Summer Shrimp Boil | Easy Entertaining

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5Rb8iFUCgwWu8ebaWipn1FgDbzSb2xJyitDJdeURhupC1TV9OVShTRxKJzfBFCIw7GlHXZLV-ZJ7KcmpKMcPtVKBSbGX2y4TLmdbgGP2YQvUI52XUfgeOMdepbbWC26qqxTmT3VJXx4/s1600/shrimp-boil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5Rb8iFUCgwWu8ebaWipn1FgDbzSb2xJyitDJdeURhupC1TV9OVShTRxKJzfBFCIw7GlHXZLV-ZJ7KcmpKMcPtVKBSbGX2y4TLmdbgGP2YQvUI52XUfgeOMdepbbWC26qqxTmT3VJXx4/s640/shrimp-boil.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the kiddie parade and a brief break for some running (for Emma... I had pizza), we made our way all the way to St. Louis to celebrate the Fourth at my sister's house (remember <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/03/jills-kitchen-white-marble-stained.html">her kitchen</a>?).  They hosted a fabulously simple Shrimp Boil for their friends followed by a walk to the 18th green for fireworks.</div><br />The Boil was the perfect thing to serve for the 4th - it is much like the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/cape-cod-weekend-classic-new-england.html">annual Clambake we host at our house</a>... that we still need to schedule for this year.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6gPS-xRJVmyjcgL92Ptm2DjRJyGTNHNliJePEWWhpX2_0KOlCSNPlHFSfMzdOGO3NduBnBlozkJ1HjgLo_hmnw89Mlw4xhqmkxuuxZm1ZBvlswHsHHK8xcDSt_IpT-PfnbapoY4lQcs/s1600/IMG_9727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6gPS-xRJVmyjcgL92Ptm2DjRJyGTNHNliJePEWWhpX2_0KOlCSNPlHFSfMzdOGO3NduBnBlozkJ1HjgLo_hmnw89Mlw4xhqmkxuuxZm1ZBvlswHsHHK8xcDSt_IpT-PfnbapoY4lQcs/s640/IMG_9727.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Jill, Baby Kate, Samantha, Emma & Me</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwEfWEDqpx0YLQcUvth8aIWlNRUWFyqKUHwEMVvDAEmniYMpL_F-Mn1d_OZCq8XTbgevhM0m6xTG3joWbFY3LbDIUpNtzPYpyyBxY-gKJulVamWQvypQ_qFEFcr2nAOurzy6yClN9004/s1600/IMG_9708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwEfWEDqpx0YLQcUvth8aIWlNRUWFyqKUHwEMVvDAEmniYMpL_F-Mn1d_OZCq8XTbgevhM0m6xTG3joWbFY3LbDIUpNtzPYpyyBxY-gKJulVamWQvypQ_qFEFcr2nAOurzy6yClN9004/s640/IMG_9708.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyo2UYOnaeuseAAS18rd2xCeOCjyqDHqKEzGQiuQIopGuuI-dRdm-a5CQyyRtqDZunajAkjcLny0eX-1qfkZdtuADhd46IqHDrMxedvUXZTjU6-ZLJcuXSuzDIbGvP8v2T6_aE1Mvx20/s1600/IMG_9713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyo2UYOnaeuseAAS18rd2xCeOCjyqDHqKEzGQiuQIopGuuI-dRdm-a5CQyyRtqDZunajAkjcLny0eX-1qfkZdtuADhd46IqHDrMxedvUXZTjU6-ZLJcuXSuzDIbGvP8v2T6_aE1Mvx20/s640/IMG_9713.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Corn waiting for its turn in the boil.  Aaaand a bottle of Blue Moon, of course. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36FA34UeuCiGgXpdek2vQyT8YNJqnPvSBr03kQaIjXulJhiYJWLZf1Pt_szegN7ahMhOWlPEKxYLVnkeUhk9evh5_kmwWq20ll53StuO8yjzVkRPyRamuqtbclH64TruaNfXYq2qikWo/s1600/IMG_9714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36FA34UeuCiGgXpdek2vQyT8YNJqnPvSBr03kQaIjXulJhiYJWLZf1Pt_szegN7ahMhOWlPEKxYLVnkeUhk9evh5_kmwWq20ll53StuO8yjzVkRPyRamuqtbclH64TruaNfXYq2qikWo/s640/IMG_9714.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Jill's husband was in charge of the Boil - he seasoned the water with Old Bay, peppercorns and onions.  