hanna leess, cum laude

Where have I been? Oh, just up in Boston, celebrating my little sister Hanna's graduation from Lesley College. With Honors. That's what I'm talkin' bout, Hannie Bop.

Turns out Boston is quite the little charmer. While graduation day was chilly and wet, we warmed it right back up with a near-perfect bite and Gruner Veltliner sip at City Girl Cafe (their egg salad is bonkers) which was followed up by a satisfyingly spicy haute-Mexican feast at Cambridge's Olé (Graduation girl's choice. Big sister's B&G Oysters reservations got nixed. Hmph.) and ended with the most mind-blowing flan experience I've ever encountered. And the following day could not have been lovelier. So we strolled around the North End along the water, made a quick stop at the Paul Revere house (Mom's insistence. We obliged.), watched sailboats come in and out of the harbor, and fit in an al fresco Italian lunch filled with carpaccio and carbonara at Trattoria il Panino.

And since I didn't get my oyster fix while I was there, I can assure you, Boston, I'll be back. And soon.

Hanna, as you've heard many times already (as evidenced by the non-stop waterworks from yours truly; emotion overload), and you'll hear many times more, we could not be more proud of you and your beyond admirable accomplishments. And we can't wait to see what other wonderful contributions you're going to unleash in your limitless future. World, watch out. And I really, really mean that. She's a fiesty one--and gushing with talent.

Did I mention she graduated with Honors?