Once upon a time, I told Justin that my 20-year high school reunion (more on that in another post) was taking place in New Jersey the week of his birthday and I really wanted to go. Not only did I want him to accompany me to the reunion, I didn’t want to leave him for his special day.
“Spend my birthday in New Jersey??? EEEEEEW,” was basically his response.
Given it was his big 4-0, I wanted to make as big of a deal as I could. If we stayed in New Mexico for his birthday, we would just be working. I couldn’t even take him out for a nice meal, since we live in the middle of nowhere.
I sweetened the deal for a trip to New Jersey as much as I could.
“I’ll throw you a birthday party with all your friends,” I tempted. “And, let’s go down to Atlantic City for a little getaway.” If only there was a From Good Home concert and he would have been immediately sold.
Thankfully, he took the bait and off to New Jersey we went last week.
The week started with a birthday party hosted at his buddy’s house. I’ve mentioned this on the blog before, but J attended a private high school in New Jersey (Seton Hall Prep). Most of us walk away with only a handful of good, lifelong friends from high school, but I am always amazed at the solid high school group of friends still in tact after 20+ years. The truth is, these guys can’t end their friendships because they have so much dirt on each other. Kidding (or truth) aside, they are good eggs and are present for each other. A few of these guys drove from several hours away to come out and celebrate (missed you Beef!).
The Seton Hall Prep family has grown considerably, as J’s friends are very prolific.
One of the boy’s daughters even shares a birthday with J!
Looks like a lot of fun! 20 year reunion! Mine is in 2018. I am still wondering where that 10 year one went…it feels like it was yesterday.