Beach 2015: Wednesday

If we were going to have to spend our week at the beach out of the water, then we were certainly blessed with perfect weather for it.

There wasn't a single day that was blazing hot -- and that was a distinct possibility the week of the 4th of July -- nor was there a whipping wind that caused the sand to whip painfully against our legs, as has been the case some years.

By and large, everyone was still playing by the "ankle-deep" rule, but they spent a great deal of time looking wistfully out to sea.

I was really impressed, though, that halfway through the week, the kids (ages 4-13) were happy enough to keep digging and building sand castles on the beach.

For this crew of 15 cousins, spending time together is the most important thing. Short of us throwing them in a coal mine, they'd probably be pretty happy doing most anything together.

This trip was even more special because Matt, Patrice, Jonah and Gideon joined us. (For those of you who are newer to my blog, our great-nephew Jonah has Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare genetic skin disease that causes blisters to form on his skin from the slightest friction it encounters. Jonah is an everyday hero!)  

At some point during the week, Patrice took pictures of all the cars in the driveway with our "We Love Jonah/dEBra" magnets on them. I am just now noticing we all have similar taste in vehicles.

Back to Scenes from the Beach.

Jonah enjoyed jumping in the waves with his brother Gideon, his Granddaddy Gerry (my brother-in-law), Ali, Abby and Amelia.

As much as Amelia loved jumping the waves this year, I can only imagine what a threat she's going to be next year.

It's gonna be a full-time job keeping this one occupied in the ocean next July. Assuming we're allowed IN it next July.

But again, the kids did their best on the beach, and Wednesday was all good.

It was also my night to cook, so I spent the afternoon inside preparing. I said I'd have my meal ready at 6:15. Was I A LITTLE PROUD that I had it ready on time? SO PROUD that I took a picture of the clock in the kitchen as people began serving their plates?

POSSIBLY. I mean, it's not every day that I cook for 35 people.

Vultures. VULTURES.

I made my Red-White-and-Blue Salad (romaine, pears, strawberries, blueberries, feta, candied pecans and raspberry vinaigrette).

Chicken tetrazzini. (I make this every year because it's what the kids request. Recipe here.)

Cheesy garlic bread. (I make this every year and we always run out. Recipe here.)

It was a yummy plate, if I do say so, myself.

Then, back by popular request, Plain Chicken's Butterfinger Cake!

There's a better "beauty shot" of it on her site. Mine are quick and dirty. Hello, BEACH VACATION AND 35 VULTURE-PEOPLE.

Anyway. Since I've been making the same thing for the past few years and don't have new recipes to share with you for my own meal, I'll post new recipes from a couple of the other women soon. Up first, Tiffany's delicious pasta. You have this to look forward to: