Mike's (aka Jason) and Rita's 4th Annual Beer, Bags and BBQ

First of all, I just want to thank Mike and Rita for the invitation to this very impressive event. In my wildest dreams I just couldn't imagine anything like the fun and food that was found at their home on Saturday. About 60-70 of their close and personal friends and family got to experience that day, and some had attended all four years. Some, like Anthony and I, were experiencing it for the first time.

Let's get on with the good stuff. First of all, let's talk about the time it took to make all the deliciousness. Mike and Rita started mid-week getting the meat prepared and they pretty much stayed on it continually, smoking, soaking, pulling, basting, etc., etc., etc. 

They had prepared brisket, turkey legs, pulled pork, pulled chicken and ribs along with every side that went great with this meal. We both loved everything that we put in our mouths. And it's making my mouth water sitting here writing about it:)

Then at about 4:00 pm, the Corn Hole Tournament ensued and you could definitely pick out the rookies (us) and the pros (everyone else).  Marcus, Rita's son, and his partner, who wasn't able to attend, were the winners for the last two years, so Mike stepped in to partner up with Marcus. It was double elimination, so Anthony and I had to live through not one, but two humiliating games in which we made our opponents feel pretty good about themselves. Our first match was about the quickest game ever, and we lost with only three points to our names to their 21. Our second match wasn't much better. Our first opponents went on to the finals where they ended up going against Marcus and Jason. 

(Dianne, Anthony's sister is in top left pic, her husband Charles at top right, and Mike bottom left. Check out their fine Corn Hole throwing form.)

Marcus and Mike came through in the end for the win!!!!!

Mike actually makes all the trophies, so how great is it to be able to engrave his name, along with Marcus', and keep one for himself.

I also want to introduce you to Rita, who remained calm through all the fixing, all the preparing, and all the everything else that comes along with hosting this many people at her home. She is amazing and a perfect complement to Mike. 

The Corn Hole tournament lasted until about 8:30, and Anthony and I decided to call it a day and go find ourselves a quiet place to camp for the night.  

Thank you again, Rita and Mike, for an amazing day:)

As a side note, Mike, who is also known to the Alabama and Tennessee relatives as Jason, started going by Mike in Minnesota. He is our nephew who wins the trophy for living the furthest away, as far as nephews and nieces are concerned, and gave us an opportunity to visit Minnesota for the first time. He has also catered several big events and if he ever decides to quit his regular job, that he should definitely give this a go.