Happy 65th Wedding Anniversary!

This past Monday was my parents 65th wedding anniversary. Here is the most recent close up picture I have of them that is nice with not a lot of background distraction. Since both their birthdays and their wedding anniversary are in October, we invited them over for a little celebration. Like my kids said, "We got to have them all to ourselves!" It was a lot of fun for us and they seemed to really enjoy themselves. Some of us worried that they might be a little overwhelmed, but that was not the case at all. Mom was in her glory and even though dad could not say a lot at one time, he was able to carry on short conversations with his grandkids.

Some of the great-grandkids who got there early got to have "one-on-one" with their great-grandparents. Jenna took right to them and wanted to play. Catie was tentative, but did get on my mom's lap for a short moment. Most of the grandkids got to talk to them and hug them. Some of great-grandkids were a little concerned watching how hard it is for my dad to walk, eat and talk.

We put my dad on the sofa downstairs in the rec room, where he pretty much stayed. It was the most comfortable place. Before everyone came over, they watched a Doris Day movie. Dad watched it in between little catnaps. Just the getting ready and getting here from Olympia kind of wore him out. Mom, on the other hand, was laughing at the movie and kept saying how fun it was to be there. They both love a good day out and about. Mom, with all her energy, helped me out immensely making a salad, frosting cupcakes and preparing the table for dinner. We had a very casual and easy dinner -- Little Caesar's pizza ! It was delicious and simple.

We tried not to wear them out, but dad fell asleep in the car just a couple of blocks from our house. He had leaned his head on my mom's shoulder and we had to actually shake him to wake him up when we got to Rose's home. On the other hand, mom was wide awake telling me how much they had enjoyed everything. When in the car one of my favorite things with her now is to turn on CD music that she knows and listen to her sing along with her still beautiful alto voice. That night she sang with Anne Murray, Celine Dion and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Being the oldest of the children, I think I have seen their marriage and relationship evolve over the years more than anyone. Their greatest strengths are their strong determination, their ability to work hard, their being content with very little material things, their humility, their affection for one another, and living the gospel the best they know how! Even now, I hope I can be like them in my aged years. They are an inspiration to me!