4-04-2010 Peep Cup Challenge

Mr. and Mrs. S invited me to come along with them on a journey to New Jersey to visit Mr. S's family for Easter. I was very excited as I not only love to see Mr. S's family but I also love long car rides. The longer, the better. They remind me of the car rides I used to take with my family on the country roads. We used to pile into the car, load up the back seat with snacks, and head off to the horizon. I would take it upon myself to entertain the family by singing the traditional travel song “1000 pouches of peeps.” I'm sure you have heard it before...if not here it goes: “1000 pouches of peeps on the wall, 1000 pouches of peeps. When no one's around, you gobble one down. 999 pouches of peeps on the wall.” I would sing and sing at the top of my voice, making sure that everyone could hear. I sang so well that one day, many hundreds of miles from my home, my parents suggested that I get out of the car at the rest stop and entertain the locals. I was thrilled to be able to share my gift with strangers. I climbed up on the highest rock and called the crowd closer. I then proceeded to belt out the most beautiful rendition you have ever heard. In fact, I saw several people weeping as I reached the three hour mark of the song. After it was over, I went back toward my family's car but was unable to find it. I assumed that this was yet another one of our marathon Hide-and-Go-Seek games that we sometimes play. These games have lasted for weeks in the past. Well, nine days later I found my family at home. Boy were they surprised when I found them. I heard they exclaim, through tearful sobs, “How does he keep finding us!”

I refrained from singing on this trip because I didn't want to wake up Serena. Mr. and Mrs. S seemed very happy with my decision.

This year I felt honored to witness a family tradition in Mr. S's family. Every year, at the Easter gathering, the family brings out their best Easter peeps and stage elaborate competitions. The first year they engaged the peeps against each other in a jousting tournament. Two years ago it was peep auto racing. Last year the peeps raced on rubber band powered airplanes. This year...we don't know yet. The competition is being kept a secret. Each year's competition is planned out by the “Peep Master” whom is selected at the previous Easter. The Peep Master is in charge of deciding the next year's competition which remains secret until competition time. Each year the competition becomes more and more elaborate.

I must admit, I am a little scared. I have no idea what to expect but one thing is for sure...Mr. S's family + excessive amounts of sugar = lots of fun!