Friday, September 26, 2008

Home Coming Rituals

As this is Rich High School Homecoming Week, last night was the annual bonfire. Where children parade around the giant fire seen from space and nearly fall in with adults standing nearby. Christopher was suppose to help with the Volunteer Fire Department, but had decided that since attending meant taking the three oldest, he would not go.

So...my husband decided to finally have his movie night with his girls. 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' was on the schedule. They all nestled in and watched as Harry felt alone and then sprung to life as the secret teacher of the 'Defense Against the Dark Arts'.

Half way through the movie Ryann decided she had had enough and took me in to watch 'Bratz Babies' - a true horror film for grown-ups. Yet I rent it weekly from the Randolph Country Store because it is the only movie that will keep her attention so I can get something cleaned in my house.
As night fell, the sure sign that the bonfire was over made it's way past our house. There is a tradition here in Rich County, mainly in Randolph because this is where the High School is located, that when any event happens - taking State in sports mostly- you drive up and down every street honking your horn and screaming as loud as you can so every person knows the greatness that is Rich High School.
During the passing of our house the following conversation takes place:
"Dad, they almost crashed in front of our house."
"They almost crashed again"
"Dad, that car almost crashed in to our car."
In response, Dad says, "That is why you will not be allowed to go to the bonfire! Shelly, there were almost three accidents in front of our house. This is ridiculous!" I laughed my head off.
As a Cop, Christopher hated the "HONK-OUT"! He would get so mad that kids were allowed to hang out of the bus windows and scream, wave their arms and nearly fallout. Some kids even hung out the back emergency door. But no one would stop them. It's a tradition for heck sakes!
It has been the same every year we have lived here and it will continue on when our lovely rule following little girls enter Rich High. I am sure that before each of them go to their high school activities, their father will give the "Remember Who You Are" speech and then say "If I see you hanging out of the bus or rushing the bonfire there will be hell to pay!"

3 comments:

Ronda said...

That is hilarious! (I guess it is a good thing Chris comes home every night...) hahah

Erin said...

You should just buy that movie, Shelly haha I bet that honk out does get annoying when you live near it, luckily I don't hear much where I live. I bet you can wait till your girls are in high school.

Anelisa said...

This made me laugh so hard. I have often wondered what people who move into the community think of some of the traditions that we have here. I have to say though that I pretty much am with your hubby on this one. The honk out always scared me to death. Didn't hurt my feelings at all to see Kade watching the honk out from the window of our house this year. Does that make me a bad mother? Hahahahaha