Large Family Vacationing...

We went on a week vacation to the Beach mid May. We found this place at www.vrbo.com . Our family has grown from the already large seven to eight and all are adults (range 18-24yrs.) except one. Hubby and I asked the five adult children to prepare one evening meal each during our vacay.  They were all willing and began planning their menus.  For fun, we decided to have a vote for our favorite meal.  The winner to receive a $25 gift card.

First night 22 yr. old daughter made a traditional English meal with steak and potato pasties, smashed peas and banoffee pie. It was delicious! She recently studied abroad in England and brought home a love for their food and all things English.  It's a good thing they don't hire American teachers or she would be gone.

Second night was bacon wrapped chicken and vegie shishkabobs with tossed salad, tater tots and brownies al a mode.  Our 18 year old son planned this meal pretty much on his own. I suggested the tossed salad and baked potatoes.  He agreed to buy bagged salad, but opted for tater tots - no surprise there. It was quite yummy!

Third night our oldest daughter, 24, prepared a traditional German meal with sauerbraten, potato and sauerkraut casserole, green beans and a delicious coffee cream pudding. She worked hard researching her recipes and planning ahead.  It was very tasty!

Fourth night our son-in-law, 23, grilled bacon burgers, served with all the fixings, corn on the cob and the most wonderful homemade oven fries.  His dessert was homemade ice cream sundaes... a very tasty meal!

Fifth night our oldest son, 20, prepared stir fry steak, shrimp and vegies over rice.  He also made deep fried rice puffs for dessert. He worked hard chopping all the vegies and meat.  It was a very delicious meal!

Voting time was difficult - so many great meals, but oldest daughter won with her German meal prep.  Congrats, Sweetie!

Think we may do this again.  The kids seemed up for it and it was much more relaxing for mom.  We did not eat out at all, as we have in the past.  We had a nice, large kitchen, so much living area, were right across from the beach and no desire to leave for meals.  It was a refreshing and fun time with family - almost no fights, Yay!   We've decided driving an hour away to the beach for vacation is more enjoyable than driving great distances.  We are not really "beach people", but once a year for a week is rejuvenating and fun for all.  Hope you enjoy some quality family time this summer!  Blessings, Leah :)