50 years

50 years ago my parents said, "I do"

& that's a perfect reason to celebrate big!

 We all ventured home from different towns & states to be there to celebrate Mom & Dad.  It was awesome to be surrounded with family for multiple days in a row.  We hung out at the farm, did a big "formal" family photo by the treehouse (hope to see it soon), went out for a fancy dinner with just the adults, & relaxed at the hotel.

 

 

 Then on Sunday we had a special Mass celebrated by my brother at St. Francis.  Many of the grandkids helped out by serving, reading, carrying up offertory, & singing.  Most of them carried up flowers after Communion for Mom & Dad to present to Mary.  It was beautiful!  (Also anxiously awaiting those pictures taken by a friend)  I was up in the choir loft with my nieces who are pretty fabulous singers!  I've never been so disorganized directing a choir & had it turn out so well.  :)  Plus it was a lot of fun to be with them.

 After Mass we ventured down to the nice new town reception hall for cake, candy, & lots of visiting.  My brother-in-law Taylor put together an awesome video of all of us dancing to the song "Happy" that we played followed by a slideshow.

It really was amazing to have such a mix of family, fellow parishioners, their card club/hunting/skiing buddies, Mom's coworkers, neighbors all in one place!  What a gift to see how many people really played a part in their marriage & in the growth of our family.  Such a blessing! 

Rebecca fit perfectly into the flower girl dress that Mom had made for their wedding 50 years ago.  She was giddy to wear it & do something special for Grandma.  :) 

 After the cake reception (with half the town!) we stayed for a dinner with family.  Then we all headed out to the farm for a bonfire, guitars, laser tag for the kids, & more visiting.  Such fun!

Hopefully, more pictures to follow soon!