This year we wanted to do something low-key. Crowds were going to be more than we could manage at Ward with Three Doors Down playing. I didn't want to spend all day prepping food and I didn't care if we got to see fireworks or not. We opted to do some grilling on the lanai and spend the afternoon swimming. That was a perfect way to spend the afternoon. The water was the perfect temperature as was the air temperature. It was beautiful. One of the biggest "selling" points on renting this apartment/basement was the pool in the backyard. I love it. I love that I have a view of the mountains AND the ocean. The view makes up for the 900 sq ft we're squeezing into.
We went to the commissary early to avoid the crowds and managed to come out without a scratch or being any worse for the wear! It's a miracle considering it's payday weekend and July 4th. There was a limited selection of somethings and there was no chicken to be found due to the Foster Farms recall. We decided that our menu would be burgers/hotdogs, Rudy's creamed corn (in the slow cooker), and a Patriotic fruit pizza! Low prep and I had plenty of time to relax before our guests arrived.
The food was delicious and the conversation was good. All in all, it was a great day.