celebrating michael

My exceptionally wonderful nephew Michael is turning 40 and my sister and brother-in-law are hosting a small gathering. Just family at Val and Abbey's Country Club.

It doesn't happen often enough that our entire family gets together, and with everyone's schedule it's not easy. Michael and his family are in from California, and Jean and Jim drive up from the Cape. Yet we are still missing seven people (including four young kids). 

The seven kids who are here are all adorable, rambunctious and wild (three of them are two or almost two), and they follow their older cousins around with awe.

Alexander and I take the train up to Rye. We probably could have dressed more casually. (And after seeing these pictures, I may never where a scarf again).

Rita, the grand matriarch at almost 103, is present in every way. She has every reason to be proud of the family she's created.

My sister makes everything look effortless, but she never misses a single detail. 

Michael, like his brothers, is self-effacing. It therefore makes it kind of funny that his gorgeous face, at different stages of his life, is everywhere. In framed photos on the two tables. And on the cupcake desserts. He is even edible.

My three nephews are now all married and have families. 

They have always been warm, accomplished, funny and handsome. So it's not surprising that they married like-women. And fathered like-kids.

It's great to be able to celebrate Michael.

Because it has rained, the kids make the golf course their playground. We watch them naturally divide into two groups. The boys endlessly knocking each other over, while the girls practice cartwheels. 

It's the perfect end to the day.