My family spent the 4th in Malibu at the beach. I took a ton of pictures to share with all of you, so I hope you enjoy them! You may even find some inspiration in here for your next summer BBQ party. Here is a pictorial diary of our day from beginning to end.

We started our day with snacks and building sand castles on the beach. My kids love POP chips, and they’re healthy, so as a mom, I’m a fan too. Limonata is my favorite sparkling beverage, so we had that as well.

The kids dressed in red, white, and blue, lounged in their new beach chairs from Ralph's Market

Dean needed his morning calcium before firing up the grill!

For florals, I went to the local farmers market. Instead of buying vases, I used Tynant sparkling water bottles. It's less expensive, and I used the sparkling water for the drinks I prepared.

I also love sunflowers for 4th of July. To me, they scream summer! I filled the base with lemons for a fresh, summery look.

 
I made a pitcher of sparkling water with a little fresh squeezed lemon. Then I added Kool-Aid ice cubes in red and blue with berries frozen in them. So refreshing, and fun for the kids!

Our Pekingese Minnie enjoyed the beach. She's a rescue and had never been to the ocean.

This is Dean's custom-made paddle board. That's supposed to be me - obviously before pregger city! Dean got a little paddle boarding in between grill shifts!

Liam and Stella had fun playing in the sand.

“Feeding Froggies” was the game of the day

I love gladiator sandals for summer especially in a metallic. I wore this great pair by DVF.

Chiquita and Ferris caught some rays and enjoyed the view from the deck.

Ice-cold cherries are the best when it's hot out!

Here I am in my first maternity bathing suit of the summer.

Red polish isn't just for winter. I love shiny true red toes for the summer.

I love putting little braids in my hair for summer. It keeps my hair off my face and it's Boho chic. Plus the feather extensions are a fun summer look. I got them with the kids. Most salons do them now – give it a try next time you’re jonesing for a new summer style.

I love deep fried dill pickles (hello preggo cravings). Here they are, prepped for frying to eat on our sliders.

Dean seasoned and prepared the meat. Here it is, all ready for the BBQ.

Bacon makes everything better…we wrapped our hotdogs in bacon strips before grilling.

We had my favorite onion dip, made with Lipton’s onion soup mix and sour cream. Served with good old-fashioned Ruffles, of course!

Our main courses: bacon-wrapped hot dogs and beef sliders with sage derby cheddar and heirloom tomatoes, topped with fried pickles (in the center bowl).

The fried pickles are also great eaten alone or dipped in ranch dressing.

Bump at the beach!

I love this shot! I caught Liam trying to throw Stella's baby doll off the deck.

The bump makes for the perfect table!

Liam and Stella finishing up our food fest!

Here I am, lounging with the pups.

Other summer accessories I love: big sunglasses and fun beach straw hats. Remember girls, we can still look chic while protecting our skin against harmful rays!

That's SO going to be me when I'm older! I loved that she was rocking the caftan and had tons of chic gold bangles on while strolling the beach.

I took this while prepping 4th of July sugar cookies to make ice cream sandwiches for the kids.

Finished product!

For us grownups - a 4th of July butter cream and fresh berry-filled white cake that my adorable hubby decorated like the American flag.

The perfect end to our day - an amazing fireworks show!

Here’s my family watching the fireworks.

And that’s a wrap folks! The kids were wiped out from our fun-filled day at the beach!

Now I want to see your 4th of July pictures! Upload them to your profile and “like” them, and I’ll post my faves next week!