(More than) Fourinarow.net

For more than a month now our kids have been talking about the upcoming annual “S” Family Pig Roast.  Ever since the date was set for this year’s roast, the kids have been counting down the days, reminiscing about last year and discussing who would be eating which part of the pig.  Maria wanted the bacon and Jack wanted the ham.  Hahaha.  Poor Sam and Luke fought over who was NOT going to eat the snout.  I figured none of them would be eating any of it, once they caught sight of the pig on the thingy, slowly rotating over the fire.

Unfortunately, we ran a little late (go figure) on our trip down to rural Missouri.  Fortunately, though, this meant that the kids missed seeing the pig before it was dissembled.  Still, Jack was the only one to eat any.  The others all chose hotdogs.  Go figure.

But, the pig roast is not just about the pig.  It’s really not about the pig at all, as a matter of fact.  Not for us.  It’s about an excuse to visit great friends.  Despite having moved away five years ago, we’ve managed to go back almost every year.  And, each time we do, it’s as if we’d never left.  All our friends are still there and treat us as if we still one of them.  As a matter of fact, depending on how much beer is consumed, some forget we ever left.

While there, we also got a special tour of the nearby Squirrel and ??? winery.  Dan stocked up and Jack learned a few steps in the wine-making process.  I stayed away from the fermenting barrel, as I didn’t want to hurt the baby.  (Just the smell of that stuff will put hair on your chest for sure.)

Maria and Luke sat in the van, on the verge of sleep.  After the tour, we headed back over to the party for another hour or so.  Despite the late hour, we didn’t want to leave.  Luke finally asked if he could go sit in the van, where we found him a few minutes later fast asleep.  Our cue to head to the hotel.  We lost two more to sleep on the way.  You’d think that would mean a quiet night in store for us all.

Nope.

At the excitement of staying in a hotel, the kids were quickly WIDE AWAKE.  Dan, however, was not.  As I got the kids ready for bed (as fast as humanly possible), Dan crashed on one of the beds and immediately began snoring.  Which, of course, the kids thought hilarious.  Which made for a looooooonnnnngggg night.

After fighting about who was sleeping where (not a lot of choices in a single room), imitating Dad’s snoring, giggling, a snorting contest, and then some crying, the kids finally fell asleep.  And, so did I.

After the long drive south and quick turn around, we’re happy to be back home.  But, already we’re looking forward to next year.

Good friends.  Good beer.  Good food.  Good fun.