This is a picture of my mom and uncle (her brother) planting a pumpkin. This may be a normal enough event for most people, probably not even worth photographing. However, that is not the case in my family. You see, every year, we have pumpkin growing contest to see who can grow the largest pumpkin. My mom's parents, siblings (3 sisters, 2 brothers), their kids and some more extended familly compete in this contest. We have been doing this for 9 years now. The winning pumpkin last year was 219 pounds. That is our family record (My pumpkin last year was about 20 pounds I think. I am hoping to beat that this year. We have been doing a lot of work on the garden). The winning pumpkin last year was started by my mom and planted at my uncle's house (my parents live in the suburbs and have big trees all around their house, which means lots of shade, so they can't grow one at their place). So, this pumpkin you see here has some high hopes to live up to.
Every October, usually the first or second week, we have what we call 'Pumpkin Fest' where everyone brings their pumpkin to my grandparents house. We have a wonderful dinner, play games (last year was ladderball) and weigh the pumpkins. Then, of course, we have the awards ceremony where prizes are given out (yes, there are prizes) along with certificates. It is always a good time and something I look forward to every October. We (my boyfriend and I) have started our pumpkin as well (my mom was kind enough to give me one of her starts and we planted in our garden), so expect to be seeing pictures of as it grows to be large (I hope. At least over 20 pounds...). I am pretty sure this is the longest photo description I have ever written, but I wanted to share a little about my crazy family traditions. Wish me luck!