It was so delicious - wonderfully seasoned.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4W6ls7JRyJeQttCEb_6EAPfYZOPBnfeh8NeKgvJ5UXr4RLInCRJrQOiIBR38_rOPMnOdwUlL4etYRyJYAh7-m3h0q_mhivWGv214DpHThm8aml-_pOU0A082qGhVXL2CfkuPLI4LwGgI/s1600/IMG_9720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4W6ls7JRyJeQttCEb_6EAPfYZOPBnfeh8NeKgvJ5UXr4RLInCRJrQOiIBR38_rOPMnOdwUlL4etYRyJYAh7-m3h0q_mhivWGv214DpHThm8aml-_pOU0A082qGhVXL2CfkuPLI4LwGgI/s400/IMG_9720.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Shrimp Boil</i></span><br />serves 8<br /><br />1/3 cup of Old Bay Seasoning<br />1 onion, quartered<br />1 tablespoon of peppercorns<br />2 pounds of potatoes<br />2 pounds of smoked andouille sausage, 3-inch pieces<br />4 ears of corn, cut in half <br />2 pounds of large, shell-on shrimp (15-20 per pound)<br />4 lemons, halved<br />1 baquette<br /><br />Bring a very large pot filled with water to a boil (a 12 quart pot, or so).  Keep adding the ingredients to the pot one at a time until everything is in - it will all finish cooking at the same time. <br /><br />#1 - Season Water : Add Old Bay, onion and peppercorns.<br />#2 - Add potatoes, cook for 10 minutes.<br />#3 - Add sausage, cook for 3 minutes.<br />#4 - Add corn, cook for 3 minutes.<br />#5 - Add shrimp, cook for 3 minutes.<br /><br />Remove from boiling water and "dump" onto papered table.  Serve with lemon wedges and chunks of baguette.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcA9aDM7n-ryzVuQe_aEHGeEsS3PDF94PUqK7aGRkjRqVzzo17cFnduLr-EflXX8HD9gGcLLsue1x7qyh9lxZnfvTY18flzS3r4ReZLdWdyo-T8LHmSS9SUU6_KTVzE0xPZ447b5CeASU/s1600/IMG_9722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcA9aDM7n-ryzVuQe_aEHGeEsS3PDF94PUqK7aGRkjRqVzzo17cFnduLr-EflXX8HD9gGcLLsue1x7qyh9lxZnfvTY18flzS3r4ReZLdWdyo-T8LHmSS9SUU6_KTVzE0xPZ447b5CeASU/s640/IMG_9722.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Perfect outside summer entertaining - casual and bountiful. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1L1UnOL4l0YZg9xkW7fLZkZZoN177AVnrcCqfpGbZJEd5jVs3lohRmWcZBCmpWxYn1r1lrmFKGM1XfaLH915658Voh9NCnnl-kVb47kWzjV4NQFm03d8wboIU4OApcjd7Gn6_JI1Tlg/s1600/IMG_9716.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1L1UnOL4l0YZg9xkW7fLZkZZoN177AVnrcCqfpGbZJEd5jVs3lohRmWcZBCmpWxYn1r1lrmFKGM1XfaLH915658Voh9NCnnl-kVb47kWzjV4NQFm03d8wboIU4OApcjd7Gn6_JI1Tlg/s640/IMG_9716.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cousins enjoying their "rocket dogs" and each other : )</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj837p_JZdOjtzbGMH5m3QrwEW-eeyn8WcXaxw_-1ksFuYNTIaCcfrSe3hDM1j6BlF4SHnQ7LBq0kQpBYt0uFKIeKgCrJIOXBSHxBqrAAZu6Kevyr5RgvIdGRT1dvGXHjSLomy0ftY14/s1600/IMG_9733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMj837p_JZdOjtzbGMH5m3QrwEW-eeyn8WcXaxw_-1ksFuYNTIaCcfrSe3hDM1j6BlF4SHnQ7LBq0kQpBYt0uFKIeKgCrJIOXBSHxBqrAAZu6Kevyr5RgvIdGRT1dvGXHjSLomy0ftY14/s640/IMG_9733.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Such sweet girls.</div>

Summer Shrimp Boil | Easy Entertaining

After the kiddie parade and a brief break for some running (for Emma... I had pizza), we made our way all the way to St. Louis to celebrate ...

