. It sounds like a great place.