Of Anniversaries and Birthdays

In the past six month my parents each had a 70th birthday and also celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. We decided to have one big party, but what? How?

Soo after procrastinating awhile we finally nailed down a plan. With about 40 people I was amazed that it still worked for most of us. 

We started out with brunch at our place. Egg casseroles, fruit and yogurt parfaits, toast, iced and regular coffee, a cake made from long john donuts, a 50th anniversary cake. Much food. Then an almost-disaster when one of the cousins made a flying run down our long drive on a scooter. The parked SUV at the bottom of the drive did not make for a soft landing. We worried and hovered, but in the end she seems ok.

We cleaned up the kitchen quickly and then drove "downtown" to a small chapel with a high ceiling. The acoustics are great and the decor is from late 1800's. Found out that the chapel was built specifically for singing lessons and Sunday School for the local kids because in those days churches did not have Sunday School. It was to remain non-denominational and for the community.

Today the Mennonites made the rafters ring! My parents love acapella  singing and so do their children and grandchildren. My brother and most of his children play some type of musical instrument. So part way through the afternoon, we gave our voices a rest and brought out the violin, guitar, banjo, harmonica, mandolin and bass guitar. They played a bunch of favorites.

"Little"- should I say "youngest"? brother did the recording.

A thunderstorm rolled through and the little kids had to run out and get wet.

Around 4 o'clock we headed to a family restaurant for a buffet supper. The food was great the kids loved that they could pick what they wanted and we pretty much just enjoyed the chatter.