Big day today.

Flying to Atlantic City today for a *small* family reunion, where the clan is gathering to see my niece compete in the in the Miss America pageant this Sunday night.

And my 84-year-old mom is making the trip as well!

I know there are some folks that say the Miss America pageant is long past its expiration date, but looking through the Facebook posts, my niece is having the time of her life — a small-town kid made to feel special for a couple weeks.

She really does fit the definition of “good kid,” and she’s got her head on straight (far more than I did when I was her age — or, um, even now!).

And she’s following in her big sister’s footsteps and is going to be a nurse.

So maybe we ask the Lizards to think good thoughts; it’s my understanding that if she finishes in the top 5, her education will be paid for, which is no small thing these days.