Anniversaries

Dave and I will be celebrating our 9th anniversary next week. No, we didn't decide to go have a couple photo session, this picture was taken when we were in Florida a couple of weeks ago, celebrating another special anniversary.



Fifty years ago, two marvelous people wed in the lovely Pensacola, Florida area. There they raised 8 fabulous children (my charming husband, included). FIFTY YEARS! Seriously, how momentous is that?! Dave's parents spent their actual anniversary date on the beaches of Hawaii. Little did they know that a family extravaganza was planned to share in the happiness! All 8 kids gathered (which in and of itself is a big deal-8 kids spread across 7 different states) and some of their spouses, a few of the grandkids joined in the fun. All the prep work and arrival of each family member was done without my in-laws ever suspecting. We mostly all stayed in hotels on the beach -no complaints here :)! They went out to dinner to celebrate another anniversary-that of their lovely daughter Anna, and her husband Curt. (This really was just a cover story, but Anna and Curt's anniversary was close enough to the date, they fell for it!) They arrived at the restaurant, were brought into a room filled with those they loved the most and it was a touching moment none of us will ever forget. The shock was apparent, the emotions were high, the smiles and laughs were plentiful and it was a marvelous time. Every detail was attended to-flowers, party favors, champagne (non-alcoholic, of course!), gifts, presentations, a toast, a professional wedding cake. It went off without a flaw. The next day we held a luau in their house, in honor of their romantic getaway. Because the events where all 8 siblings and parents get together have been at funerals or never, the kids took the opportunity to fulfill their mother's dream and get professional photos done. Here is everyone: Carl and Catherine, Anna, Serena, Amy, Brent, David, Brian, Dean and Russell. I can only hope that in 41 years, when Dave and I hit our 50th, we will have evolved into a couple like his parents: committed, completely in love, graceful, respectful, happy and shining beacons to all who they come into contact.





Meanwhile, back at the farm, my mom tried to keep the kids out of trouble. Kind of hard with this one:


She even filled in for me as Grant had his kindergarten Nursery Rhyme Festival. He debuted as 'The Muffin Man,' and she and my sister supported him in his singing/reciting endeavors. We are so grateful for our families!