Our First Bar Mitzvah

Amy, Joya, Kendall and ME

Paul, our host for the evening (on the chair)

Justin & Kendall getting down!

Kendall LOVES dancing with her daddy

The gentleman in the red bowtie is dad to the two boys who were

bar mitzvah-ed. His wife looked lovely, but we didn't seem to catch

her in any photos.

Justin and classmate, Owen, began dancing right away

and pretty much never stopped!

Keith with Jahad, Mal and Rick; poker buddies.

The boys of honor, Bradley and Eric. Hard to see

but behind them are several elaborate kinex creations

they have built over the years.

Kendall and Ava going into the party

Owen and Justin heading into the party.

Saturday was action packed with the Palonsky family having invited us to their twin 13 year old boys' Bar Mitzvah. The day started with a two hour church service. Let me preface this by saying, I've heard about bar mitzvah's all my life, have never been to one and have been quite curious as to what they were like. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the two hour service. Yes, I did! It was so full of tradition and rituals...just so cool. Even though it was at least 50% in Hebrew, I could tell the exact moment the boys became "officially" men in the Jewish faith, I was watching their mom's face and it changed right at that moment, full of such pride and emotion. I was also very impressed with how much preparation and work went into this on the part of the boys...they had memorized tons of Hebrew and had been working on this for more than a year. (Since kindgergarten actually, but preparing for this day for more than a year).

After the service, the family served snacks in the back of the church and we were able to meet lots of the Palonsky's extended family members who had travelled from near and far. Many families from our neighborhood were in attendance as well and we excitedly talked about the party to follow that night. The Palonsky's know how to throw a party, and one of this magnitude was sure to be one not soon forgotten. We headed home for a day of relaxation mixed in with a few chores before getting dressed up for the big night.

Justin had his first pair of dress slacks, and very first sport coat for the evening and a new pair of dress shoes. Our church is casual, so he only owned crocs and tennis shoes until Friday night.

He looked so handsome, dressed almost identical to his daddy. Kendall wore her dressiest dress and had a new pair of dress shoes as well, and a new bow for her hair. They felt good, you could tell they knew they looked smashing!

The party was amazing. They went all out. It was held at a local country club, complete with a party planner, deejay, seperate room for the kids who were thoroughly entertained with games, dancing and their very own kid buffet. The adults were in an adjoining room completely accessible to the kids room. We started off in a bar area for drinks and appetizers, then were seated in a large dining room for a full sit down dinner. Afterward, there was plently of dancing, a slide show, a "lighting of the candles" and then birthday cake. (It also happened to be the boys 13th birthday).

We left at 11pm completely worn out- the kids begged not to have to take a shower OR brush their teeth, that they were way too tired. Against my better judgement, I agreed to let them skip both (showers weren't necessary, but no teeth brushing???) and they happily fell asleep immediately upon stepping into their jammies. I was putting clothing away and noticed as I picked up Justin's new sports coat, that it was damp with sweat inside! He boogied down all night long, but wouldn't take off his jacket, I suspect because he felt so doggone handsome in it. My (secret) plan was to return it after the evening, thinking he'd never have a use for it again before he outgrows it....but he loves it so much, I don't think I have the heart to take it back.

Not to mention how it would be much more honest to keep it! He already has plans to wear it to school one day :-)