Celebrate!

I recently wrote of an embarassment of riches; they have begun.

Amy and Sara hosted a spectacular family dinner party at a local "high falutin" restaurant.

Sara's Johnny C. made his first solo trip to the hills of New Milford to attend this gala event.

Julie and Kirk trusted their kids with someone who has absolutely no P*kri**ak, Gu*ste*l*, or O*if pedigree, so they wouldn't miss the festivities. (I'm sure the babysitter was fully qualified.)

Amy, on the heels of a dreadful travel day that encompassed more than 12 hours of flight and airport time, and several hours of the chaos that is the family P*kri*ch*k, was ready to par-tay.

Sara, after walking a yard in Julie's shoes by having Miles for a sleepover, was ready to return to the lifestyle to which she has become accustomed; snapping her fingers for meals and beverages.

The evening started with a bottle of champagne; the west coast city by the bay has given Amy an appreciation for the better things in life. Numerous cocktails and appetizers followed. For dinner, I had a scrumptious Chilean Sea Bass and a generous portion of Amy's lamb Chops.

Coffee, dessert, after dinner drinks; the whole nine yards.

But, anyone in attendance knows the meal was overshadowed by the numerous toasts Amy provided, in recognition of Mother's and Father's Days, our retirements, and our anniversary.

(Sara and Julie graciously and, with some relief, acquiesed center stage to their sister.)

Speaking from the heart, and armed with the Celene Dion songbook, Amy accurately and poignantly reflected on her Mother's virtues as a parent. Humbly, I suggest Amy flexed her gifts for exaggeration while flattering her Dad.

I laughed.

I cried.

Thanks to all who attended for the best anniversary I have ever had. You are all blogworthy.

A special thanks to Amy & Sara for picking up the bill. (Sorry to disappoint by not fighting you for the check. Those days are gone. Hello retirement budget.)