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Our Festive Fourth | Decorating Our Wagon for the Kiddie Parade

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9b4N9qTl-rOtgCQqO2ygK6ImayjFDtnRYSxUrqJEyP7nF2O4fUv0oZmOsKKJcVlLAIGgTq00o3x2QXAa9QnAIFThCm4bVxAE5EdNos4cOcHHQCqsFToZvKWPGR1jzcu_Sg-oe8HMsOM/s1600/IMG_9658.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9b4N9qTl-rOtgCQqO2ygK6ImayjFDtnRYSxUrqJEyP7nF2O4fUv0oZmOsKKJcVlLAIGgTq00o3x2QXAa9QnAIFThCm4bVxAE5EdNos4cOcHHQCqsFToZvKWPGR1jzcu_Sg-oe8HMsOM/s640/IMG_9658.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pre-Kiddie Parade Posing </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkEyhKQL3bbYZCkeNHs3qQFs3xlrByq4bKutVDxDPKfFXsW6EjPOizqBEfAHnUR-vdCf6zoZ4OVifAobdLzBpdFFoOE4dKVBW-GzXO1zuVOn-ZOSnaMgXmXYCGCKtcpB-V1inLT38nVc/s1600/IMG_9585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkEyhKQL3bbYZCkeNHs3qQFs3xlrByq4bKutVDxDPKfFXsW6EjPOizqBEfAHnUR-vdCf6zoZ4OVifAobdLzBpdFFoOE4dKVBW-GzXO1zuVOn-ZOSnaMgXmXYCGCKtcpB-V1inLT38nVc/s400/IMG_9585.jpg" width="311" /></a>When we moved to Fairway (the first time, 5 years ago before our adventures in New England), I loved watching the 4th of July Bike & Trike Parade from our back yard.  I thought it was so quintessential "charming town" - one of the reasons I love this area.  When it was time to move back from Concord, Ma. I knew I wanted to buy <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-before-house-tour-be-kind-dont.html">another house in Fairway</a> - I couldn't wait for Emma to grow up on these old tree lined streets of charming cottage-type homes.  </div><br />One of our couple friends from college (who also did a stint in New England - Maine, to be exact) also picked Fairway as their new home just this year... and they have a daughter one month older than Emma.  They joined us as wagon buddies for the parade and for a donut decorating breakfast before.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwHPdDoVcY12-WUFrbqSizlj1SetZIoW_QbMfhoDtsR7mjVL6BV1Aty6HaMwzUOmem_WSqrXyYKYs4r_L6vXxoz2b4P1vbeq3H0H-ypg0OjUOw4yAnlQUzs2RuJM4M1Fq6QfRrYryMvo/s1600/IMG_9589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwHPdDoVcY12-WUFrbqSizlj1SetZIoW_QbMfhoDtsR7mjVL6BV1Aty6HaMwzUOmem_WSqrXyYKYs4r_L6vXxoz2b4P1vbeq3H0H-ypg0OjUOw4yAnlQUzs2RuJM4M1Fq6QfRrYryMvo/s640/IMG_9589.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Fluffy Fresh Donuts - best in KC so far... We've been doing a Saturday morning donut tour the last couple of weeks. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBo2lfvx_EAHL6sKh-bH-mcq6ynSAt150AugGwdfWWFK_Q4hiegplK9ORDdqMCYVJ18w9hctIo3Xk8NTNhd-em46JU1t-Dax-otJARw63q3xMxh8wRUwiwuP3ewpnKlYSpT1oRFqO8ntY/s1600/IMG_9593.