40th anniversary

As soon as the girls were out of school Friday, we loaded up and headed north.  My parents had been told there was a family activity at 6:15 but given no details—not even an address.  I did give them cross streets as they drove closer and when they arrived, we were standing on the corner with a gaggle of ecstatic children and a cluster of red, black and white balloons above which danced a huge, silver “4” and “0” balloon—in honor of their 40^th anniversary.  We guided them into their surprise party at Color Me Mine.  They were surprised and excited and happy but best of all is when mom saw the mini-wedding cake, elegantly topped with a waltzing Mickey and Minnie in wedding attire.  The party was a huge hit and so fun.  The kids dove in the activity and began painting dinner plates.  In the center of each plate, they made a handprint, and then decorated around it.  Papa wrote their names; I love his handsome precise print.  And the plates turned out great! I was worried we would end up spending a lot of money on splatters and scribbles but they actually turned out really cute! And when all the plates are finished, Grammy and Papa will have a full set of 17 dinner plates.  (which they have decided they will hang as display instead of use and risk breaking)  As the kids finished painting, they helped themselves to the table heavy laden with fruits, veggies and pizza.  Once everyone finished dinner, we brought the cake over to Grammy and Papa for them to cut.  I didn’t know that they didn’t get to do that at their wedding reception so it was unexpectedly even more special than I hoped.  They cut the cake and fed each other, tastefully and teasingly smearing a little frosting.  They opened their gift and were so excited to find the invitations and masks for the following evening’s masquerade ball.  Soon we cleaned up and said goodbyes, having had a wonderful evening with all the kids for part one of their anniversary celebration.

Part two was Saturday night.  The adults met at the Cheesecake Factory for dinner, lounging around for the considerable wait and then taking our time through dinner.  The food was good but the dessert is really what makes that restaurant.  (It’s a toss up who ordered better: the lemon meringue cheesecake or the hazelnut nutella cheesecake)  We took so long at dinner (late start plus an extremely long wait at the restaurant plus slow service, but all made okay with the great company and conversation) that we missed most of the dance. But we arrived in time for pictures and a few dances.  I got to slow dance with my husband and swing dance with my brother (we’re pretty rusty from our high school competition days but still a lot of fun).  It was such a great evening and a wonderful way to celebrate with my parents all weekend.  I absolutely love everything about them, they are some of the most amazing, most genuine, generous and talented people I know and I am SO grateful for them.