Yesterday Kevin, Matt, and I traveled to New Jersey to meet up with Tyler and Mary (his fiance) at her Aunt Eileen’s house for an engagement party. It was the first opportunity for the Mullens and the McCartys to meet, and I hope it won’t be the last. What a hoot! I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard at a family gathering, and rarely have I met such fun, witty people (all in one family!!!). And they have this antique ledger that they keep, and at every family gathering it comes out and their father starts by signing it and writing something about current events, then everyone there writes something. I paged through it and saw an entry celebrating Mary’s first birthday (complete with footprint). I think I was told there are four of these books now, and they go back to the ’20s. All kinds of stories and family history are recorded in its pages. What an excellent idea! My family never did much that involved any kind of tradition, but the Mullens are full of incredible stories and I found myself a little envious. But they welcomed us in and made us feel right at home, and I must say I’m looking forward to any future gatherings. I think I shall have to take a recording device along :)

Next to no writing done yesterday as a result, but oh well. I am anxious to finish it, though, because I want to find out how it ends, lol.