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBo2lfvx_EAHL6sKh-bH-mcq6ynSAt150AugGwdfWWFK_Q4hiegplK9ORDdqMCYVJ18w9hctIo3Xk8NTNhd-em46JU1t-Dax-otJARw63q3xMxh8wRUwiwuP3ewpnKlYSpT1oRFqO8ntY/s640/IMG_9593.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Wagon decorating supplies = festive brunch decor<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjuPIcQCNz0pRlTXelMRRGOYMWXS4AB5ulITdijwtuBxEl3dCU8pKID-ZGEtB7cUkZfWEcyrErRrcYIiA7pI2RU9tpGpqdor1MIN_y7IVQchNJdIbYVeCpnFedho5ww2nmiO6ZQl62MQ/s1600/IMG_9591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjuPIcQCNz0pRlTXelMRRGOYMWXS4AB5ulITdijwtuBxEl3dCU8pKID-ZGEtB7cUkZfWEcyrErRrcYIiA7pI2RU9tpGpqdor1MIN_y7IVQchNJdIbYVeCpnFedho5ww2nmiO6ZQl62MQ/s640/IMG_9591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Patriotic themed fruit, of course.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhisDHDudUmz95p6C5zMsaB7OWUYWDDyptjs-9KN9BvHP9T2QucCPmbU3m3zLTpFDttHJsuSeBS_CEQsq5kVdrGYO0rCCYdT50kj6WqkCsISUijDSaZ3qa_jymY_hb7s3BZMP9Yls0Ts/s1600/IMG_9595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhisDHDudUmz95p6C5zMsaB7OWUYWDDyptjs-9KN9BvHP9T2QucCPmbU3m3zLTpFDttHJsuSeBS_CEQsq5kVdrGYO0rCCYdT50kj6WqkCsISUijDSaZ3qa_jymY_hb7s3BZMP9Yls0Ts/s640/IMG_9595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A little flag twirling fun.  And now you know how our family room looks most of the time!  The kitchen runeth over.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSpIVZfI0kZe_nq310IgjfZqvD1IJYMiPIs2XdXxz1jA5vs_TzJlp1dUtNiFaiUk5qaTmCKr7HQhP01U9mF2OYD3xrNmZXISJYG6tQOoq7R7TkGUbJQ_BvE7D_NEqtDlDbPDekkOD2SE/s1600/IMG_9592.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSpIVZfI0kZe_nq310IgjfZqvD1IJYMiPIs2XdXxz1jA5vs_TzJlp1dUtNiFaiUk5qaTmCKr7HQhP01U9mF2OYD3xrNmZXISJYG6tQOoq7R7TkGUbJQ_BvE7D_NEqtDlDbPDekkOD2SE/s640/IMG_9592.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /> Handmade star wands for the girls made by our wagon buddies.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vOCSHqBcfpiTAsfy3Vm4Q8appjazrvkigtkTL2hZvxZkGLS7Pj88Q0xszcOi4DpZLL8FSTeX2ovM3TIZb5XCzincqJkbRHwhcYR-sEgA6KUk00MDdz03Hit2mjlEBtF8Vet3Lkva2O0/s1600/IMG_9602.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vOCSHqBcfpiTAsfy3Vm4Q8appjazrvkigtkTL2hZvxZkGLS7Pj88Q0xszcOi4DpZLL8FSTeX2ovM3TIZb5XCzincqJkbRHwhcYR-sEgA6KUk00MDdz03Hit2mjlEBtF8Vet3Lkva2O0/s640/IMG_9602.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The chariot awaits.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfW1VSrGZoy1y6uTYwCOrGT2MBWYuarICasxBie011cCsWdLHHn_acT78fqOrG-xGW63KrdEqATZVE74DnYUkZtgi5P95U1uBLCqmGtkA3tImZVL6mN0naAzwEfHhXPcA8nmYWCFVG_4/s1600/IMG_9630.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfW1VSrGZoy1y6uTYwCOrGT2MBWYuarICasxBie011cCsWdLHHn_acT78fqOrG-xGW63KrdEqATZVE74DnYUkZtgi5P95U1uBLCqmGtkA3tImZVL6mN0naAzwEfHhXPcA8nmYWCFVG_4/s640/IMG_9630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So much fun!