Summer's Last Hurrah! - Finding Silver Pennies

Happy Friday, all of you lovely people! I can’t believe that this our last Friday of summer. Summer goes by quickly each year, but for some reason this one went super fast. John starts first grade on Tuesday and will be going on the bus this year and Conor starts preschool in October. This mom is getting teary eyed just thinking about all these changes. I’ve so enjoyed lazy days with my guys – cuddling on the couch, building drippy castles, exploring nature. So we’re trying to pack these last moments of summer with tons of fun.

The other night we went over to Hull, a neighboring seaside town. We had a fantastic dinner at Hull’s Kitchen. This brightly colored yellow beach hut faces the glorious view of Nantasket Beach.

Hull’s Kitchen

I sipped a frozen margarita while the kids had pineapple juices and Luke had an ice cold beer. Ceramic lizards crawled up the exterior of the building and in many ways I felt I could be away on St. John.

John & Luke

Beautiful tropical flowers surrounded us with the sound of the tide crashing on the beach. The chips and salsa were so yummy with just the right amount of lime and cilantro:

The fish tacos were delicious. Lightly breaded fish topped with crema and guacamole on a corn tortilla.

Fish Tacos

Our next stop was the Paragon Carousel. This particular carousel has been operating at Nantasket Beach for over 80 years. It was built in 1928 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. It is one of a few “grand” carousels in the United States and reminds all of the Golden Age of Hull, when the shoreline was teaming with glittering rides, a roller coaster and a board walk.

My boys, especially Conor, enjoyed a ride on this historic carousel. I wish you could have heard his laughter:

My boys on the Paragon Carousel

The boys also tried mini golf for the first time and we got a big laugh out of it. Conor did get a hole in one on his very first go!

mini golf, or crazy golf – as they say in England!

It was such a wonderful night. Close to home and not too expensive. I sure will miss these times together once school starts.

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Conor at a BBQ in our yard last summer.

I know summer isn’t actually over until the Autumnal Equinox on September 23rd, but it sure feels like fall here. The morning air has a crisp quality, the leaves are falling off the trees and my 5 year old is starting kindergarten next week (sigh). I always feel like Labor Day weekend, sadly marks the end of summer. We aren’t doing much this weekend – possibly a last trip to the beach to soak up the sun, maybe grill a few burgers and setting up Conor’s big boy bed!

Are you planning on celebrating Summer’s last hurrah this weekend with a big BBQ or shindig? We love throwing parties and BBQs, so I’ve got some great ideas for you!

How about enlisting your kids help with decor? Take construction paper (all different colors) and splatter paint it with washable paints. John loved doing this! Then cut it out in triangles and glue them to string. Voila! Beautiful and whimsical pendants.

A BBQ isn’t complete without potato salad. My favorite is my mom’s. It is easy, full of flavor and goes great with any grilled food. I also like it served with a bunch of salads.

Easy Peasy Potato and Dill salad

Easy Peasy Potato and Dill Salad (Nonni’s Fantastic Recipe)

Ingredients:

5lbs Red Potatoes

1/2 bottle of your favorite mayonnaise

Corn Oil

Apple Cider Vinegar

Lots of dried Dill

Pepper and Salt

Red Onion

4 stalks of celery (chopped)

Boil potatoes for approximately 45 minutes in a large pot of salted water. Once cooked, remove and cool. Once cooled, slice and quarter potatoes.

Mix mayo, apple cider vinegar (approx. 1/2 a cup), a touch of corn oil (I don’t usually put this in) pepper, chopped celery, chopped onions, and lots of dill (to taste).

Pour over potatoes, mix and chill. I shake more dill on top to garnish.

Now you can’t have a proper BBQ or party without some fun desserts. Last summer we made S’mores on a Stick and they are so much fun – to eat and to make. I got the idea from South Shore Mama’s website. The kids love to help crunch up the graham crackers and dip the marshmallows in the melted chocolate. I saw adults and kids hoarding these at our backyard BBQ. I put them in vases with sea glass at the bottom so they looked like a flower arrangement – I couldn’t get the to balance properly the way South Shore Mama’s had. Another, fun dessert is one from Family Fun Magazine. You take packaged brownie mix and bake them as cupcakes. Who doesn’t like brownies, or brownie cupcakes, for that matter? These are ‘grate’ and topped with candies to make it look like the top of a grill.

We made these for my husband for Father’s Day (we were up at 6am baking to try and surprise him), but they would also be a really fun addition to a BBQ! John and Conor loved helping make the candy kebabs and also sampling all the candy.

Our pit master manning the grill

Hmm, what is better than grilled meats, fresh salads, gooey desserts and family fun to celebrate the end of summer? Maybe, summer lasting a little while longer. Happy Labor Day, Everyone!

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fiona anderson

12 years ago

I hope you all enjoy your last weekend – at least you have a great online diary, and wonderful memories, and then there is all the excitement of school !

beachcomber

gorgeous pic! enjoy the last of summer.
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City Farmhouse

I am right there with ya! We had such an amazing summer, it is hard not to want more:). But… I know they must go. I hope your guy had a good 1st day of First Grade. Shane came home with lots of stories & of course I clung to every word:). Have a great night, Jen