Happy Mother's Day (this is sooo late)!

My sister-in-law organized a Mother's Day Cookout at her house, and we decided to take a few goodies.  

First up:  Homemade whipped cream!  

We were still living in our apartment at this point and my blender was in storage, so dear Eli whipped this cream with a fork...BLESS HIS HEART!  It took forever and a day, but the result was fabulous! 

I cut up a ton of fruit and layered the whipped cream in between....

It wasn't as pretty as I thought it would be, but one little fellow didn't mind...

Emmanuel found the fruit...and the whipped cream...and took out many samples before the cookout! 

I also made my macaroni and cheese which is a tribute to my late grandma, Mae Ella Reese. Growing up we spent Thanksgiving Day with my dad's family and Christmas afternoon with my mom's family.  Well, Mrs. Mae Ella would always have macaroni and cheese at our thanksgiving table, and she would always make it with Hoop Cheese.  It was my absolute favorite.  Eli found Hoop Cheese for me one day at the store...so I add some Gruyere (which is crazy expensive, but it is a special, special dish) and some of that Mae Ella lovin' and we have the perfect mac and cheese :)  

Emmanuel both ate and played very well that day!  It was a great Mother's Day.