Situated in the center of the city, Centennial Park in Moncton, New Brunswick is a 230 acre playground for all ages. We took advantage of one of the free, sheltered picnic areas for a family reunion this evening and we couldn’t have found a better spot. At covered picnic tables, surrounded by an umbrella of trees, we enjoyed a local dream-come-true feast for any East Coaster.
The covered area was large enough to host 30 people and we didn’t need to worry about the weather. We did have a family member arrive early to hold the spot, but it was well-worth it. Imagine how much you’d normally pay for a party area large enough to hold a family reunion; yet at Centennial Park it was free.
Athena loved the wide-open spaces and had her first game of baseball or more accurately defined as Athena throw the ball and Mommy chase after it… and Athena.
After a few hours of ball and chase, we dug in to our dinner. It wouldn’t be the east coast without lobster and beer. I’m not much of a drinker, but I couldn’t claim to be a Maritimer without having a Keith’s or knowing my way around a lobster.
The bibs were an obvious necessity, but the hat was just for show. Athena used it as an invisible shield and she disappeared at least 20 times before wearing herself out.
While Athena napped, I went to work on the lobster. I may be a little out of practice, but I quickly cracked the claws with the crackers and positioned my fingers perfectly around the tail to break it without hurting my hands.
I couldn’t bring myself to eat the body. My father-in-law, however, doesn’t let anything go to waste. I watched in awe as he cleaned the lobster of every piece of available meat and some things that I’m not even certain are edible.
We didn’t need an expensive, rented hall or a catered event for our family reunion. Friends and family around a picnic table enjoying lobster and beer is my idea of home. Moncton is littered with gems throughout the city that offer a retreat from the norm. Tomorrow we’re heading to Cape Enrage for rappelling and ziplining as the Carter family reunion continues.
*This journey was made possible with help from Tourism New Brunswick, and some awesome photos from my sister-in-law, Sara; however, as you probably know by now, all opinions & thoughts are my own.*
Lobster and beer is definitely all one needs to enjoy the company of family. Cheers!
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Centennial park is quite nice. Glad you are enjoying some time in this part of the world. Have fun in Cap Enragé.
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Ah, it makes me miss home! I grew up in Miramichi… Summer lobster feasts are a must every time I visit my family in the summer! The Maritimes are a special place, indeed!
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As much as I love lobster, that precious lil cutie pie is adorable! I might would give up my lobster for her…lol. my girls are grown…sadly I don’t hardly remember them being that little. SAVOR these times. She is just beautiful. Take LOTS and LOTS of pictures. Great times with family!
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Am hungry!
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That looked like my kind of reunion.
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Lobstah! That’s what I miss most about home… Boston. Looks like a fun day!
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*drool* That looks so yummy (and fun). 😉
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I’ve never really had a family reunion. They sound like such a great time!
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I have nominated you for the versatile bloggers award. Keep up the great posts!
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Oh man, seeing that Keith’s makes me homesick….and thirsty.
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You brought back some wonderful memories just by writing Moncton thanks so much for your piece. I spent over 2 weeks in a river a famous one at that not far from there.
Enjoy Aug.
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I love out-of-doors family reunions and others. Anytime outside (in the shade) is fine. The Keith and lobster make me pine for a picnic, but we wouldn’t be having lobster. You lucky duck. Gosh you baby is growing fast. What a doll.
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That sounds like the perfect family reunion! Now I want lobster and beer…
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Family reunions should always include a lobster boil or as we do down here on Cape Cod – a clam and lobster bake! Looks like a great time was had by all!
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What a great time! Y’all look so happy and so into some lobster! I’ve never had that. It looks intriguing my friends. XOXO – Bacon
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Lobster is still on my Bucket List- today I nearly got the chance… but then not enough money. But one day soon I will have a lobster…
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Lobster, Keith’s and family…doesn’t get any better!
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Just returned from visiting my family in Truro, Nova Scotia and indulged in lobster as often as I could. Your family feast looked delightful, which you clearly enjoyed.
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Yummy yum!
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Now I’m really HUNGRY!
O you are a devil with a lobster mess!
YUM.
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Hi! I just nominated you for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award! Check it out here:
http://jibberyjab.wordpress.com/2013/08/04/very-inspiring-blog-award/
Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
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This made me SO HUNGRY. haha
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What a great picture of your father-in-law, amazing face! It looks like you all had a good time!
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