Bat Mitzvah!

Friday January 16, 2009
Woke up at 5am, took the shuttle to the airport, and flew to Philadelphia, PA. I arrived at 5pm, rented a car, and drove straight to New Jersey. When I got there, I met up with my aunt and uncle. We quickly discovered that New Providence is one of TWO dry towns in NJ, and the only liquor store was about to close, so I rushed off to buy some wine, then picked my parents up from the Synagogue.

Saturday January 17, 2009
Ate breakfast and got ready to go to the Synagogue. Took family photos before the ceremony. Here are the twins, Allison & Joanna:

Here is my family with the girls (From L to R: My mom aka Teresa, my dad aka Grandpa, Allison, Joanna, and Me):

Here is the WHOLE family... I'll try to explain relationships as best I can (Top Row: Peter 2 (my brother, Twin's dad), Jenny (my sister, Twin's aunt), Jesus (Jenny's boyfriend), Jeanette (Twin's Grandma on their mom's side), Fred (Twin's Grandpa on their mom's side), Ed (Twin's Uncle), Lisa (Twin's mom). Bottom Row: Teresa (my mom, Twin's step-grandma), Peter (my dad, Twin's grandpa on dad's side), Me (Twin's aunt), Allison (Twin), Joanna (Twin), Lois (Twin's grandma on their dad's side, my dad's ex-wife).

The ceremony was beautiful, and I am really proud of the girls. They did a great job! I think my favorite part is when their parents got to say some words to them, in front of everyone about how proud they are of them, and be able to tell them what they see in each of them. It made me cry. Then, the big party was great and they had dancers and a smoothie bar all kinds of stuff. Having been on the kid side before, I really appreciated the space that was left for the adults and the separation, but the DJ did a good job of including everyone. From an events standpoint, I have never seen 1/2 of the party be banquet tables with buffet and 1/2 round tables, served food, but it ended up being perfect!

After the party, we went back to the hotel to change clothes, then went over to the Twin's house and watched them open presents. Lots of jewelry and LOTS of money. I don't think I've ever seen so much cash or checks! I gave them Star of David necklaces from Tiffany's and was very nervous that they would get those from other people, but they ended up being the only Star of Davids so I was relieved, and I think they liked them! Yay