We went to the river with family this weekend. And as we do not happen to live anywhere near a river, that required a five-hour drive.

With two boys.

Under the age of 10.

Plus a dog.

Once we arrived we felt we deserved something yummy – and to us, that means steak!

We fired up that old charcoal grill down by the river and grilled away while the kids and dog frolicked.

Paradise.

And, as we were on a RIVER, the serveware left a lot to be desired. A piece of aluminum foil had to do as our platter.

Because we’re classy like that, we set it on top of a cooler.

Come and get it!

What we learned is that we don’t care what it’s served on as long as we cook it ourselves and we can fix it up the way each of us likes it.

It was heavenly and we didn’t want it to end. But, alas, summer always does.

We made some great memories while it lasted.

And we’ll always have the steak . . .

This was a little middle-of-the-week pick-me-up. (Did I use enough hyphens for ya?)

We were blowing and going like we always do (and like most of America does). And we just needed to sit and eat something that made us happy.

This was it.

We pan fried some delicious steakburgers and then we all topped them with whatever we thought would bring out the flavor best.

Some of us used mayo, others opted for ketchup and cheese and others – who will remain nameless – drenched theirs in Teriyaki sauce.

The fries were an added bonus.

For us, there’s nothing like a good, hearty meal to fill our bodies and our souls. And this beefy one did the trick!

Well, it seems like it sometimes.

See, we’re on vacation. And we’ve made it a rule to not eat out as much as possible on vacation.

We have kids under age 10 and all the “family-oriented” places around here are, well, deep-fried disappointment.

Ugh.

Plus, there are lines and waiting and complaining.

That’s not much of a vacation.

So we opt to cook our favorites at our home away from home.

And these steakburgers? Well, they were heaven.

As soon as we began cooking, the place where we’re staying filled quickly with the amazing aroma of grilled beef and we all could hardly contain our appetites until the sweet relief of a plate on the table.

No lines, no gum-chewing waitress, no bill, no TIPPING.

Just my food exactly the way I like it with incredible smoky bacon and ooey, gooey cheese.

You tell me heaven isn’t like that. I dare ya!