What to make? What to take? What to wear?

Yesterday we went to a BBQ at the home of one of Roy's new colleagues.  The invitation stated that they would be making some burgers, hot dogs, and bratwursts, and that the guests could bring along some appetizers, sides, and/or desserts.  I immediately started wondering what I could make.  I had so many ideas but couldn't quite figure out what to choose.  Decisions, decisions!  Roy chimed in with a vote for dessert since they are usually universally enjoyed and appreciated.  We decided to also make a salad with ingredients we knew our kids would eat.  We always think it's a good plan when heading to a potluck to bring something we know our kids will eat so they don't turn into starving little grouches (it can be much more difficult to keep them from becoming over-tired, over-stimulated little grouches though)! 

We make a watermelon salad that is delicious and refreshing.  It is inspired by one we had at one of our favorite places to eat in Manhattan, Otto.  I didn't take a picture yesterday and don't think I have one in the archives, but I trust you can create yourself an adequate mental image!  The ingredients are simple: watermelon, cucumber, ricotta salata, and red onion. Slice each of them as thin as you can and drizzle with reduced, sweet balsamic vinegar.  I have been recommended various versions of this salad that we have yet to try - but the one with feta instead of ricotta salata and with mint added in will be tested out very soon, I think.

For a dessert, I was eager to try out these raspberry swirl cheesecake cupcakes I had found on Pinterest.  They were simple to make and so, so, so delicious.  Unfortunately, they weren't cold out of the fridge for serving last night, so the texture wasn't perfect, but the ones we sampled out of the fridge last night and today sure were!!  And, unfortunately, my photography skills were seriously lacking and so the pictures are far from perfect.  But, these little babies are yummy.  Take my word for it if you can't trust the pictures!

We always have a few button down, dressier shirts for Leighton each summer, and they've become known as his 'Party Shirts' because he always wears them to parties - BBQs, birthdays, weddings, etc.  Yesterday I asked him to choose a party shirt and he wanted the new one Grandma just made for him.  He also wanted Riley to wear her matching dress.  They looked cute, but as a foursome, we probably looked liked we were trying too hard since Roy and I ended up wearing the exact same color shirt and bottoms!  Oh well!  I wanted to get a photo of the kids together, as per Grandma's request.  But, it didn't happen since they were both way too busy playing with the other kids.  Well, that's a lie.  Technically, it did happen.  The pictures just weren't what I'd hoped to send to say, "Thank you Grandma for our very cute matching clothes and we love you so much." 

Cute kids can make up for it though, so I've included some pictures of them separately (and with their new friends) in the matching clothes as well!  Sorry Grandma, we'll try again next time!