A Big CNY Weekend of Celebrations, But Sadly I'm In Connecticut and Can't Be There For the Love

 Yesterday, Brother-in-law Mike celebrated another fantastic birthday and today it is his big-mouthed, but very much loved, daughter's day to turn another year older. In addition, it is my parents' 51st wedding anniversary and after last year's much deserved celebration, it appears that this year is much more subdued.

I'm a terrible son, brother-in-law, and uncle and wasn't able to make it to central New York to partake in the Syracuse celebrations. Even so, Chitunga and I were with them (are with them) in spirit. We are lifting a beer or two in celebration of them and all they contribute to our worlds.

I guess I never realized (well, put two and two together) that Cynde went into labor with Nikki on Mike's birthday, only to deliver a boisterous, hilarious, opinionated, and beautiful daughter on the same day as my parents celebrated their nuptials. For the first time, I'm realizing why it is that Mike and Nikki have such similar personalities...not only is it genetic, but it's also part of their zodiac. Poor mom and dad have had to battle that for a solid 20+ years now. It's all about Mike...no Nikki...no Mike...no Nikki..no Mike...no Nikki...no Mike..no Nikki...no Mike.

Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike 
Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike 

Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike
Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike 
Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike 
Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike 
Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike.

I love them all and I know that I'm a better human being because of all they've contributed to my world. Time sure does fly so we must be having a grande ol' time. Here's to my parents, to Nikki, and to Mike (I haven't received any pictures of new puppies, unfortunately) and their incredible festival of who they are together. A lot of Crandall-Isgar punch is packed into a tight 48 hours. I hope they all had time to spend in one another's company.

Happy Birthdays! Happy Anniversary!