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2ovCgfRUg2k-fnDK1Djv_UsVfDIw-rMJ2N2wR9Ad1At-sB9mNq4tEbLVb13-fq86VeRJjTmgw-v3h-4W0HQZWuzOF-W1LaHEFTsLFKJPzQijXyDMoDN1TYBu2S0oMiP841i2x5_L0ok/s1600/IMG_9637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2ovCgfRUg2k-fnDK1Djv_UsVfDIw-rMJ2N2wR9Ad1At-sB9mNq4tEbLVb13-fq86VeRJjTmgw-v3h-4W0HQZWuzOF-W1LaHEFTsLFKJPzQijXyDMoDN1TYBu2S0oMiP841i2x5_L0ok/s640/IMG_9637.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Heading down to the parade route.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrjm0cLR51fcnoq6s5wbVJfCmx9-37r-gfhwOrnuerYsQ-3H36LSw6eIbrOXk2OlkwB64NUJkzOj4iwGhunCtpoWk9x97pU4BdSHEkgDoH3DU4Ai6LEp7rdgHeXXtiVtWtuV0G3592js/s1600/IMG_9652.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrjm0cLR51fcnoq6s5wbVJfCmx9-37r-gfhwOrnuerYsQ-3H36LSw6eIbrOXk2OlkwB64NUJkzOj4iwGhunCtpoWk9x97pU4BdSHEkgDoH3DU4Ai6LEp7rdgHeXXtiVtWtuV0G3592js/s640/IMG_9652.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I love how festively dressed everyone is! </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmNG8vLF6g8Na5KTjD0hbwIaOUGDlK9x8TYLtZmzgfKqE2GSKDp4frbVARQP474qgfQHp8zgb_IEbIyY_YFBrYBg6356CpR3eZHzaP0EPwTWDnTivJNeMVaLNC9_iE3RT7vhK1fHiQds/s1600/IMG_9647.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmNG8vLF6g8Na5KTjD0hbwIaOUGDlK9x8TYLtZmzgfKqE2GSKDp4frbVARQP474qgfQHp8zgb_IEbIyY_YFBrYBg6356CpR3eZHzaP0EPwTWDnTivJNeMVaLNC9_iE3RT7vhK1fHiQds/s640/IMG_9647.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />The girls didn't last long in the wagon...  In fact, we brought up the tail of the parade with some running. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-ioNtlLb4hcEJjcs-HcGFAqIVUiEPIsER1S7pKzNXoprGeZHFJJyLVsJmW7BLkfKqdnfG6rMtWDLb9Oi6jG3YU-z4Vomwh-7DrvfIO22oIk8UEg8wW630JKvuV5WzxKK9K9SfW-mahc/s1600/IMG_9646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-ioNtlLb4hcEJjcs-HcGFAqIVUiEPIsER1S7pKzNXoprGeZHFJJyLVsJmW7BLkfKqdnfG6rMtWDLb9Oi6jG3YU-z4Vomwh-7DrvfIO22oIk8UEg8wW630JKvuV5WzxKK9K9SfW-mahc/s640/IMG_9646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Perfect form.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eNdOl6R3kEZqDmIRhsC0nZs_TYdn1ftZBXD4nq9EdBVwTdCwwWwfHKdpEONoF6PYL2Q3J2m-eRBjNVITIMAvpX0TOLCNkPn6zIGXeDjK7ukRf7uOgWJP5UM0HK23U1gVoZbwUkMhXPg/s1600/IMG_9657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eNdOl6R3kEZqDmIRhsC0nZs_TYdn1ftZBXD4nq9EdBVwTdCwwWwfHKdpEONoF6PYL2Q3J2m-eRBjNVITIMAvpX0TOLCNkPn6zIGXeDjK7ukRf7uOgWJP5UM0HK23U1gVoZbwUkMhXPg/s640/IMG_9657.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And a good old fashioned Daddy shoulder ride.