We have just returned from two wonderful weeks with my entire family. My parents gathered up all together to celebrate their 50 years of marriage. Although this has nothing to do with our move to Paris, as my brother, Pete, so helpfully points out is his comment, I am posting it anyway.
The girls spent as much time as possible in the lake. Their dad was a fabulous sport and none of the Canadians were put off by the cold.
Not only is he impervious to the cold, he is a child magnet and calmer. There are 10 grandchildren and he was in high demand.
Utah and Canadian/Parisian cousin crafters
Aunt Grace is the best at hair AND my girls sit still for her.
My mom was once a drama major and sometimes likes to remind us of this with her antics. This was the beginning of a treasure hunt. Hedwig, the owl gave the first directions and divided the kids into teams. Many neighbours told me that they enjoyed watching the kids racing from clue to clue. One neighbor remembered elaborate treasure hunts planned by my mom's mom.
Treasure hunts are serious business.
My brother, Jim, wrote the clever rhyming clues.
Cousins in owl shirts
We visited one of our favorite restaurants. There is a fantastic hillbilly playground with go karts you peddle, an abandoned school bus, and pigs. If you sit at the bar like we did, an electric train delivers your food!
My dad celebrated his 77th birthday. Aunt Ella spent a whole day making him eclairs. He had wanted these for his 50th anniversary celebration, but wedding cake won. Lucky man got everything he wanted and more.
Brothers
My uncle, my aunt, my dad's cousin, and his wife all dropped by to celebrate his birthday.
Look who flew in from Germany to help celebrate. This is my German exchange sister who lived with us my senior year in high school. Her sister now lives in Paris!
Before the big 50th anniversary party, there was a photo shoot.
Sylvia, Ida, and Miki are ready!
Our German took this photo, so she is not in the picture.
2 grandparents, 8 parents, and 10 grandkids
I have almost no photos of the actual party. Here is the lovely cake. There were about 100 guests including a surprise appearance from 3 Utah friends! My brother Pete, created a fabulous slide show capturing my parents' 50 years together. The kids enjoyed destroying a pinata shaped like a 50. I had a very nice time and I think everyone else, including the guests of honor, did too. I am grateful to have celebrated with so much family and so many friends.
"Secret Playhouse" or closet?
Puzzlers
The two boys, ages 4 and 15, held their own.
Swedish pancakes and hot chocolate with a mountain of whipped cream. Yes, this restaurant has goats on the grass covered roof.
Our German did not know what a S'more was. We were quick to teach her all that she had missed out on over 20 years ago.
We painted some beautiful animals!
Look at those beauties!
We went to "The Farm" and were attacked by crazy milk-starved goats. Sylvia held a teeny tiny baby goat and we visited Petunia the Sicilian Donkey who was born the same year as Lillian.
I think we are finally over our jet lag and I will add a few more photos when I get the chance. Thanks mom and dad! Thanks brothers and sister and German pet! And most of all thanks Fred, Ella, Grace, and Pierre! I love you all!
No comments:
Post a Comment