Fourth of July

Just wanted to share a few pictures from our July 4th celebration!  I used a fireworks photography tutorial from Marcink Designs to help me capture my images.  While I wasn't able to get my camera to do everything that she recommended, her instructions were very simple to follow and I am happy with my images.

And now for a few family fun pics :)

Creamy Southwest Pasta Salad

Gather Your Ingredients:

• 1lb cooked pasta, rinsed and cooled (I used mini penne)
• 1 c. mayonnaise
• 1 c. sour cream
• 2 to 3 T southwest seasoning blend (or a packet of taco seasoning. I used Tastefully Simple Southwest seasoning)
• 2 c. shredded, sharp cheddar
• 1 c. corn kernals
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1/2 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 c. sliced black olives
• 3 to 4 scallions, sliced

Make It:

1. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream and southwest seasoning ... set to the side to allow flavors to blend.
2. Combine pasta, veggies and cheese in a large bowl.  Toss with mayo/sour cream blend until well coated.
3. Let sit in refrigerator for a few hours.

**Other suggestions:  Adjust the amounts of veggies based on which ones you like and omit those that you do not like.  Grape tomato halves would be a yummy addition, I didn't have any on hand.  I also thought, after the fact, that a can of rinsed black beans, sliced banana peppers or jalepeno peppers would be yummy.