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As much as we’re focused on discovering the past, here at Family.me we want families to celebrate the present with loved ones as well. And with the Fourth of July taking place on Saturday, what better way to celebrate our nation’s independence than with some delicious patriotic treats? Whether you’re hosting family and friends, or need to bring something to a barbecue, these festive menu items will be sure to get everyone in the patriotic spirit!

 

What So Proudly We Hail the Brownie (and Fruit) Kebabs

 

Take dessert to the next level with these easy-to-make kebabs from Mel’s Kitchen (originally inspired by Andrea Dekker). These fun, flavorful treats are not only mess-free, but are also great portable desserts so you can host a big family party and enjoy a mouthful of brownie at the same time, yum!

 

Land of the Free Lemonade

 

Nothing says festive like this colorful beverage from Southern Living. A refreshing combination of pureed watermelon & lemonade, garnished with some watermelon stars and with the addition of some blueberries to keep your guests hydrated this Fourth of July.

 

Red, White, & Blue Spinach Salad

 

If you’re looking for a crisp side dish to complement your main course, look no further than this recipe from The Happy House Wife. On a hot day, this little mix is sure to keep you cool with the sweet and refreshing berry and vinaigrette medley. Quick and healthy, this spinach salad is always a hit even with those who don’t think they like salad.

 

United States Lasagna Flag

 

Leave the cover on the grill this year and fire up the oven. This unique take from Claire Gallam of Sheknows.com (adapted originally from FamilyFun)  on the classic lasagna is sure to make your family’s taste buds happy.

With so many yummy options, no bellies will go unsatisfied. From our family to yours, we wish you all a Happy Fourth of July!

In honor of Father’s Day this weekend, Family.me would like to give a shout out to all of the amazing dads out there! Here are some memorable stories of just a few iconic fathers that taught us important lessons about family relationships.

1. Simba & Mufasa from Disney’s The Lion King

In The Lion King, Simba grows and learns from his dad, Mufasa, even after his death. Simba honors Mufasa’s memory when he comes of age through striving to be a strong and fair king.

 

 

 

2. Michael Reed and Dennis Fay

This past May, 60-year-old Michael Reed was reunited with his biological father, Dennis Fay, 80, after being raised by adopted parents  (and as an only child). The heartwarming reunion took place in the Salt Lake City International Airport. Reed was overjoyed to meet his biological father and nine new brothers and sisters!

 

 

 

3. Eric Taylor, the Father & Coach in TV series Friday Night Lights Coach Taylor not only deeply cared for his daughter, but he also was a mentor and role model to all of the young men that he coached. After all, he gave us some unforgettable words to live by: “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.”

 

4. Robin Barton and Marcos Meza

Back in April earlier this year, our hearts warmed when 25-year-old Robin Barton was united with his biological father Marcos Meza for the first time. Robin was abandoned behind a dumpster as a newborn baby, and his biological father’s parental rights were terminated before he had even met Robin. In addition to the family that raised him, Robin now has an entirely new family to get to know.

 

5. Josie and Jim Zetz

In April 2014, we witnessed Jim Zetz, 62, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, give his 11-year-old daughter, Josie, a memory she would have forever… he walked her down the aisle, so one day on her actual wedding day, she would have the lasting memory of her dad by her side no matter what the future held.

Here at Family.me, we are all about family memories. But what did our past family members do for summer? While the times have changed and the way families communicate has shifted, one thing is certain… they celebrated the summer with family beach days.

Here’s a little glimpse of what family beach days looked like in summers past:

Late 1800s:

Starting back in the late 1800s, your great, great grandparents were wading at the shoreline in full-coverage bathing suits difficult to distinguish from normal everyday clothing.

 

Early 1900s

More than 100 years ago, short-sleeve bathing suits became a trendy new way to soak up the sun. A family lounging on the shores of Martha’s Vineyard in 1905 sported these “newer” designs.

 

1920s:

In the roaring 1920s, your great grandma and her girlfriends headed to the beach decked out in Hollywood-inspired bathing suits and suits like those pictured above.

 

1940s:

Family beach days in 1942 started to look a little more like they do today! Women still sported one-pieces and the men showed more leg than the women! The “Bikini” was designed and coined in this decade, but the revealing two-piece was slow to be adopted.

 

1950s:

Beach day picnics were a popular pastime. Shorts were a little longer for the men and women’s suits start taking a little more shape.

 

1960s Beach games:

Teenagers and surfing culture took over the beaches. Bikinis are widely adopted  and men’s trunks got smaller and tighter! The sandy beach parties from this decade are widely popularized in movies and television.

 

1980s:

Neon-colors, high-waist bikinis and bright sunglasses were all the rage. Who can forget the highly popular colored Zinc oxide  stripes on the face?

 

2000 and beyond:

In 2015, bikinis and trunks still rule the beaches, sometimes with throwbacks to vintage styles such as the high-waisted, pin-up look and the classic wayfarer sunglasses. One-pieces with fancy cutouts are also getting widely popular. Men generally stick with larger swimming trunks, but the length is slowly beginning to creep up the leg again!

One can only wonder what our great, great grandchildren will be wearing to their family beach days. With the dangers of sun exposure perhaps the trend will go back to fully-clothed? Who knows!