A photo of those in attendance for Lobster Day, 2010:
Seldom a dull moment, the theme of our lives here in Purcellville, was questioned about 9 years ago. Katie was one week old. It was a HOT day in early July - right after the 4th. Don and I were going stir crazy with a 2 year old, a one week old and a crazy dog. We decided to leave!!
We couldn't go far....we packed up everything we would need for the day (which is a lot when you have a newborn) and headed southeast. An hour later we were at my parent's house in Springfield; Rocky and Rina knew we were coming and greeted our carload of apparatus (for a day's visit) with open arms.
Prior to our arrival, as we were driving through Gilbert's Corner - taking the scenic route - Don announced that we would stop at the Great Maine Lobster truck that we had seen numerous times before on our travels. Why? Don't know...we were sleep deprived, it sounded like a good idea, and we needed to do something we hadn't done before. We pulled up and bought two huge lobsters, and a bag of oysters. Why? I hate seafood, Carleigh was 2 and wouldn't eat it, and Don had never really tasted, or eaten much of it either....but it sounded like a good idea. Who knew.....9 years later. It was a rather costly purchase, but we didn't care...
So I called my dad from the road, and explained the purchases we had just made and did he have the supplies and the know how to prepare this stuff? Yes, yes and more yes were the replies....so we headed on.
The day in Springfield was the first relaxing day we had had since Katie was born. They had a baby pool for Carleigh, Jack was being taken care of, Don took a nap and I was able to just hang out with extra help for the baby. Everyone had a great time. Just us and my parents. Prior to preparing the dinner, we had the swimming of the lobsters. We released them into the baby pool - Carleigh and Jack got a kick out of that. The Lobsters and the oysters were consumed by mom, dad and Don. Hamburgers were put on the grill for Carleigh and I, and we all had a great dinner.
We left to drive home that night, after dark and felt refreshed and relaxed. It was a great day and we remembered it for a long time.
So long, that we decided to recreate the day a year later. Katie's one year birthday came and another hot July day. We decided to do "Lobster Day" again. This time, my sister and her husband came over to mom and dad's. Another stop at Great Maine Lobster, another full day at Rocky and Rina's house. This time there was more fun, and less relaxing. Lots of silliness with Carleigh and Katie and lots of family time. Seafood for those that wanted it, and picnic food for the others.
A tradition was born! "Lobster Day" became our summer holiday. It would be a day of gluttony! Lots of food, seafood and picnic food for any that entered. Silly games and activities would be included. We basically stuck to family members - but over the years, the attendees have changed and the numbers have fluctuated. Everyone looks forward to Lobster Day and over the years we have started accumulating decorations and apparel.
Lobster Day was offically the first weekend after Katie's birthday (unless the 4th of July was there). We couldn't mingle Lobster Day with another holiday.
For the 3rd Lobster Day - we decided to organize a surprise Retirement celebration for my dad. We invited my uncle and his family from Slippery Rock, PA to come down to surprise his brother. It was a great Lobster Day - this time celebrated in Purcellville, with dual celebrations occurring.
The Slippery Rock contingent has been at every Lobster Day since!
The Location of Lobster Day has changed over the years. It is a summer holiday, but location is to be determined.
One year, my sister had relatives in from Rhode Island for Lobster Day weekend...so she sponsored. Ev's cousin and her family, including two young boys had a great time celebrating Lobster Day with us. We had moon bounces, kiddie pools, sprinklers, water baloon tossing, and of course the obligatory Lobster and LOTS of food.
Another year, we celebrated mom's retirement with lots of surprises.
So there you have it, Lobster Day is our summer holiday. It is a day to spend with family and close friends eating and acting silly. You never know what games or activities will appear. You never know what additional celebrations might pop up on the day. And you never know who will be there. But you are guaranteed to laugh, eat and relax! With Don in charge of games and activities, there will ALWAYS be something amusing going on.
Pics from Lobster Days past:
2005:
2006:
2007:
2008:
This year was no different! This year Lobster Day became a movable holiday. We were in Hawaii for the annual weekend, so we chose a weekend in August when everyone would be home. My uncle from Slippery Rock came solo this year. New attendees were Dave and Tammi (Don's cousins who live close by).
Lobster Day, 2010 included:
The decorations
A watermelon seed spitting contest
Happy Chrissy
Katie eating Oysters
Jack enjoyed meeting the live lobster.
The ladies enjoyed running to the ice cream truck.
The men enjoyed the food inside.
The token lobster - only one to eat it was Don.
Seldom a Dull Moment! Always finding ways to make our own fun! Summer is about over and our focus will shift to a new school year, fall activities, schedules, routines and homework! It's okay - we've had our fun adventures...time to buckle down and get serious!
Yeah...right.....who knows what will happen in the next few weeks, but I'm sure it won't be serious and I'm sure it will include some sort of chaos and fun!
Stay Tuned!
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