This past Friday, July 24, my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. 50 years!! Pretty amazing in this day and age! I am quite proud of my parents in all that they have accomplished, all that they have been through and they have stood by each other for all this time. Two children and five grandchildren--they have led a pretty good life I think.
My brother and his family were not able to be in Harrisonburg on the 24th so we planned to celebrate their anniversary on Saturday. We had debated on having a surprise party for their anniversary, but we had surprised them for their retirement and Ann and Bill had surprised them for their 25th. They had requested that we have an intimate celebration with just our family and Ann and Bill. We decided to go along with their wishes and looked for a place to have our dinner. My moms friend, Ann, told us that mom had been wanting to try this home restaurant that is in a Mennonite lady's home. Several people she knew had, had parties there and all came with rave reviews. This was something unique and different and all the food was out of this world! Everything was home grown and home made. We had ham, party chicken, mac n cheese, tossed salad, mashed potatoes and corn. For dessert there was pecan pie and chocolate fudge pie with homemade vanilla ice cream. Totally amazing!!
While eating this wonderful food, Ryan says "This is the best Anniversary party ever!" to Mike. As this was his first anniversary party that he has attended, he does not have much to compare--but love that his appreciation for the food was so genuine. Immediately after Ryan's statement, Adella says "I am so glad I wore something nice! Thanks Mom!" According to Allison, Adella did not want to dress up nicely, but in the end she appreciated the battle her mother won.
The food was served homestyle and the kids all took part in serving themselves. Penny needed a little help and there was a little help needed in cutting up the meats, but all in all they did well on their own!!
After our amazing dinner, we went outside and took some pictures. The house where we ate was quite pretty and the surrounding landscape was pretty as well. Happy Anniversary to my parents and thank you to Ann and Bill for coming as well as helping out Paul and myself in having this perfect celebration.
All of us
Us with the parents