Monica's Birthday at Harry's

Our family is always fun, there’s no doubt about that. Monica’s birthday dinner at Harry’s seemed to take that seriously, because everyone seemed to enjoy him/herself on Saturday night.

26 people showed up: Monica, Renee, Chris, Raquel, Ryan, Alexiana, Esther (Chris’ Mom), Henry (Chris’ Dad), Robert, Gramma Connie, Linda, Manuel, Carmen, Eric, Lil Eric, Mija, Lizzy, Cindy Cook, Martin, Ty, Marina, Dolly, Bill, Marisa, Michelle, and I.

Here’s a few pictures in the Photo Album.

For those who didn’t go, here’s a few notable quotes from that night:

• --Singapore Slings for Linda, Manuel and Robert. As Robert said, “In honor of my godmother, Mija.” If you haven’t heard that story, ask someone. I’m not gonna put it up here…

• --First people (Monica and I) got to Harry’s at 5pm sharp. Folks were streaming in for the next 35 minutes. But the last group didn’t get there until just after 6. Everyone was wearing a watch. Maybe they’re just for looks, ‘cuz we all know how to tell time, right?

• --Gramma Connie likes to talk. But more than that, she just wants to know what’s going on. She was seated in the middle of the long table, where tradition says important people should sit (the ‘head of the table’ is a weird American thing the means you only have 2 people to talk to instead of 5 as you would in the middle). Thing is, she couldn’t hear the conversations at either end of the table.

• She was kinda pissed. So Renee commiserated, “I know, Gramma [I feel your pain]! See what happens when you have 13 kids and try to go to dinner with 50 people?!” We need to get a table shaped like a donut and put Gramma in a swivel chair in the middle so she can swing around and be part of EVERY conversation.

• --Monica had 2 glasses of wine. Folks asked her if she had brought a designated driver. She thought for a second and said, “Well, I brought David, so…. Never mind. I guess not.” Salene mentioned this in a comment to the post titled ‘Harry’s It Is’ by saying I needed to get my license so my Aunties could have a good time and still get home safely. I’m still laughing.

• --Carmen wanted to pay her bill, and she was asking for the ticket. Someone answered, “Hold on. They’re passing it around.” And Carmen said with excitement, “Oh! What are they passing around?!” Trying to hold back laughter, Renee said, “A joint.” Dolly threw in, “A mirror and a straw.” We love our Aunties, don’t we, Cousins?