May Eleventh

My favorite day in 2019 was May 11th.

I woke up, put on my "I'm with Mama" t-shirt courtesy of Old Navy, and awaited for my mother to arrive. Harley's mom had come to visit the night before and was spending the entirety of Mother's Day weekend with us and the girls...and my mom was traveling to Rhode Island for an overnight on Saturday. This would be the first time the moms would meet. A monumental day in the life of a young couple.

Nancy had met my father and his wife the summer prior when she attended a family function in Windsor. She and her sister were invited to join my annual family reunion, and - surprisingly - was not scared of the motley crew that awaited them.

As I was getting myself ready for a low-key day at the Providence Children's Museum and lunch, Harley springs plans on me - big plans. Upon reading this blog, he'll argue that last sentence by saying, "I told you to tell your mom to wear something nice because we're having pictures taken", but, no, I had not been informed that a photographer had been booked to take photos of us, the girls and our mothers for Mother's Day. I thought he just meant that we'd take pictures because we would want to document the first time they met one another and the first time the girls would have two "grandmas" at their disposal at the same time in many years. Had I known about the true plans of that day, I would've showered (!) and not worn this super cozy and charming but totally ridiculous t-shirt.

Another miscommunication on my part brought my mom into town later than Harley was thinking she'd arrive so breakfast plans had to be changed on the fly. Instead of breakfast at Cracker Barrel, we attempted to order Dunkin via the app and simply drive through to pick it up, but the order wouldn't go through so a few of us went in to procure the overly complicated coffees, juice and munchkins. Once we completed our transaction, got back in the van, and troubleshooted a napkin supply situation, we made our way into Providence...in a minivan demo.

We got to the Providence Children's Museum around 11am and enjoyed ourselves. We saw every nook and cranny of that museum. Our mothers got acquainted. The girls met a new (totally annoying) "friend".

The weather was perfect so we sat outside as the girls played in dirt while my stomach was growling out of control. I looked at my phone and it was almost 3pm! I had only had a few munchkins for breakfast and that was several hours ago. I requested we head out soon, seeing as we'd been there for four hours...and, after much convincing, we finally hit the road...but not for long.

We drove the two blocks to Xaco Taco, which is a spot that we have frequented several times in the last few years because it has the best of the best - tacos, guacamole, chips & salsa, margaritas, service, decor. We love it.

The plan was that we'd have a late lunch and then meet up with the photographer for some pictures in the late afternoon Rhode Island sunshine.

Harley dropped the five ladies off at the door before parking the van, and we made our way into the restaurant when I was met by a familiar face. My former colleague turned very good friend was in the lobby at the front door. He lives in Providence so this wasn't totally suspicious, but I rarely run into anyone I know anywhere so it was a fun surprise to see him. We took a selfie right there in the lobby.

I introduced Kevin to my mom (to whom he was already connected on Facebook) and to Nancy. He explained that he was at Xaco for a fundraiser for his dog's veterinarian. The fundraiser included a piñata and you had to pay $5.00 per swing. How thematic. My mom immediately started fishing in her purse for dollar bills.

Harley met us in the lobby and we made our way to this piñata party. Did I mention that I'm blindfolded? Yeah....

So, I'm being led by Kevin though this restaurant with an apron over my eyes, holding a broom stick in hand. As I'm walking something within me gets triggered and it dawns on me how truly bizarre this scenario is. I clinged onto Kevin's arm more tightly.

We get into a back room and it's dead silent; I think "not many funds will be raised from this dud of a party". He explained that the piñata hasn't even been raised yet and it's not ready for me...so the apron came off.

I saw a room full of people...and not just any people. Familiar faces. Very familiar faces. Well, very familiar faces hidden by cell phone cameras.

• My brother from Maryland.
• My dad and stepmom from Florida.
• Some of my best friends from Massachusetts.
• Family friends from Connecticut.
• Our ride or die Rhode Island crew.
• Harley on his knee.

Oh Lord. It's happening and my most favorite people are here for it.