Happy Fourth of July! Errr…sixth. Okay, I’m two days late, but I want to share it with you anyway because we made some delicious food and had a gorgeous waterfront picnic.
We started our day at Greenlake with a family run. Sarah and I did a loop together with the stroller – part of our 5k training plan. I’m planning to run her first 5k with her later this month, but I’m also training for my own (hopefully) speedy 5k later in the summer. After I did a loop with Sarah, she parked it in the grass with Cullen so that Casey and I could run a stroller-free loop together.
I had Casey pace me at 8:15, and I struggggled to keep it up the whole way around the lake (3 miles). I was huffing and puffing and totally out of gas by the time I finished mile six. I have a long way to go!
Back at home it was time to prep for a well-earned picnic. Sarah and I had planned some festive treats ahead of time. Luckily Cullen decided to take a two hour nap as soon as we got home, so we were able to spend the afternoon cooking, singing loudly to country music, and prepping for our fourth festivities.
Sarah was in charge of the patriotic strawberries.
She saw the idea on Pinterest, and brought them to life in our kitchen!
There is nothing better than a clever dessert that also tastes amazing. It was hard not to eat all of these ahead of time.
Meanwhile, I worked on another Pinterest find – brownie kebabs! Clearly we were more focused on dessert than anything else. I made the brownies the night before, and assembled them just before we packed up to go.
To balance out the sugar, I figured we need a few fruits and vegetables as well. I made a bit batch of corn and avocado salad, a variation off a Pioneer Woman recipe my friend Kelsey made a few weeks ago.
I also made a big bag of cheesy kale chips to take with us. Don’t most Fourth of July picnics include giant Ziploc baggies of kale?
We headed out to one of my favorite Seattle waterfront spots – Magnusen Park. Gorgeous views of Mt. Ranier in the distance.
We tossed out a blanket, set up the picnic, and dug in. I also packed big bags of cherries and watermelon, as well as chips and salsa. A delicious, healthy, and easy spread of food!
Not a cloud in the sky. Perfection.
It is only natural to celebrate birthdays with delicious desserts. Happy birthday, USA!
Now that Cullen is eating solid food himself, he is no longer content to sit and watch us eat. He had a pint-sized meal of fresh watermelon, puffs, and a pear and apple pouch. He seemed pleased.
We were lucky enough to spend the fourth with Sarah last year too – but I was about 25 weeks pregnant and we were babymooning in Las Vegas. What a difference one year makes!
We are so lucky to have her here with us this summer. She’s been a huge help to me, and I think she’s had a great time getting to know her nephew. He is totally in love with her.
The four of us lounged and enjoyed the views and the food for a few hours. So many boats out on the water preparing for fireworks!
I spent most of that time battling Cullen, who was determined not to wear his hat. How do other moms do it? He rips it off his head (even if it has a strap) as soon as I put it on. Can’t have my little reddish baby burning!
The best part of holidays is having the whole family at home together. The mid-week holiday felt strange at first, but I ended up loving it! It has made the whole week feel so much shorter since Casey had Wednesday off. I suggested he ask his boss for every Wednesday off. He laughed at me.
Obligatory family photo shoots are a must for all holidays. Baby’s first Fourth of July! I think he had a good one. I know I did.
We couldn’t do any late night celebrations or fireworks this year since Cullen crashes early, but I’ve definitely come to accept that life is just different now. Not bad, just different, and I’ve learned not to force things that aren’t realistic at his age.
I’m looking forward to a few years down the road when he stays up late and covers his ears at his first fireworks show. But for now, I’m pretty happy with an afternoon picnic in the sunshine. Definitely good enough for me.
Summer has finally arrived in Seattle. Temps in the high 70’s and low 80’s for the first time in a year! Planning to spend our weekend outside as much as possible. Hope you enjoy yours as well.
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Such beautiful photographs! Your family is so photogenic- and it looks like you had a wonderful time. LOVE the strawberries and brownie kebabs. Have a great weekend!
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:36 pm
Thanks so much Kelly!
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how fun – i love the strawberries and brownie kebabs! your outfit is adorable too!
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These photos are some of the best I’ve seen on here! I’m also pinning those desserts to make asap!
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That last picture is perfection! Definitely a framer!
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:) Love those strawberries! So festive!
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The strawberry & kebabs are so cute! Great desserts.
