40th Anniversary

June 18, 2011, Saturday - Today is my parent's 40th Wedding Anniversary. We told them that we had purchased tickets to somewhere & that they needed to dress in Hawaiian/vacation clothes and be ready at 2pm for us to pick them up & to be ready to have fun. Little did they know what would happen next. Chad then drove us all to their church. When they saw where we were going & saw some cars....Mom said "I am not believing this!", "What have you guys done?"

We took them inside to the fellowship hall where friends and family were waiting to SURPRISE them for their big day! For a month I had been planning this surprise party and God answered my prayers - that Mom & Dad did not have a clue what was planned or what we were doing. It helped that they were away for 2 weeks in London and Holland (anniversary trip) & a few days in Florida. Mom & Dad did not know anything about the party.

It turned out to be a great party. The theme was "Travel Around the World in a Day". Mom & Dad love to travel and have been many places. We enjoyed catered hors d'oeuvre representing Mom & Dad's favorite countries. Each table was decorated with photos from their trips in different countries. A slide-show was playing on the screen of their many trips for the guests to enjoy. Guests signed a big poster of a picture of Mom & Dad on their wedding day. And a delicious 3 tiered anniversary cake was enjoyed by all.

They were so surprised at the many different friends that kept showing up since it was a floating party. Mom's sister (Susan) was also able to come from 4 hours away & be a surprise. She helped us decorate the night before and stayed at our house.

Thank you to everyone who sent cards, e-mails, wishes, gifts & who were able to come to the party & help make this special occasion something to remember for my parents. 40 years is a long time and they are such an awesome example of Christian love and marriage for us their kids and everyone else who knows them. You deserve all the love Mom & Dad! You are one of a kind, put together by God. Happy 40th Anniversary!!!