Final 40th Celebration!!

We had one final celebration for Mom and Dad's anniversary Sunday evening.

With just a couple of their friends invited, we had supper and a little evening entertainment that took some pre-planning on Saturday.

The four of us siblings, recreated one of the home videos we had done for them about 25 years ago. I think it was safe to say, it was at least equally entertaining in the remaking of this...as it was to watch it later with everyone.

Watching the video later...

And we also watched a video of their wedding day photos, with the audio (and subtitles) from their wedding in the background. Carissa and I had quite the time deciding what the correct wordage was on the audio. When we listened with BOTH headphones in, instead of thinking we'd each listen to an ear bud...it made a HUGE difference!!

We had a tasty supper;

smoked ribs, potato salad, dinner rolls, beans, lettuce salad.

 Sheet cake and a watermelon fruit cake for dessert!

Jonah, Eliana, and Kade were having their own fun...oh they were being so cute.

Ahhhh.....well, I'd say there was some memorable celebrating for their 40th anniversary...and it started back in April with our Mexico trip!! 

Glad we have a reason to celebrate, glad for the both of them, and very glad they have had 40 years together!!

Congratulations Mom and Dad :)

Airport Restaurant [40 Years Celebration]

With Mom and Dad's 40th anniversary next month, we had a bit of celebrating to do...especially with Carissa & Tim's family here!

Saturday evening, we told Mom and Dad we were going to go somewhere for supper...

and they got to drive this youthful ride (thanks to Mitch). Oh to be young and in love :)

We ate at Stearman's...the little airport restaurant in Benton. It was exceptionally warm..which was not ideal for our reserved outdoor dining. Other than that, the food was good...and the kids had a playground to play on right there while they were waiting and after they were done eating!

Sweaty hair and rosy cheeks...whew, its hot.

Watching the planes take off and come in.

The lovely couple....Happy 40 Years, and many more!

~ Mexico ~ [Adios]

Our last day in Mexico....

Ben and the boys walking to breakfast.

This was our table every day for breakfast...

the fresh fruit was such a treat to have every morning. T

he raspberries, strawberries and pineapple were my favorite!

Ben took the boys down to the pool for a final swim, while I finished getting packed up before coming down. Another beautiful, sunny day!

Good ol' Uncle Brent...Jace and Christian loved it.

Jonah proved that he is totally and completely unsafe in the water. He has no sense of fear and went under at least a couple times while surrounded by adults. Thankfully, he was fine...but he needs 150% attention while in/around water.

 Adios beach....you are beautiful.

 We ate lunch at the resort, and then headed to the airport.

We spent a very brief time all together after getting checked in before saying goodbye to the Gredlers.

Our flight wasn't long after we got to our gate either..and we were on our way home via a short stop in Houston. The flights went well, and we had some very tired passengers by the time we arrived at the airport at 11ish pm.

What a fun and memorable trip..so thankful we all got to go. 

Very thankful for Mom and Dad, thankful for their 40 years of love and dedication to each other, and thankful they let us all join them on this trip to celebrate their anniversary!

~ Mexico ~ [special family night]

Mom and Dad arranged for us to have professional pictures taken on the beach.

Here are a few of my favorites that they took.

And I did take a few while we were down there with my own camera...

The only downside...was the wind. It was a bit tricky to try and keep my hair out of my face!

Then another special fun surprise for the evening...we had supper on the beach. 

I felt like I was dreaming..or watching my own life happening like it was a movie.

It was all so very lovely.

Christian had a bite of octopus in his mouth. He said he'd try it!! Now he can say, he jumped off a cliff and ate octopus :)

This little tiger was out after the bread was distributed. He stayed sleeping until the very end...it added to the magical, relaxing, and great meal time.

Oh wow, this is an evening and meal I will never forget. 

Thanks to these two parents for 40 years definitely worth celebrating in a very special way.