Family + Friends + Food + Firepit = Fun!

I hope the weather cooperates! Thunderstorms are afoot, so I hope they either hurry and come today and be gone by tomorrow, or hold off until Sunday altogether. I've got a cookout planned for tomorrow - and it's gonna be awesome!

By the way ~ who says grilling is just for men? Even when I was married I did the grilling. FunnyMan did express interest though, yesterday. He requested that I teach him how to grill as he is getting older and feels it is part of manhood to learn, LOL.

I am planning Italian Pesto Chicken Skewers, Steak Shish kabobs, Fruit Pizza (or brownies if I run out of time), and Homemade Rootbeer! The others are bringing the chips and other drinks and goodies. My mouth is watering already just thinking about it. I was only going to do the chicken skewers but the New York steak was on sale the other day. So, I got a pack of 3 steaks, and figured if I cut them up and used them for Kabobs, they'd go further. I will have to let you know how it all turns out.

In other news... my kids wanted a firepit for the backyard, to roast marshmallows. (Don't know where they get THAT from!) Last year I said no. But this year, I was sort of pricing them out. Still out of my price range. I paid for my books and tuition and had a smidge of grant money left over for misc. living expenses. I put that towards 2 months' rent and a few extra groceries, which freed up some of my funds from my regular working paycheck. I went back to one store where I saw the firepits. They had come down in price a little more. Hmmm...Tempting. I wondered if I waited if they'd be all gone. Just as I was contemplating my options, the store manager walked past and asked if he could help me. I asked him if they had any more of the firepits. I was thinking if they still had tons, I'd wait another week or two and see if they came down any more. Instead the manager says, "Actually, I think this one [pointing to the floor model] is our last." "Oh..." I sort of let out softly. He could tell I was slightly disappointed, although I think he misunderstood my reason. He quickly adds, "I'd be happy to take another $10 off if you want to go ahead and buy this one." This man had himself a deal!

The kids were excited when I brought the small firepit table home. And all I have heard for 3 days is, "Can we roast marshmallows tonight?" I advised them that we had yard work and housework first. Finally, last night they got their wish and we started a fire and they made S'mores. Our backyard neighbor kid even hopped the fence to join us, as did some of FunnyMan's friends. They all had so much fun - I foresee MANY S'more making nights this summer.

Oh, and on a side note to my side-yard neighbors... I will just go ahead and apologize right now for any and all smoke that blows your way... **sheepish grin** However, just know that anytime we are out there, you have a standing invitation to come on over and have some S'mores with us!!! No need to ask!

My back yard pretty much sucks and I have a nightmarish tree that poo-poos branches all over the place anytime there is the slightest breeze. Somehow the firepit makes the backyard suck just a little less :)

So, there you have it! I am all excited now! I will have to let you know how it goes.