Well, it was a combined birthday again. The earliest that we could get everyone together to celebrate Sophia's 4th birthday (May 1st) and Erica's 36th birthday (May 11) was on May 6, right in the middle between the two birthday girls. Of course, we had to have a "cake" for each of the birthday girls. The pie on the left was a cream cheese pie topped with Key Lime frosting -- Erica's favorite! It was bought at Kneader's Bakery. The bundt cake on the right was homemade by Andrew and was delicious. He even put some brandy in the mix giving it an extra flavor.
Initially we were planning a pot-luck dinner at my place but after going back and forth for a few days, Cynthia finally made an executive decision and made a reservation at Luce Ristorante E Enoteca, a nice little Italian restaurant off of Huebner Road. It turned out to be a good choice. The food was delicous and the drinks kept everyone loose and happy! Sylvia started off with a Pina Colada and I had my first of two cucumber martinis.
We started off with a variety of appetizers including: meatballs, ribs, Golden Fried Italian Rice Balls with Reggiano Parmigiano in Bolognese Sauce and of course, pepperoni pizza for the "kids". I put "kids" in quotes because most of the adults ate the pizza also (I admit, I snuck 3 slices before it was all over. In my defense, the crust was very thin!!!).
Pictured above is Sylvia and me. She ordered her favorite soup, Pasta e Fagioli! By the time the main meals came, we were well on our way to being full. My eggplant parmigiana was delicious.
But as usual, our eyes were bigger than our stomachs and it was more food than we could eat. We had to take much of it home in doggie bags. But it was just as enjoyable the next day!
But as usual, our eyes were bigger than our stomachs and it was more food than we could eat. We had to take much of it home in doggie bags. But it was just as enjoyable the next day!
The picture to the left was a great group picture taken as a selfie by Erica as we left the restaurant!
Then it was home for the cake and presents!
Above, the birthday girls waiting in anticipation!
I do want to mention that prior to singing "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to the girls and opening presents, we had a game of darts with a dramatic ending by Jordan. I was way ahead of everyone and on my way to winning, when Jordan, who was way behind needing 90 points suddenly cheated or something.... not sure exactly what happened!!! I was even making fun of her saying, "Remember when Jordan use to be good at this." When out of the blue -- she hit a bullseye for 50 points and then a double 20 for 40 more points to win the game! Like I said, cheating or something!
Cynthia, Kevin and Jordan take a "family pic" during the evening. Erica seen with one of her gifts and surprisingly a comparison photo of a similar hat that she purchased in Cape Cod in 2004 showing that very little has changed over the last 20 years!
I am ending with the picture to the left. Erica said, "Dad, look at this picture." I took a cursory look at it and said, "That looks like a good picture..." Apparently, I didn't take a good look at it since Stella had this "Chucky-like" expression on her face and Erica looked half-asleep. So when I said, "good picture", Erica burst out laughing and showed everyone what I thought was a good picture. Once I put my glasses on, I could see what she was talking about but since it gave everyone a good laugh, I just had to include it. I refer to it as "Erica & Chucky!" Am I right or am I right! But it was another great night of family fun.