Staycation 2015 {part 2} {But really… Czech Days}

I know, I know… you’ve been dying since yesterday morning, waiting for the completion of the infamous Staycation 2015 post. You’ve been waiting with baited breath, unable to concentrate, can’t eat-can’t sleep type of anticipation. I apologize for the delay but the babe decided napping was for suckers yesterday, I locked us out of the house, the kids had back-to-school stuff… there were just a few things I didn’t factor in to my brilliant timeline. Welp… never fear my friends and wait no more, the second half has arrived. 

So, this year’s E Clan getaway/staycay ran right into this thing that I completely love and the thing is Czech Days. I’ve written before about why I adore the fest that takes place in my hometown so I won’t snore you with all of my waxing poetic today {plus, I took this year off of writing in detail prior so I can go to town on it next year again… hee hee.} 

So Czech Days… Wilber is the Czech Capital of the US. Yes. You read that right. My hometown of 1700 lovely folks is the United States’ Czech Capital {not like bounced checks, either. And no, Wilberites have never heard those jokes before}. So, each year, Wilber hosts a Czech Festival which brings in tens of thousands of people. This year was one of the first in a while that all the Eickmans were in attendance. And all 8 grandkiddos. So all 8 grandkids donned Czech vests. Several read: Honyocker on the back as that is what my dad calls all the grandkids, The Honyockers. No. I don’t know what that means but I assume it is a term of endearment and not that he is calling them shitheads or something similar. He’s a pretty good dude so I’m gonna go with that. Plus, I don’t really know anyone who would call kids shitheads. Anyway, the Honyockers are all here, in their Czech vests. And no, we are not all Czech… but when in Wilber…

Waiting patiently for the kiddie parade to start. There was a threat of some pretty nasty weather but we braved the storm {the one that never materialized. Praise Jesus} because we are that serious about candy in our family. And also about not having 8 children completely peeved at us for cancelling attending a parade that they have been talking about since last Czech Days. In fact, every time my older two talk about Czech Days they say, “OOOOH!! Candy!” because apparently Halloween and Valentine’s Day are second fiddle to the three-parade-extravaganza.

The four oldest hams in full mohawkness.

The littlest made many attempts to retrieve coins thrown and was having quite the dickens of a time. Luckily, his cousin helped a bro out. 

I wrote about this on my Facebook page but the oldest decided he wanted to run the 2 mi Duck and Dumpling Run like his cousins. He and I held hands for nearly the full race, and then schooled me right before the finish line. And the kid never stopped or walked. It. Was. Adorable.

We were reppin’ strong with our crew. We had my bro, the hubs, my dad, and my Godbrother {yes. That’s a thing} running the 10k. And my sis, myself, Robbert from the Netherlands {see Part 1}, Godbros two boys, two nephews, one pseudo-uncle, and the Oldest, all running the 2 mile. And no one barfed. At least not due to the run. 

Three of the young finishers. And my oldest nephew got third in his age division… Because he rocks. 

Some of the adults were able to sneak downtown one evening for brews at the Hotel Wilber Beer Garden. And yes, I wear dresses to Beer Gardens. Because again, I’m so fancy. 

Did I mention that my bro-in-law signed on for the mohawk fest? And my brother decided to do this… which I named a Skullet {skunk/mullet/mohawkishness}. It really was superb.

This guy. I used to babysit him. And now he’s a grownass man. And he was wearing his grandma’s tablecloth. It was quite the occasion. This guy also happens to be better with kids than just about anyone I know so ladies, if you’re looking, just let me know. I bet he’d let you borrow his tablecloth.

These guys. I’ve known since I was 5. And they still like me anyway. That’s real friendship, people. 

I returned to the Alumni Band for the first time since after the Oldest came on the scene. Because again, yes, Wilber-Clatonia has an alumni band. I marched on Saturday and Sunday. With about 175 other alums. And a trombone. I know. You can hardly handle the amount of cool that I bring on a regular basis and now I tell you I play a mean trombone. And a nice one, too. 

We made a few folks pose in the big Kolache. Especially those from The Netherlands. Because Czech Days.

And I watched the dancers. Because I used to do this, too. And yes I wore the outfit. And danced with a partner. And yes, I liked it. And no, I didn’t grow up in Stars Hollow. But maybe all this is why I love Gilmore Girls so much. Probably.

The littlest attempted to manhandle a corn dog on a couple occasions. And decided that sticks are for suckers.

And after a long week of staycay+czechdayzing, we collected all the towels, stripped all the beds, and left my mother with two months worth of laundry. As well as big thank you’s to both she and my dad for hosting, feeding, and enjoying the 16 additional people in their house all week.

And though the boys were sad to leave and thought it had all gone too fast, we packed up and headed on down the road to home. And this kid’s face says it all.

It was a pretty delightful week and I outside of the stomach bug, I don’t know that it could have gone better. I feel pretty fortunate to like my family. And also appreciate that they have all been putting up with my crazy for over three decades. That’s commitment right there. 

And with that, I close the books on Staycay 2015. And we are closer and closer to saying hello to the 2015 school year. Whew! That was a the slowest fast summer ever. 

++If you didn’t read Part 1 and you are just dying to see what it was all about, click here. 

+++Also, I had a piece over at Her View From Home yesterday, I’ve loved you every day. It’s a little different than my usual… just as a warning. Click here to read.