July 4th

This 4th was so fun! 

It started with some serious baking... Devils food cupcakes and caramel icing from the Magnolia Bakery cookbook. 

'Merica. 

Mid morning, I drove to Lake Barkely in KY (about an hour from Clarksville) for my first open water training swim. My first triathlon of the season is next weekend, and I really wanted to get in some open water before the race. I met a friend of a friend there to swim. Her family has a camp on the lake and they were out boating. They were SO sweet and let me join right in. Casey, who is a two-time (I think) ironman swam with me while her family spotted us and cheered us on from the boat. We swam to a dock and back several times, about 33 minutes. I don't know how many yards that was. But despite the amount of lake water I swallowed, I left so excited for the race next weekend! It was so fun!!! 

After the swim, I drove home to get ready for a party at my place! 

Check out this wreath my friend Anne made. She has an etsy shop where she makes custom burlap and grapevine wreaths! 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/lottiegracedesigns

Also check out her Facebook page: Lottie Grace Designs. 

Last feat of the day... The grill. I've had my heart set on burgers. Nevermind the fact I've never independently used our grill. #determined 

After 3 early morning phone calls to my dad and some googling, I deconstructed, cleaned, and reconstructed the grill parts, hooked up the propane, prepared the patties, and lit that bad boy. I had some help for the actual grilling, and the burgers were PERFECT.  

Sparklers! 

Such a great day!!!