We’re planning a back yard bash for the Fourth of July with our friends Brooke and Brian. We’re going to have a cookout with some awesome food and then light off fire works in the back yard. (Luckily the fire ban was lifted within the city limits just in time.)

Here are some of the things I am planning on making:

Homemade ice cream (I’ll post the recipe and a pic after I make it)

7-up salad (which, by the way, if you search google for 7up salad, mine beats out Kathie Lee Gifford’s)

fresh, homemade salsa and guacamole

corn on the cob if I can find some, I seem to remember having it last 4th

baby potatoes and fresh green beans

Brooke and Brian are bringing the meat and some beer. I think they will bring steaks and we’ll keep Jim away from the grill as he’s lost his touch for grilling. We don’t want to eat jerky.

I’m making a trip to my favorite market on Saturday, so I will probably come home with all kinds of delicious fresh produce.

I was really wanting to make a pie, but with the ice cream and the 7up salad, I will probably hold. off.

I hope everyone has a happy independence day. Please take some time to remember the foundations this great country was built on.