BrittanyMakes

Happy 4th of July weekend everyone! I hope everyone's holiday weekend was as relaxing as mine. Fourth of July has always been my favorite holiday.  I am lucky to have grown up in Sonoma Valley. There is nothing like the dry summer heat, the morning parade around the town square, chowing down on a juicy burger from the Sonoma Jack Cheese Factory (which happened to be my first job as a youngster, I was "the BBQ girl" and I proudly held the record of selling 500+ burgers in one day!).  My favorite memory of all is laying out in the open field on Spain street, directly beneath the fireworks show. If you got to the field early enough, guaranteed you would run into nearly all the people you know in Sonoma. The best part about Sonoma's fireworks show is feeling the power of each explosion rumble you from head to toe.  I've celebrated the 4th in Clear Lake, Tahoe, San Diego and Monterey, and nothing beats the small town American feel of Sonoma's 4th of July celebration.  

It's a bummer I did miss out on Sonoma's celebration this year, however I was able to spend the holiday in beautiful Monterey and exquisit Carmel, which happened to be one of the most beautiful weekends in Carmel this year! I absolutely adore Monterey. One day soon I will call it my home :)  Here are a few pictures that captured my relaxing 4th of July weekend:

First, we played a few games of wiffle ball at my uncle's house… and yes that is an official wiffle ball field! It's so fun :)

Then, we celebrated my Meemaw's 70th birthday with homemade vanilla bean cheese cake and homemade cocoa and espresso bean cake, which was super dense and delicious with the diced strawberries.  Hats off to my auntie :P She'll cringe that I just called her "auntie" haha.

Next, we booked it to Carmel and took our doggies to the beach for the first time.  They LOVED it! Meet Rocco, the frenchie in front, and Trixie, the English in back.  Can't you see how much fun they're having? And how is that not the most beautiful day in Carmel ever? See? Beautiful! (and no, we don't know these kids)

After a nice little sun tan, some sand in the car, a great BBQ, awesome fireworks, and some all around great fun with family and friends, we headed home to end the relaxing weekend.  I can honestly say I wish all weekends were this fun! 

What did you do to celebrate the holiday?