So Memorial Day weekend is almost here! I’m taking an extra long weekend to spend some QT with my main squeeze. I love Memorial Day, it’s the start the long awaited fun filled summer. Cookouts, beach days, fireworks, nights sitting around the fire, lots of July birthdays and of course, that sun kissed glow.  Every year we spend the day watching the local parade at my grandparent’s house followed by a cookout. The picture above is Ben from last year’s parade. It melts my heart to see so much patriotism in such a little person. Ben’s favorite part was seeing his Uncle Alex in the parade. Last year he rode as an EMT. This year he’ll be riding as a paramedic! He’d kill me if I’d done a whole post about it so I’ll just give him a little shoutout here. YAY AL!!! WE’RE SO PROUD OF YOU!! So proud, in fact, that we had not one, but two celebratory dinners. The night he got the results we had an impromptu pizza party. I had to beg him to take a picture with me. This was the best smile I could get out of him. The next night, we went out for a big Portuguese feast. Yummy!

Okay, back to Memorial Day. If you’re looking for a fun, easy and patriotic thing to make for a party, I highly recommend these red, white and blue (and chocolate!) skewers. They’re so easy to make, look awesome and are a huge hit! To make them, I bought a box of brownie mix and baked as normal. Once cool, I cut the brownies up into little squares and alternated them between the strawberries, blueberries and marshmallows. Easy peasy.

To my friends, family and all who have served or are currently serving, thank you. Thank you for risking your lives for our freedom. I am truly in awe of your bravery and dedication to this country.  Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!!