Sunday, June 24, 2012

Summertime Traditions

Hello and Happy Summer!  
Summer is my favorite season of the year- the food, the parties, the clothes, THE WEATHER, the carefree days and nights you can sit out and just enjoy the warm air.
Our family started the tradition of having ice cream for dinner on the first day of summer a few years ago.  It's a fun way to kick off the summer and enjoy a special treat to shake up our daily routine.  
This year, we opted for shaved ice.  We have a Hawaiian shaved ice store that opened about a year ago close to where we live.  We have been hooked ever since.  If you haven't tried it, you must!  I am a simple shaved ice fan, usually choosing coconut or a banana custard flavor.  My boys get super sweet combos like cotton candy and add a scoop of bubble gum ice cream.  
They also have some unique flavors like a chili pepper and buttered popcorn.  I'm not sure I'll try those!  One of my favorite memories of visiting the shop, was shortly after the Charlie Sheen-went-insane period (yes I followed it, I was in the hospital with my baby and so I watched), I took my boys in for an after school treat.  My middle walks right up to the counter and says, "I want Tiger Blood."  So Charlie Sheen of him.  That is a real flavor and it's pretty good.  It has a blend of watermelon and a couple other fruits making it a dark red color.
I'm looking forward to many more trips to have shaved ice this summer.  What is your favorite summer time pleasure?