Spontaneous Shindig

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So, after our Fourth of July four mile race, it was time to party! 

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We were in such a good mood that we organized a little BBQ at the very last minute.  I think I prefer to throw last-minute get togethers because then I don’t have a lot of time to get worked up and stress over the menu and the decorations.  I know some of you love to craft complex DIY projects, but my craftiness is few, far between, and limited in all directions.  I have my moments, though. Smile

 

Anyway, these last-minute parties work out well because our friends are also last-minute kind of people.  So we rang everyone up and before I knew it, we were dashing to Party City in our race bibs for decorations (by the way, Party City may be one of my favorite stores, ever). 

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On the menu:

 

Black Bean burgers

Baked beans

Salad

Fruit kebobs

Chips

 

My sister-in-law brought some chicken and sausage over, too, and in the end, we had more than enough food.  The menu was so straight-forward that it was easy to whip up all the food.  And the kebobs looked impressive but were so simple.

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Once again, I used Emily’s Black Bean Burger recipe but made a few modifications: almonds instead of pumpkin seeds, one can of kidney beans instead of one of black beans, and the addition of extra olive oil and chopped raw spinach.  They were really tasty!

 

Kiddo fun:

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We thought about waiting until it was dark for fireworks but also wanted to share the experience with Henry.  We ended up setting off our firecrackers at 6 PM – in broad daylight – but it was still fun and Henry had a blast watching everything go BOOM.

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July 4, 2013 will go down in my memory books.  It was relaxed and fun – everything a perfect summer day should be. <3

{ 13 comments }

 

  • Paige @ Your Trainer Paige July 7, 2013, 3:10 pm

    I am whole-heartedly with you. I much prefer to make plans on the fly – and throw parties on the fly. So much less pressure. Plus, I hate having to “commit” to in advance plans 😛

  • Kinsey July 7, 2013, 3:27 pm

    I love spontaneous parties, the more casual the better! (Especially because it means no one cares if your house is a little messy!) Some of my favorite get togethers are some families at the pool with pizza, salads, and gorgeous weather.

  • Megan @ The Lyons' Share July 7, 2013, 3:31 pm

    Looks like tons of fun … I’m way too much of a planner to throw last-minute shindigs, but I admire those that can! I tried homemade veggie burgers for the first time this week, but I think I went a bit overboard with the food processing – love the texture of yours!

  • Presley @ Run Pretty July 7, 2013, 4:39 pm

    The only parties I’ve ever thrown have been really last minute, with the exception of my son’s first birthday party. I worked myself up over that one and I pretty much regret it, hahah. He will never remember either way, and I stressed myself out over the dumbest stuff. “OMG we have cut up fruit instead of fruit SLICES!!!!” It was a golf theme and I went a little bat s#!t crazy over the specifics. Note to self: never again.

  • Sara @ LovingOnTheRun July 7, 2013, 4:51 pm

    I have to say I agree with you. When you plan a get together at the last minute you don’t have all the time to stress and worry about all the unimportant tiny details you just focus on what is important! It looks like your BBQ was a great success! Those burgers look delicious!

  • Nicole July 7, 2013, 6:36 pm

    Sounds like a blast! Where did you get your patio set, we are looking everywhere for the right set!

    • Caitlin July 7, 2013, 7:20 pm

      It’s from World Market but it was white and we painted it brown.

  • Amber K July 7, 2013, 8:28 pm

    I never understood why people start fireworks so early, but that makes sense! Sounds like a fun time.

  • Miranda @ Miranda Runs July 7, 2013, 11:57 pm

    That seriously looks like the perfect day! Henry is so big now… I remember reading his birth story!

  • deva July 8, 2013, 9:45 am

    We have lived in our house over a year now and still haven’t had many gatherings – yours looks like so much fun! My one regret this year is not getting sparklers for the 4th – I will have to do that soon, though!

  • Kaci July 8, 2013, 11:14 am

    So fun! Love the kabobs!

  • FitBritt@MyOwnBalance July 8, 2013, 12:14 pm

    Your fruit kabobs look delicious! I had the most tasty black bean burger when I visited Portland recently. I’ll have to give yours a try!

  • Karen @ Runner Girl Eats July 8, 2013, 12:33 pm

    I prefer last minute plans for the same reason. The longer I have to plan the longer I stress about all the details no one will ever even notice.

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