The Not-So-Quicknic

The other day we actually had some sunshine and semi-warm weather so to celebrate Papa Wes (John's dad) invited us on a Quicknic. What is a Quicknic you ask? Well, it is a lovely Newman Family Easter tradition they started several years ago. On Easter Sunday they pile in the car with an assortment of yummy food, blankets, tarps, hats, gloves and big coats for a picnic somewhere along the Seward Highway. So why the hats, gloves, big coats, and the name Quicknic? Well because April in Alaska is not springtime, it's cold, and if Easter happens to fall in March it's really cold. So the picnic turns from a leisurely outdoor eating experience into a race to set up the tarps, blankets, food, eat as fast as you can, then run back to the car to defrost and drive home. Sound like fun? Well it is, surprisingly fun and very very quick, hence the name Quicknic. Well, for our Quicknic the other day the boys and I made cookies for dessert and did not need to wear hats, gloves or big coats. Papa Wes and Gramea(John's mom) brought along some KFC for dinner and a blanket to sit on. There was no racing to and from the car, no frostbite, just a couple pesky mosquitoes. My boys played on the playground toys in between being pushed on the swings by uncle Andy. Then when we were finished eating and packing up our stuff I looked at my watch and found that we had been there for almost a hour and a half! Crazy. In fact I think that our little Quicknic just might have... maybe... qualified as a genuine picnic. Good times!