103!

I remember my two, very old-looking bubbies from childhood.

They were probably in their 80's but looked ancient, spoke no English, and  sat in their chairs all day. 

Rita is nothing like them.

Today we are celebrating her 103rd birthday. And, this isn't even her first celebration of the week. Rita has the energy and style of someone much younger, and is always up for getting together with her large and growing family (2 children, 5 grandkids and their spouses, and 11 wild and wonderful great-grandchildren). 

I meet Alexander at 10:30 for the train up to White Plains. Somehow I must have read the schedule wrong, and we end up having to change trains in Harlem and wait an extra 12 minutes (it could have been much worse). 

We arrive exactly on time. 

And like all our big family events, we attempt a memorable group photo. 

It's a large, boisterous group with a bunch of adorable kids (and still missing are Lily in California and Chloe and Isabel at camp).

My son (though reluctantly) even allows me to take a photo of him

It's a beautiful day for a beautiful woman.

She is well-deserving of the Birthday Queen crown she wears. She is our family royalty.