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What brand are the marshmallows? I can only find the tiny ones that are vegetarian friendly. While they are good, they can be kind of a pain since they are so small!
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:36 pm
Got them at PCC!
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The strawberries look fun! I’m jealous of your temperatures right now…in Milwaukee we’ve been in the 100s all week! I wouldn’t complain if I weren’t 33 weeks pregnant :-) The only place for me is in the pool or in the A/C. Enjoy your weekend!
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such a beautiful 4th – i’m so glad you shared! I’m sure it’s even more surreal to you, but i can’t believe cullen is eating real foods now. crazy!
since Wes is still not wearing a hat because they’re all too big for his head I can’t really speak to how to keep it on, but i wonder if maybe he saw you or casey wearing one it might spark his interest in keeping his on? no clue – but may be worth a shot!
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You guys are too cute. Is your skirt Target??
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
JCrew!!
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Those desserts were such a good idea! I can’t wait to make it back to Seattle and enjoy the wonderful Seattle-ness!
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I enjoyed the mid-week holiday too. Mickey actually took the day off from studying, it was so nice! We played tourist for the day down at Pike Place and tried to ride the new ferris wheel, but sadly the line was way too long:(
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Those brownie cabobs are super cute! But that corn and avocado salad has my mouth watering. You’ll have to share your exact recipe with us!!!
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Omg when i saw the title of this blog post on fb I thought you were announcing that you were having another baby. Naturally I was like “holy cow is that even possible?!” and then of course I read the post…
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
Omg WOW. Haha, no more babies just yet. :)
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so jealous of your “summer” weather! wish high 70s/low 80s were the summer weather here :)
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Cullen needs babiators! http://www.babiators.com/ to fit in with his Mommy and Daddy!
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
THESE ARE TOO FUNNY!! We definitely need some. :)
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sounds like the PERFECT 4th picnic to me! so glad you had a lovely day!
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Lovely pictures-sounds like you had a great 4th! I’ve seen those patriotic strawberries all over the blogosphere and Pinterest…I’m going to have to make them next year!
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I love you for sharing the brownie kebabs. !!!
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I cannot get over how breathtakingly beautiful Seattle is … what a landscape! :)
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What a beautiful family! I’m so glad you had such a happy fourth of July! <3
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Dessert is always the highest priority when I am planning any meal or party.
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Okay, my first reaction to brownie kebabs was that it was one of things that sound like a good idea, but turn to be otherwise. So …. tell the truth … is it a repeat?
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
So the kebabs were delicious and the combo of fruit/marsh/brownie was awesome. BUT – they were really messy to transport. So I’d make them again, but only if I was serving them at a party or at my house. Not great picnic food. :)
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My son’s hat has a strap with a snap on button. He can’t un-snap it himself.
Cute brownie kebabs! :)
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Hi Emily – what size of the aviator glasses do you wear? Small, Medium, Large or are they the Jr. size? You have a slim face with high (gorgeous) cheekbones and these fit you perfectly. Would love to know which (or the serial/style number from inside).
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
I have the small! At first I thought they were too small, but now I think they fit perfectly. Casey has the large (for comparison).
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That corn/avocado salad looks soooo good and perfect for summer! Gonna have to pin it and put it on the menu for next week! Also, that little Beeb is ADORABLE! Gah, all babies just melt my heart! ;) Happy belated 4th to you!
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I made those same strawberries for my 4th party. Such a fun idea!
Glad you had a great holiday!
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Looks like you had a wonderful weekend!
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Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy Reply:
July 6th, 2012 at 7:41 pm
err… Wednesday. I kept thinking that the 4th was on Saturday!
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I’ve been trying to get out to Greenlake as often as possible since the sun has come out, too :) YAY for summer in Seattle! Fingers crossed it will last long enough for my little guy to get some fresh air before the winter comes…
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Every time I see someone with little white puffy dogs I look to see if it is you! :)
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Can’t. Handle. Smiling. Baby.
My uterus suddenly feels very empty.
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Haha! :)
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ahhh it got up to 103 today in Nashville!!! So jealous of your mild summer!! Great pics :)!
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I’ll be glad when the 80′s come back to Ohio! It was 105 here today!
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Cullen is looking so big! And I am completely jealous of the weather you guys have, I’m dying in the Wisconsin heat!
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You and your sister remind me of my sister and I–running together, baking together, etc. She doesn’t live near me, so any time we get to spend together is extra special.
