3/26/04 Natalie comes to Manhorhaven to meet my Mama:

So, today it was planned that Natalie would come back to Manorhaven to meet my mother. This means (in most Jewish social norms) that I think this girl is a keeper. And I do. And I want to begin to show her my family, and show my family what she's like, and to see how it all goes. And it went smashingly.

Mommy got excited and planned a lovely cheese and wine sit-down in the living room, which is far more formal than we usually are at home. But it seemed appropriate for the occasion. Then we were to go to Romantico for dinner in town... a lovely Italian restaurant.

Peter was there too!

Mom with her new thick-rimmed glasses, which I actually really like (on her AND me).

Body Language in the above photo: Natalie was definitely nervous and a little quieter than I know her to be, but such is to be expected. Peter, on the other hand, is an oasis of calm, to the point where he's reading a book. :)

Mom demonstrates that a large assortment of absolutely gorgeous flowers arrived, mysteriously, and that they are from Daddy, and that daddy said there's a story behind them but he's not told her yet. (Turns out he won them in a recent prize lottery at some event he attended. They were really something!)

We leave the living room, and adjourn to the restaurant.

Carpaccio.

The waiter took two photos of all of us at the table, and I really can't decide which one's better, so I post them both for the sake of letting anyone decide for themselves.

This place has the BEST cannoli!!!!

Peter eats Mango Sorbet out of a Mango.

We all had a really, really good time, and I was pleased. This was a precursor to the Passover coming up at which Natalie will meet the "family." :) After tonight, I have no doubts about it going well.