50 Years!

On Friday, April 1st was my parent's 50th wedding anniversary (no joke).  They met through my father's friend, Norm...dated briefly and were married in 6 weeks.  Mom borrowed a friend's (Elaine...Norm's wife) wedding dress, a friend made the cake, flowers from the church were used for their special day.  I guess you could call it a whirlwind romance. 

We celebrated with a gathering of family and friends on Saturday at their church.  We've been planning for some time and trying to keep secrets from my Mom is not the easiest thing to do.  However, we pulled off a great day everyone enjoyed.  Norm and Elaine, along with Dad's brother Dave and his wife Lynn, flew in from upstate New York and Shirley flew in from Texas.  They'll all be here a week to enjoy the company and great weather. 
My hubby got another chance to use that huge smoker and cooked up 6 pork butts, 40 pounds of chicken and a 17 pound brisket for the party.  I made beans and deviled eggs, Shirley made a pasta salad, and we had a quite a spread...no one went hungry.  I made the flower arrangements, Carolyn and the girls decorated.  Cheryl took photos, Nelson handled everything else.  It was a team effort.  I can't wait to get all the photos from the event.  But today, we will rest...we were beat last night beyond belief. 
Congratulations Mom and Dad!  Fifty years is a huge milestone in a couple's life.  Thank you for being a great example of unity and love, family values and ethics.  What a great inspiration you are to me and so many others.  We love you!!!!