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You look gorgeous, Emily! Can I ask where your Jean skirt is from? I have an event next weekend and that is exactly what I would love to wear!!!! P.S. I have a 5.5 month old beautiful daughter named Emily….my all time favorite name :)
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Thanks! It’s actually a navy skirt from JCrew – really comfortable.
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My son Baylen has the same problem as Cullen, he doesn’t like to keep hats on either. I end up loading on the sunscreen even on top of his hair because I know he won’t keep the hat on for long. If you find a good solution, I’d love to know! :)
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Cullen’s hair is so long I can’t imagine putting sunscreen in it, but I worry about his little red head!
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Those dessert kebabs look great. I could use one right n now! My little one is constantly taking her hat off too.I have no solution either since she has lost two hats already.
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Love those strawberries! And roasted dessert kabobs would be so cool too ;)
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It looks so pretty out there! So jealous of your nice temps, heat index in Va Bch today is 110! My kid had nothing to do with those pouches, you’re so lucky!
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Good luck to your sister as she trains for the 5K! I know you’re grateful for the heat, but you girls are lucky to have had such cool temperatures in which to train in the past! Cleveland was slammed with heat yesterday, and my wife and I had to gut out one of our training runs (we are doing our first 5Ks too!) in 100+ degree heat. I read about your runs in 70 degree temps and was just a bit jealous!
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Oh man – good for you keeping at it in that heat! I am definitely grateful for mild temps here.
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You and Casey look great, but sorry – Cullen steals the show ;) He is such a beautiful baby!
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Haha I totally agree. :)
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Thank you so much for sharing your 4th of July pictures. They are all so beautiful girl! I love how amazing life seems for you <3
**I had never heard of brownie kabobs, so thank you for introducing such a wonderful idea to me!!
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Thanks so much, Jessie!
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Seriously adorable in that last photo. Glad to see Seattle is having som summer weather…we have a little stop planned on our layover tomorrow and I cannot wait for some sunshine after being in rain and winter here in Cape Town.
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Welcome! It’s going to be gorgeous all week!
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Emily, I would love to have your cheesy kale chips recipe if you wouldn’t mind posting it someday. Thanks.
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
I just tear the kale leaves, and then toss with a generous amount of olive oil, salt, and nutritional yeast. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes – SO delicious!!
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Hi I am a new mom of twin boys and am trying to get in to running, what is the training program that you are using for your sister? Also I am trying to make the switch to becoming a vegetarian, what is a good beginning book that will help me make the switch a easy and healthy one? Thanks
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
I’m actually going the Hal Higdon Intermediate plan myself, and just having her tag along with me on the “easy” runs. Mark Bittman’s How To Cook Everything Vegetarian is a great book for people getting started!
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Looks like a perfect day! So cute to see Cullen holding his own little fruit pouch!
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Wow, seeing Cullen hold that pear & apple pouch himself is so weird. He is growing up so quickly. It sure doesn’t take them long to be independent. Such a sweetie pie!
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
I agree – totally weird. When did he get so big? Sniff.
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I saw those strawberry chocolate wonders on Pinterest! Where did you find the blue sugar? Looks like you had a very tasty spread. I make a very tasty sweet corn, avacado, grape cherry, and lime juice salad that I love. It looks a lot like yours. Thanks for sharing ;).
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
We found it at our local QFC store in the baking aisle!
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Hey Emily! I’m a new mom too, and love reading your blog. I’d love to know what you are doing for strength training these days. I’d like to start an at home strength training program, and I’m not sure where to start. Thanks!!
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Emily Malone Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Congrats on your little one! I’m actually embarrassed to admit I’m not really doing any strength training right now. Mostly just walking and running. This sounds ridiculous, but Cullen is such an active guy that I find myself lifting and chasing him all day long. I carry him a lot when we’re out, and it gives me a pretty good arm workout!
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Larissa Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
Thanks so much for your reply! You look fantastic – that’s great that baby carrying is enough of an arm workout!
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The hat on the head is a strange challenge but I had to get my own hat to wear and then we both put our hats on before we left the house. Sometimes I put on his and he puts on mine :) I don’t always want or need a hat but I would suggest a quick search because it really helps that they are sharing something special with mommy :)
Also, the only time I got that blue sugar was around easter. I highly recommend shopping for decorations during all seasons so that you don’t end up with a pantry of Christmas sprinkles like I have :)
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