Family Celebration

My brother Brian and his family are en route to their new abode in a locale that's deliciously warm and tropical. They will be in our area for a few weeks, and we are so excited to have them here. Lauren is particularly thrilled to have the undivided attention of boy cousins Ryan and Daniel.

We celebrated Fathers' Day and Brian's birthday with our usual spread of bagels, lox, corned beef, chopped liver - oh, you know, all the typical Jewish deli stuff. Then we worked it all off in the pool.

Lauren laughed and played nonstop the entire day. One of her favorite moments was dressing her cousins up. Did I mention how tolerant these wonderful boys are?


Her second favorite moment? Helping Mommy bake a birthday cake for Brian, and personally decorating it with as many of her figurines as she could possibly fit on top.

We're sure Brian has never received another cake like it (at least we hope not).

Singing a hearty version of Happy Birthday:


Of course, my loving brother wanted to ensure a proper sugar rush that would peak and crash shortly after his departure by funneling the frosting-covered figurines into her waiting hands and mouth. Thanks Bri.


The entire clan in a food coma post-meal:


Some parting shots: