Jordyn's Naming and Happy Fathers Day

So much for my “I will update the blog more often” pledge. It’s nearly July 4th weekend, and I have not yet posted about Father’s day. So here goes... Unfortunately, David had to work and study for his upcoming PMP exam (which he has since PASSED!!!!) so he stayed in Maryland for the weekend.

I however, drove up to New York on Saturday morning to attend the naming of Kevin and Andrea’s daughter, Jordyn. It was held at Andrea’s parents’ temple, Congregation Sons of Israel in Nyack. It is a traditional, fully egalitarian, Conservative synagogue lead by Rabbi Joshua Gruenberg who actually married Kevin and Andrea a few years ago. It’s evident that he greatly enjoys what he does, and I really enjoyed the service. Rabbi Gruenberg spoke about how special it was for him to be a part of the growth of their Jewish family as Jordyn was given her Hebrew name, Avrahama Masha.



After the naming we went back to Andrea’s parents place for a little while. I was not able to stay for too long but it was especially great to see Amanda and Jamie. We are all saving the date for Jordy’s Bat Mitzvah in 2022!!


Kevin, Amanda and Jamie

That evening I went with Fran and Dov to Perth Amboy for a graduation party for Laura, the daughter of one of Dov’s coworkers. It was held at the Seabras Armory overlooking the Raritan Bay. Unfortunately, it was a rainy evening and we couldn’t walk around the waterfront, but it did not put a damper on the festivities. I got to catch up with several of Dov’s colleagues and everyone had a great time!


These graduation duckies were adorable!

After a loooong day, we returned home. I think I fell asleep about 30 seconds after crawling into bed once we got back to the house in Scotch Plains. And boy did I need it- I snoozed until after 9 on Sunday! In the morning, I called my grandfathers and wished them a Happy Fathers’ Day and I also wished all of my friends who are new dads a great day as well.



My dad, Leslie and Ilan showed up around 11:30 and we had a very nice afternoon. Our father’s day gifts were (I think) enjoyed. Dov got BBQ supplies- maple and oak grilling planks and mesquite woodchips for smoking. My dad got an ecosphere- a self-contained and self-sustaining miniature ecosystem.







For lunch, Fran and Dov had prepared yummy friend plantains, two types of smoked salmon, a delicious ceviche, as well as Fran’s famous potato salad. They brought in ‘Sloppy Joe’ sandwiches from a local deli and we ate, relaxed and had a great afternoon.


plantains getting fried-- delicious!




Dov + BBQ = A Happy Man


yum!


Sloppy Joes.... man, they are BIG.

Stuffed and sad to leave, I hit the road a short time later for my trip back to Maryland. My drive was uneventful (except for a real jerk that liked to tailgate /cause trouble who eventually got pulled over) and I made it home for dinner with David. Not that I was hungry at all after that amazing lunch but it was good to be home!