The last weekend in July is always Frazee's annual city celebration, Turkey Days. (because Frazee is home of the World's Largest Turkey!) Turkey Days isn't quite the same when you have young children but it was still a very enjoyable weekend for us.
We arrived just in time to catch the water fights, which is probably the most exciting event for our family. For the last 10 years or so my male cousins, the DBC, as they call themselves, have been involved in the water fights. For them it started out as a fun summertime tradition resulting in nothing more than a participation award. About seven years ago they decided to take the water fights a little more seriously and they showed up with a more competitive edge, which paid off as they were crowned (or mugged) Champions of the Turkey Days Water Fights. They went on to be undefeated four years in a row. After live interviews and newspaper articles featuring the DBC: Water Fight Champs, the fame got to their heads and their winning streak came to a screeching halt. It has been a few years since they have taken home championship mugs but they continue to have a fighting spirit, showing up every year with the drive and determination to take home the winning prize. Unfortunately, this year was another "off year" for the DBC. They were able to take down their rivals, the Bristlin Boys, but ended up taking 2nd place to a bunch of hot shot rookies. I have faith that the DBC will persevere through these hard times. I admire them for never giving up and I look forward to watching them take back their title of Frazee Turkey Days Water Fight Champions.
On a much more positive note, there is a team in the women's division that goes by the name of the DGC. They consist of my sister Hannah and a few of our female cousins. This team has also been involved in the water fights but in the past have taken home nothing more than a participation award.
But, much like the DBC, they never give up. They show up every year with a different team, expensive gear (sunglasses), and the wrong type of foot wear (flip flops). However, this year was different, they had their team in place, they were properly outfitted and they were mentally prepared to put up a good fight.
They found success and were named Champions of the Turkey Days water fights! We couldn't be more proud and hope their winning streak continues into the next decade.
I believe the DGC's success is due to a team made up of highly competitive individuals. In fact, these gals are so competitive that they asked water fight officials if they could take on the men's division champions. The hot shot rookies had beginners luck and defeated the DGC in the first two matches.
Thomas watched in agony as the DBC fell to the hot shot rookies. He expressed great disappointment in the performance of the DBC's nozzle guy.
The following day was spent on the farm visiting with family and playing with farm toys. Thomas is absolutely in heaven on his daddy's lap driving a real, blue, big, heavy, noisy tractor!
I followed them around the yard with camera asking them to "slow down," "look," "smile," and "wave." Thomas finally told me "all done." He was ready for me to put the camera away so he could keep his eyes on whatever was ahead. I wish I could have captured the look on his face when Uncle Bruce and Auntie Mary pulled in with their bright red, super duty pick-up towing a brand new camper, a boat and two four wheelers.
Meanwhile, Nora Mae is inside resting with Great Grandpa Dennis...
and Uncle Bruce.
Later in the morning while the boys were helping with a project in the basement, I came across this beautiful piece of artwork on the basement fridge. "To: Family From: Erik. Thanks for helping Grandma" Erik's grandma Rosie is a very talented artist. This must have been a project she helped him with many many years ago, so sweet.
Fast forward to Sunday, the Turkey Days parade. It was a beautiful day for a parade, especially Thomas' first parade. First up, the Color Guard.
Followed by Grandpa Fred's new wrecker towing the old wrecker. I know nothing about wreckers but it appears to be quite an upgrade.
Thomas enjoyed the fire trucks, but boy oh boy were they noisy. I'm so glad sleepy Nora was able to snooze through all the commotion.
Thomas strategically placed himself between grandma and grandpa knowing they would unwrap every piece of candy thrown his way. Lucky little guy!
I love and appreciate the parade entry that threw bottles of water! And I am grateful Grandpa John gave up his hat for Thomas. Bad Mama forgot a hat and sunscreen.
Onto the final Turkey Days event, the Demolition Derby. This is an event I would typically choose to forego, but not this year! My brother, Mathew has spent most of his summer working on his first derby car and the day has come to smash it all up (even more than it already is). Get a good look at the before picture; this car is about five feet shorter at the end of the derby.
I think Mathew had a mighty fine lookin' pit "crew." Erik has never driven in a derby but he is quite knowledgeable when it comes to the "insides" of a car and has worked on a pit crew on more than one occasion. Mathew was lucky to have Erik's expertise and support.
And they're off! I was so nervous for my little Bubby. I hope Thomas was distracted enough not to pick up on any of the language Hannah and I were using as we watched our baby brother get demolished.
This was after the hit that tossed Mathew around like popcorn.
I was relieved to see him put up his orange stick. This car was a great summer project. The derby was a learning experience, Mathew had fun, he walked away without a scratch (only bumps and bruises), and I hope he has decided this was his first and final derby. :) (I know, I'm such a Debbie Downer)
Great article and photos, Elise! However, it should be noted that the DBC did not "choke" 2 years ago nor did the "fame get to our heads." We were cheated out of victory, (after a battling 3 back to back rounds, with no breaks unlike the other teams), due to an extremely controversial last second call by Mouse King, who would later say off-the-record that he probably made a judgement in error. The Brisbin Boys' win was a fluke, as they showed in 2012 and 2013 that they don't have what it takes to win multiple titles, much less make it past the first round.
ReplyDeleteAs far as 2012, our team was understaffed and missing two key members, including our pointman who we would be nothing without. 2013 was the DBC's 14th year participating in the event; What is rarely mentioned is that we carried the Water Fights through some dark years, sometimes on rainy, cold days, marked by dismal, almost non-existent crowd attendance and minimal participants.
And as for the reigning champs, once they win 4 in a row, they can talk.
I should have known to check with you on the water fights facts and stats. Anyway, I am very sincere when I say I hope my 2014 Turkey Days post will be about the DBC's big comeback!!
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