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiss2qiKCb9nOWRoqGSMPGaq-MLazUqYsHNQcHFdIwFM9995Co33qdph9-DwogNbYW0w2tGwjplTCmDRNs0oWLfJmPiKoJieQ-2wXJuQjm9IHbYEdD4XliU6294wWffii8vrpueIgprYc8/s1600/IMG_9668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiss2qiKCb9nOWRoqGSMPGaq-MLazUqYsHNQcHFdIwFM9995Co33qdph9-DwogNbYW0w2tGwjplTCmDRNs0oWLfJmPiKoJieQ-2wXJuQjm9IHbYEdD4XliU6294wWffii8vrpueIgprYc8/s640/IMG_9668.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />After the parade, we hopped in the car to head across the state to visit my sister for the rest of the weekend.  We made a stop half way at our alma mater... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZaahgaoSusyUrVY2gGl7fKhGb6qDgGoWoVtRILieAaA0tzZq7idJrMq79VW47KsRNlL-PxcWW8QeB-1X-sRf_t8tG63rGZQvZ-4MocZ0EaaJVOdDdUwozJhG4svqtRlaQCjYdvwGcUw/s1600/IMG_9672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZaahgaoSusyUrVY2gGl7fKhGb6qDgGoWoVtRILieAaA0tzZq7idJrMq79VW47KsRNlL-PxcWW8QeB-1X-sRf_t8tG63rGZQvZ-4MocZ0EaaJVOdDdUwozJhG4svqtRlaQCjYdvwGcUw/s640/IMG_9672.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Mizzou!   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QD0vpB9L9ciHeyWL3l0SleevdKr55dE_kl_6fPuY8WwrtsFpgo0frHZ50JIvj6b0aNd1TTmadFBlaGMgY7jVuf9suzjp2nS79RZwgGXSeU9InMNfKZO4quoP_nkJ5QQ0sjgLloWz8RM/s1600/IMG_9677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QD0vpB9L9ciHeyWL3l0SleevdKr55dE_kl_6fPuY8WwrtsFpgo0frHZ50JIvj6b0aNd1TTmadFBlaGMgY7jVuf9suzjp2nS79RZwgGXSeU9InMNfKZO4quoP_nkJ5QQ0sjgLloWz8RM/s640/IMG_9677.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was Emma's first of many visits and the perfect spot to let her run after 2 hours in the car. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTV-c3LKDjDTeJ9zC7TmaJFpcI-Sta_WQ2xAZS8DDF289kmzKrZjs47rG1BvQBwV8sUHMHeGB6LTC80RVU4HBJv-zxFI7ZPTedlUkYxWl55Urv3oK4UnSY-FV_blzD75tyATUXy-cO2g/s1600/IMG_9683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTV-c3LKDjDTeJ9zC7TmaJFpcI-Sta_WQ2xAZS8DDF289kmzKrZjs47rG1BvQBwV8sUHMHeGB6LTC80RVU4HBJv-zxFI7ZPTedlUkYxWl55Urv3oK4UnSY-FV_blzD75tyATUXy-cO2g/s640/IMG_9683.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We plan to share these photos with her in 17 years... when she is a freshman!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVIPyJd8aLUiVnqb6JpzTaQM-2qJVscAQP5vgQefG8MF-ZSQwFwXXcPUA7fahAbQPqR4LHUutdTrFqT7VnkQS9iR6Zfd-UHAgivSU5meHOYml2yLycf09rSXuY00CMltDRbi8dMbswNA/s1600/IMG_9699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVIPyJd8aLUiVnqb6JpzTaQM-2qJVscAQP5vgQefG8MF-ZSQwFwXXcPUA7fahAbQPqR4LHUutdTrFqT7VnkQS9iR6Zfd-UHAgivSU5meHOYml2yLycf09rSXuY00CMltDRbi8dMbswNA/s640/IMG_9699.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stay tuned - tomorrow I'll post photos the 4th of July shrimp boil we attended at Jill's house! </div><br />

Our Festive Fourth | Decorating Our Wagon for the Kiddie Parade

Pre-Kiddie Parade Posing  When we moved to Fairway (the first time, 5 years ago before our adventures in New England), I loved watching th...

