Summer Activity: Let's Have a Cookout!

Love the grilling goggles.

So, kids, you call it barbeque or cookout? We've always called it barbeque. Maybe it's a western thing.
Mesquite wood, secret recipe barbeque sauce.

Mmmm, what's in the foil? Smells good.
And here are activities while we wait for that good smelling barbeque.


Kids of all ages can help with the cookout. Grown-ups, supervise, and be the judge of who is capable of doing what.

Kids can cut, wrap, transport items back and forth from the kitchen, organize the table settings, be the commissioner of condiments, pour the drinks, check the ice supply, shoo the flies, slap the mosquitoes, and crack jokes.


Here are some jokes, especially for the Fourth of July.

All American Cheesy Jokes and Serious Thoughts 

 http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2012/06/cheesy-jokes-and-serious-thoughts-about.html

 

Someone may be ambitious to provide dessert.

Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag

http://crafts.kaboose.com/ice-cream-in-a-bag.html 

Let's keep the troops occupied before everything's done. Older kids are great organizers. Don't forget hula hoops.

Easy Fun Cookout Games for Children & Adults 

http://www.ehow.com/list_6399731_easy-cookout-games-children-adults.html

Now, grown-up talk. I'm surprised there's not a cooking show called Barbeque Wars.

Here in the desert, don't have to worry so much about bugs--Avon's Skin So Soft is a great insect repellant, BTW. If you are a vegetarian, don't ever feel left out. Apparently anything can be barbequed.

The All-American Tofu dog.

Had to put up something offbeat. Barbequed salad? Couldn't find an appetizing pic for this link.

http://home.lifegoesstrong.com/slideshow/offbeat-food-cook-grill-slideshow-image/offbeat-food-cook-grill-salad

My SoCal hibachi. A little grubby, but efficient.

 Our barbeque is more California traditional. Small, with briquets. No fuss. But great smell and taste. Surprising control over cooking. These are called Pub burgers (without the pub.) They have cheese, onion, and other goodies in the paddy. I developed a secret recipe dressing for these very burgers! But I'll share it soon. Hint: avocadoes.

Grilling over an open fine,  keeping connected with our Neanderthal ancestors.

Here's some music to barbeque by:

God Bless the USA, and anything by the Boss.

I'm proud to be an American - American Soldier Tribute 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZZf619DIpo 

 Bruce Springsteen - Born In The U.S.A. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZD4ezDbbu4 

Okay, you can call it grilling if you like.