Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah Weekend

We had a great weekend in NJ celebrating Rachel's Bat Mitzvah. She did an AMAZING job – in everything she did. Her chanting, her delivery, her speech, and the grace and maturity with which she did it all. We are so proud of her. I will upload some pics tomorrow – way too tired tonight – but am including a few from Tequila below.

We enjoyed the ride with Emily on Friday. It took a long time, so we were late for the pre-service dinner at Jonathan and Liz's. But we eventually made it, and we picked up Daddy at the train station in Montclair en route, so that worked out well. The service had a drumming component to it (!) which the girls enjoyed.

Then we went back to Jonathan and Liz's for some birthday cake for Rachel. Cake Boss cake from Carlo's!

Saturday morning was the service. Rachel did an amazing job. The girls closed the ark, which they enjoyed. It was the end of a long service, though, and they were restless. Slight meltdown at the synagogue but it wasn't bad.

In the afternoon, we drove to Hoboken and visited Carlo's bakery. We got to go back to the kitchen, where they make the cakes, which was amazing. So much fun. (Pics coming). Then it was a late lunch on the Hoboken green overlooking Manhattan.

Back to the hotel to get dolled up for the pictures and reception. It was a long night but the girls hung in there. They had a great time dancing and collecting all the glowing, neon, flashing things that the DJs were handing out. M was very sad because Daddy had to leave at 9PM to head to Afghanistan (ugh). She was crying for a while, but eventually came out of it and put on a smile. It was a late night – the girls wanted to wait for cake. We didn't get back to the hotel til 12:15 – very late.

Today, we went to Jonathan and Liz's for brunch and then headed home. Long drive, just the three of us – we got home at 5. Girls watched some movies – Ella Enchanted, Harriet the Spy and some Family Game Night episodes. (On Friday they watched Princess Diaries 2 and some Endurance episodes).

Tonight – unpacking, laundry, Peapod, dinner and bath. Exhausted.

Family we saw this weekend – Rachel, Liz, Sarah, Jonathan, Grandma Sandy, Nana and Grampy, Anni and Emily, Aunt Tequila, Aunt Jan and Paul, Michael and Kelly, and all of Liz's family. It was great to see everyone.