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An Authentic Blog | Pretty Emma

<span id="goog_370652371"></span><span id="goog_370652372"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwxNilA-JzBT4bxMQFV7IgZFYJI1irMuJfDq1vRl-8DycCGfuj8DRsFpURq9EZtPphJFha1376wQlxYpt7e2wZs72qbEWU18OV1HYB3op-WO_HXRJ5_gT6Zuh4KMifa7JxOFKasFBYsM/s1600/IMG_9509.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwxNilA-JzBT4bxMQFV7IgZFYJI1irMuJfDq1vRl-8DycCGfuj8DRsFpURq9EZtPphJFha1376wQlxYpt7e2wZs72qbEWU18OV1HYB3op-WO_HXRJ5_gT6Zuh4KMifa7JxOFKasFBYsM/s640/IMG_9509.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I saw a quote a couple of weeks ago that has resonated with me :<br /><br /><br />"Your biggest fear should not be failing.  It should be succeeding at things that don't matter."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUyBB7-6Scq2fqMsTRiskJSWOaElz5CUtrKwCEyJHW1zQlM1jkVp-AbTB34srvp6p53efaE7tZxSfxdAWumV1FkOSfEM8c-2TUpionpbLSXpHFf5SEglW3ic-vsIDFzq3wYrc1Jmo6k4/s1600/IMG_9512.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUyBB7-6Scq2fqMsTRiskJSWOaElz5CUtrKwCEyJHW1zQlM1jkVp-AbTB34srvp6p53efaE7tZxSfxdAWumV1FkOSfEM8c-2TUpionpbLSXpHFf5SEglW3ic-vsIDFzq3wYrc1Jmo6k4/s640/IMG_9512.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br /><br />It made me stop and think - is what I do something that matters?<br /><br />I hope so.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivV2HM0lPTxOZ0L_iJq39Yrln9By7LfArhflIh351CIP2cGCMho-1LMe_IRokucTLM7tTEdETjLEnLAZI1x38Lv4Lw9785XURSxn_F-PBoLfsIjaferSelHUWQbtzOS52Vj8S40GZ_MLM/s1600/IMG_9522.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivV2HM0lPTxOZ0L_iJq39Yrln9By7LfArhflIh351CIP2cGCMho-1LMe_IRokucTLM7tTEdETjLEnLAZI1x38Lv4Lw9785XURSxn_F-PBoLfsIjaferSelHUWQbtzOS52Vj8S40GZ_MLM/s640/IMG_9522.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Though I feel like I do try to share with you, my readers, a "real" reflection of our life, I love to get reminders like these that keep me on track.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iP7-75DHZuGhPhPdnXFqCedFbSNUgA_N1wsYSvuhbcjYamgVMlZjMruL06bN9U0AXFq6gIl9GgFnuhmBFXyWi-kMNlS0uVfwT1JQqvvVI6rucg9zFhfgXGNPWxXKKrXXvWCi2gNYXnI/s1600/IMG_9542.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iP7-75DHZuGhPhPdnXFqCedFbSNUgA_N1wsYSvuhbcjYamgVMlZjMruL06bN9U0AXFq6gIl9GgFnuhmBFXyWi-kMNlS0uVfwT1JQqvvVI6rucg9zFhfgXGNPWxXKKrXXvWCi2gNYXnI/s640/IMG_9542.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Since Emma was born, it has been my goal to transform this blog from a picture perfect "magazine-type" blog to a genuine reflection of a life well-lived.  I share with you my life - in the form of recipes, family photos, home projects and travels, in hopes of inspiring you to live a full life. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6A50t1MP7YSla2BEddvBnNyxAmK299oRDY-XNT1eo7__0H2ArOZZY_m0Zm3L1L7VsmzR3BmZrTgffo0MAS84Gc78GG3dn7nvDNR0gG_K_h4I6dvK4S3ct5HW6q2v0IS7X_saUXsT7YHQ/s1600/IMG_9551.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6A50t1MP7YSla2BEddvBnNyxAmK299oRDY-XNT1eo7__0H2ArOZZY_m0Zm3L1L7VsmzR3BmZrTgffo0MAS84Gc78GG3dn7nvDNR0gG_K_h4I6dvK4S3ct5HW6q2v0IS7X_saUXsT7YHQ/s640/IMG_9551.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Sometimes I run into people that say, "Oh, you're a blogger?  