My parent's surprise 40th anniversary party

I am so excited to post about this past weekend! My sister, Cindy, and I have been planning a surprise 40th anniversary party for our wonderful parents, Mike and Kay, for the past year! We started getting down to business earlier this year and talked with their friends as far as where to have it, who to invite, time of day, etc. We decided on a luncheon at the Oasis Golf Club in Loveland, Ohio on August 16th (their actual anniversary is August 17th).

On Saturday morning, we gave my parents a personalized invitation (thank you Julie for making it) inviting them to a luncheon with family. My parents were thinking about 10 people would be there. Jason and I headed out quickly that morning saying we had to go pick up Ella from the Willetts and had to do a few quick erronds before lunch. We actually went to get the cake, get the flowers and set up the room. Our Aunt Jan picked up the balloons, and Cindy was in charge of getting our parents to the Oasis at noon. The guests started arriving at 11:20 and after lots of mingling we shuffled them in like cattle from the main waiting area to the anniversary party room. The room looked gorgeous and as my parents arrived at the Oasis at noon, the doors swung open in a ceremonious way (thanks to the staff) and a huge surprise came from the 50 + guests. My mom teared up and my dad was overcome with happiness.

Although they knew there was party (thanks to a minor mishap from a neighbor right as they were leaving) they figured it was just a small gathering (~20 people). There were over 50 friends and family members there with my dad's sisters flying in from North Carolina and Texas. My parents were so shocked! Probably more shocked that Cindy and I could actually pull this off.

The picture above was used for the invitations and was originally taken about 36 years ago. The picture below was taken the night of the party. Both are such gorgeous pictures.

Mom and Dad sitting on their deck. Happy 40th anniversary!

A collage of pictures which so many family members help me put together
(thank you Gigi, Uncle Gene and Aunt Anne).


Cindy printed this banner out at work and topped it with some balloons. This was the first thing my parents saw when they walked in the room.

The table decorations


My mom and dad walking in the room.

Although my parents were only expecting about 20 people,
there were over 50 people cheering when they walked in.

Looking for a grandkid to hug.

Our family picture

Lidalee, mom, Cindy and Aunt Jan

Grandpa Mike and the girls

The family table: Uncle Fred, Cindy, Aunt Jan, Aunt Nancy,
Mom, Gigi, and Aunt Holly

Guests at the party--neighbors and friends they have known since high school

Another table full of smiling faces.

Mom and me.
My sister and I felt so honored to throw our parents such a beautiful party!
I feel very lucky to have such amazing parents and with some very important help from Cindy and some of their friends, we all pulled it off. It was an amazing afternoon for us all.

Darby Everhard giving the blessing of the food.

The cake was yellow cake with cheesecake filling. Yummy!

Laney, me, Mom and Cindy

Laney thinking about taking a rest after the guests left.
Don't all hosts of parties want to take a nap afterwards?

Laney and Ella decided it was "night night" time. My thoughts exactly!