Things to Make - Strawberry Thyme Lemonade

Usually we're a water or milk sort of family. Creative children's drinks are not my specialty. But the other day, F decided she wanted to make lemonade using real lemons and once we spent $4 on the lemons alone, it seemed necessary to kick the whole drink up a notch. Of course, strawberry thyme lemonade ended up tasting absolutely delicious and we've all become addicted. So now I have to go to the store every few days to buy more lemons and strawberries, which has made quite an impact on our weekly grocery bill. I often find myself yelling, "DON'T SPILL A DROP, THIS STUFF IS LIQUID GOLD." But it tastes oh so good.

FOR THE LEMONADE:
8 squeezed lemons (about 1 cup)
2 cups strawberries (one quart); hulls removed and cut in half
5 cups water and about 2 cups ice (to taste)

FOR THE SIMPLE SYRUP:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
10-12 sprigs thyme

OPTIONAL FOR ADULTS
Vodka (to taste)

1. Make the simple syrup by combining the sugar, water, and thyme in a small pot and heating until the sugar dissolves. Let cool and throw away the thyme.

2. Place the lemon juice, strawberries, and simple syrup in a large pitcher.

3. Add 4-6 cups of water to the pitcher (depending on size of pitcher).

4. Blend slightly (so the strawberries are still mushy, but somewhat dissolved).

5. Add ice and drink (preferably in "fancy" glasses).