I don't read blogs because they just make me feel bad about myself and my home!"  Ugh.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aTMHmymC6EKCjc-LrledNn-6RfbsEhwdgaJroVGuugreIPjbZ80QsS-BtuoDXQfCf27LICsLhQaNRmGSuUWbSaDzGW6KahrMDBal99Re7HamrBik6iwcENGrv6ayjwA3cYAoYa0R_KQ/s1600/IMG_9560.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aTMHmymC6EKCjc-LrledNn-6RfbsEhwdgaJroVGuugreIPjbZ80QsS-BtuoDXQfCf27LICsLhQaNRmGSuUWbSaDzGW6KahrMDBal99Re7HamrBik6iwcENGrv6ayjwA3cYAoYa0R_KQ/s640/IMG_9560.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>  <br /><br />I want people to feel empowered by my blog.  I love that it is my "job" to inspire others to live well through their own efforts.  What I write about might not be life-saving, but sometimes having a new and interesting recipe to make for dinner or a tidy linen closet can definitely be a day-saver.  So many times the little things mean so much - the daily struggle of refusing to become overwhelmed by the clutter, the stress, the finances, the laundry... it can all add up to feeling underwater all of the time.  Especially when it seems that everyone on Insta and Facebook has more than enough time, energy, money and patience.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONKBVt0wA0JXG4mMPAdlKQgme0ZyDq0Rxh7SAL6nxuPACkl5HugG9cWnDfnNqsV2QglssaBc4rerH5u0cHy_lHSZF69GQu6OuGR35m8XNu7QWE3Hrt6xS2gU3OHfGIMxH7S_FsIuaEko/s1600/IMG_9578.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONKBVt0wA0JXG4mMPAdlKQgme0ZyDq0Rxh7SAL6nxuPACkl5HugG9cWnDfnNqsV2QglssaBc4rerH5u0cHy_lHSZF69GQu6OuGR35m8XNu7QWE3Hrt6xS2gU3OHfGIMxH7S_FsIuaEko/s640/IMG_9578.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I feel you.  Peeping into others lives can make you feel sub-par - unless you're looking at the right things.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULWgqd0xWtBGkKoAu5_o9RX-6d-rf7Lx2F5_Y2_gex2lxJEXI0Lpl2AwNokJ_AiYVJk_PGOjL4JZwQ5wLnHGFMvswlmm62t3t35C0DS7CTx4CTgfvg9fCVPe_akMs89Rin_6fQ8dZDNw/s1600/IMG_9579.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULWgqd0xWtBGkKoAu5_o9RX-6d-rf7Lx2F5_Y2_gex2lxJEXI0Lpl2AwNokJ_AiYVJk_PGOjL4JZwQ5wLnHGFMvswlmm62t3t35C0DS7CTx4CTgfvg9fCVPe_akMs89Rin_6fQ8dZDNw/s640/IMG_9579.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I hope this blog is place you can come to glimpse into our home and find peace in your own home.    <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLwpkMKnLbexQUyACA7eYt96clJi6szGe9ZwQZOQ2k7Vn5tFGTCCJ1C9eHsrOaF46Qfigznlbf9z-T7lsrbyA2D1OaaD5FPQbFWT_h74Z0RFzx7n9WhnMJvZhCg_ooCRYJT8opAtkmYM/s1600/IMG_9580.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLwpkMKnLbexQUyACA7eYt96clJi6szGe9ZwQZOQ2k7Vn5tFGTCCJ1C9eHsrOaF46Qfigznlbf9z-T7lsrbyA2D1OaaD5FPQbFWT_h74Z0RFzx7n9WhnMJvZhCg_ooCRYJT8opAtkmYM/s640/IMG_9580.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'll be returning tomorrow from our little break with some new recipes and projects - and a recap of our festive fourth!

An Authentic Blog | Pretty Emma

I saw a quote a couple of weeks ago that has resonated with me : "Your biggest fear should not be failing.  It should be succeeding at ...

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