Summertime fun outside the kitchen!

Laurie has been busy not only in the kitchen, but also enjoying the summer with her friends and family! 

It all started in late June with Laurie's Cape Cod trip. They usually go with old Chicago friends, Chuck & Tosh Kimball and Armen & Patty Kholamian.  The Kimballs and Kholamians have been going for 7 years or so and the Bakkes have  joined in on the last two years.  Chuck was born and raised on the Cape and has many, many relatives that come and go through the times that they are there.  When these groups of friends get together they have a lot fun!!  They typically rent a large home by Nauset Beach and try to go to the beach everyday, if the girls aren't shopping in nearby Chatham. 

Her next venture took place on July 2, which was also Laurie's birthday. Earlier in the day, she went to the Purple Onion in Saluda with Paul, Chris, and Megan. Her family then left Hendersonville for Lake Summit on July 3rd. Celebrating the 4th of July has always been a fun ritual for the entire family. The lake puts on a fabulous fireworks display that is very impressive.  There is also a large boat parade with serious water fights with balloons being thrown, hoses etc. It's truly a blast! So they all gather with her Mom, various sisters, their children, nieces and nephews and plenty of friends.  Although, this time they had a very special occasion to celebrate before heading out on water to watch the fireworks. Laurie's daughter had surprised her with a "Flag cake" for her birthday (which she found on Pinterest). It was quite yummy & very festive! 

Take a moment to enjoy all of these great moments captured below!