Picnic.

Our 4th of July was one for the books. Since we were on a pretty tight budget and we wanted to avoid the crowds, we decided to drive out to the mountains and set up a picnic by the reservoir where there would be firework show over the water. Words cannot describe how beautiful it was. We found the perfect spot right on the water and it was so nice because people were kayaking and paddle boarding and just having a grand old time around us. The weather was perfect and Colorado is amazing because there are NO BUGS!!! We enjoyed our meal and then just chilled for the rest of the afternoon. It was magical. I will say that us being the native Texans that we are we were not prepared for it to get cold at night (oops)! We ended up running to Walmart and buying some sleeping bags (which we will be using for camping soon!) and some footie pajamas for Ella since she was soaking wet after daddy let her splash around in the water. Ella loved the fireworks - I think it helped that we were far enough away from them that they weren't crazy loud. She just sat perfectly still (something very unusual for her) and gazed in amazement.

Since we've moved to Colorado, picnics have kind of been a regular thing for us. I think I've finally got it down to a science so I thought I'd share some of the essentials you need to have the perfect picnic.

The first thing you need is a killer location. I highly recommend a flat surface. We were on a bit of a slope and it caused a few problems for us (cue fear of baby rolling into the lake). A great view is awesome but not necessary. We've had many a picnics in our back garden and had great fun. The key is getting outdoors and enjoying the fresh air!

Next you need a good picnic blanket. We've used a few different things but my fave is this trusty Mexican blanket from My Christmas Gift Guide. We've used it for concerts, living room forts and just about everything else however it was in a box so we literally pulled this little throw off of our bed and it worked perfectly... until Ella spilled sparkling grape juice all over it.

You also need something to carry the food in. I snagged this awesome basket from a thrift store! I always see great picnic baskets when I'm thrifting so I would look there first because they can get expensive when bought new. However if your going for function, these collapsable picnic totes from Walmart are $10 and work perfectly!

The last thing you need for a great picnic is food of course! I suggest making something that keeps well and you can eat with your hands. Sandwiches and fruit are an easy favorite but I love bringing a cheese and fruit board to set up and nibble on. Plus it goes great with wine - another picnic must! Here we had sparkling grape juice because that's Joeys fave and we were on a small budget plus if you have kids with you it's a perfect alternative - Just a note, the Welches sparkling juices have a screw on top and Martinelli's do not so do with that information what you will!

The point of this post was not only give you some practical tips but to tell you that even if you just have a plastic grocery bag and an old beach towel, you can have a picnic! Just get outside and do it! It's way more fun than eating at a boring old table!

That's all guys! Thanks for checking in with us! We are working to get our house unpacked and decorated so be on the lookout for some fun room reveals in the near future!

Cheers!