Mike and Havi Are Engaged! 2015

Mike proposed to Havi on 12/12 at 12:12. Unbeknownst to her, he had already planned an engagement party a month in advance. He set up a photographer to capture the proposal, they took pictures, celebrated, he sent her for a manicure so she could properly show off the ring, then they got ready to go out. He invited both their families and closest friends to wait at The Half Pint to surprise her.

Proposing!

Going through the beautiful Washington Square Park on the way to The Half Pint

It's totally unanimous that we all adore Havi, think she's awesome, and we're so psyched to have her be part of our family. Our household has been referring to her as Aunt Havi since we met her this summer. I mean, the woman was wearing Pacman earrings. Need we say more? And not just because we're biased but Mike is pretty great too. 

Entering the party and being surpised!!

YAY!

Beautiful women: Havi and her friends

Mike's parents, George and Fran

Cape Cod buddy Tim!

Here are some things I heard people say over and over all night: "Mike is a really great guy." Translation: He's the real deal down to his toes. "He really surprised us by pulling all this romantic planning off." Translation: He must really love her like crazy. "We love Havi." Translation: "She's smart, fun, gorgeous, and down to earth. We love her like crazy too."

Cousins!!

My party buddies and cousins-in-law-in-law Caitlin and Amanda

Mike's dad George making a toast to Mike and Havi. 

Cheers to an awesome couple!

Michele Visits NYC 2012

It's not clear whether Michele missed New York more or New York missed Michele more (probably the latter) but she decided to catch a train up to visit for a few days. I saw her the day she arrived, and though I would have liked to see her another one of the days, I was still in recovery some days later. I've mentioned this before but I'm old and my toddler like to get up at 4:30 AM or worse, and that makes for really poor recoveries from fun night out. But it was worth it!

I met Michele at Penn Station where the Christmas decorations and the armed guards were out in full force. Christmas is strange in New York.  From there we went to a wine bar in the West Village, and shared a huge bottle of wine with her friend Yael.

At Gusto Ristorante with Michele and Yael 

Afterwards, we met with Kirsten, and went for a late dinner at the Meatball Shop. It is so delicious. All of it. I had the classic meatballs and the buffalo chicken meatballs with polenta. Then we decided we needed ice cream sandwiches too. Yael and I shared an espresso ice cream on one snickerdoodle cookie and one brownie cookie. It tasted like a Momofuku compost cookie but a million times better if such a thing is imaginable.

 

Kirsten, me, Yael, and Michele at The Meatball Shop!

Oh yeah, and we had more wine at the meatball shop. All of that wine resulted in these super self-portraits in front of Yael's Christmas tree. Which is fitting, because Michele visiting is one of the best Christmas presents!

Holiday love