I guess this thought came about on Sunday when my family got together for the Annual Fish Fry. I really can't remember how long we've been doing this but it all started because my aunt and uncle caught too many fish to eat themselves one summer so they decided to share with the rest of the family. Plus who doesn't like to get-together with a crazy and fun bunch? The Fish Fry entails eating as much fish (or chicken for those of us who aren't crazy about perch) as humanly possible in the span of an afternoon. You would think they were feeding an entire starving nation with as much perch, salmon, chicken wings, and of course fishy crackers (aka Pepperidge Farm Goldfish) and gummy worms that we had. After stuffing ourselves, we engage in one of several activities - laughing so hard that we cry or pee our pants, chasing the little cousins around the yard or more accurately, running away from their latest game of guns/dinosaurs/lacrosse/wrestling, dog piling on top of any unsuspecting family member who wanders into the yard, and wishing that the night didn't have to end.
Oh and last but not least, I'm posting the famous "lemon water" recipe from the Fish Fry. Try it, it's divine!!!
If the picture is hard to read, here's the recipe:
1 Tbsp citric acid
1 Tbsp lemon extract
2 cups sugar
5 quarts water
Mix and refrigerate. Serve with ice. Lemon/lime slices add color. If you want to half it, then mix 1 3/4 tsp citric acid, 1 3/4 tsp lemon extract, 1 cup sugar, 2 1/2 quarts water.
11 comments:
I love your pictures. Jen, you are so beautiful!! That is a fun tradition! The boys get jammies from the elves on Christmas Eve in preparation for Santa (and to insure there are not holey jammies in pictures). We also have brats for Fourth of July. On birthdays are kids can pick what they want to eat or go out for dinner. On the night before the first day of school, Kit gives father's blessings. I know these are general and not really unique, but its all we got :P I'm interested in hearing about your New Year's Elf.
In St. Louis we lived by Justin's aunt and she had a That sounds fun! A fun tradition that Justin's aunt in St. Louis would do for us was on the first day that it snowed for the year she would leave a gift on our door with little winter treasure like gloves, a snowman figurine, a winter candle and some treats. and a note that said happy snow day! It was different every year but I couldn't wait for it to snow and look for my package outside.
I love Kitchen Kneads lemon water, I make it for every party and it's a hit. I think it's funny when people choose the water over the pop because it's better for them (if only they knew how much sugar was in it)
odspathe new years elf started in the 1940 by Jeffs geat grand parnets. being Danish they celebrated the last of christmas season on the 6of jan. the christmas tree was taken down on this day and your shoe was set out for a small gift. In the 40's fruit was very rare so we got an orange, your favorite food(canned) and silver coins half dollar or a dollar then something special such as jewerly. As the neighbors and family had a news years eve party it became the new years eve elf you brought the gifts .thus the Danish 6th was move to the 1st. And you did not have to share your orange of food with others. Jeffs mom and Pops
I wish I had any traditions so that I could help! We don't have any either! The fish fry looks fun but I'm not a fan of fish...(except for Gold Fish)
I have cried to Adam for the same reason. But i have come to realized the the traditions come as the kids get older and they can really appreciate them...I also think they come from trying something new and it ends up being so much fun--you just keep doing it! SO I am hoping we find some soon! It makes me homesick in a way not having anything of our own.
Hmmm....traditions. We also do a New Years Elf thing where the elf's bring a present that Santa saved (forgot). Also, I put nicknames on the presents so no one knows who's is who's. i.e. Sprite, Rootbeer, and Dr. Pepper. Then X-mas morning I'd have the names taped to the pop. It helps little peekers to resist. :)
I LOVE the New Years ELF! He hooks me up!
One of my favorite traditions was just last week...girls night out. While all the guys are at Priesthood session, the girls in my family get together for dinner and talking. Then when the guys come back, we have ice cream.
Another we have started is mommy or daddy time. Once a month Ben or I take one of the boys out to do something fun. We try to rotate every month, so one month Daniel is with Mom, Nathan is with Dad, and Ian is with Dad. The next month it switches to the other parent. The boys love it and beg us for when the next Mommy or Daddy time is. We'll take them on a bike ride, to the park, or other fun things.
We also go to Star Valley every year with Ben's family and also up to the Uintah's fishing each summer.
I'm sure Aggie games count as a tradition for your family. We don't go to them much, but when they are on TV we order pizza and eat in the basement (that's the only time the boys get to each in the basement, so they think it's the greatest). I know you two have your NCAA brackets you fill out each spring too, that's a tradition in my opinion.
Those are some of the things we do. I'm sure you'll come up with some fun traditions. It just takes time and a little creativity. If you enjoy it enough, it is easy to remember.
I love the New Year's Elf!! That sounds like so much fun!!! I have no help on the traditions side of things --but fun post! Espiecially for havin "no" creative energy :)
We're in Michigan...but I'd love to try "Lemon Water". Where else might you be able to get "citric acid" than Kitchen Kneads?
How totally fun!! I love any reason to get together and have a tradition. It's what memories are made of. Ummmm, look at Lib's comment for my traditions. Ironically they're similar, huh...wonder why. ;)
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