Food, Fun, and Family

No matter how long you have an empty nest, it's always lovely when you have everyone, or nearly everyone, home for a meal. And that's just what happened yesterday.

I tried a few new-to-me recipes I found on Pinterest and those who live close were more than willing to be my guinea pigs.

Mexican gazpacho fruit salad, fish tacos (made with fresh flounder),
sweet potato fritters, and citrus cake for dessert.  

Y'all, I can't tell you how absolutely wonderful it is to watch your grown kids parent. I look at my girls and I think I did a pretty darn good job raising them but when I watch Baby M's mommy parent, it becomes immediately clear she is so much better at it than I. And my SIL? A most incredible daddy. Baby M is one lucky little girl. She hit the jackpot on parents.

These two are the best parents. I'm so proud of them.

Goobers. That's what this bunch is when they're all together and I wouldn't have it any other way. Remember how one of your most favorite sounds, when your kids were growing up, was the sound of their deep down from the belly laughter? It remains one of my most favorite sounds when they are all grown up. It is impossible not to smile, at the very least, when you hear your adult children laughing hysterically with one another. It's amazing how laughter can take away worry, lighten your load, give you peace, fill your heart...

Three sisters and a baby. We missed Nashville daughter so much but she and DrummerBoy will be with us in July. 

It was just a dinner on a holiday weekend. And yet, so much more.

Please visit my Etsy shop, CoasterDoodles
and feel free to FAVORITE the shop
or buy something! :)