Saturday, August 20, 2011

Forty Years of Marriage

1971

On June 5, 1971, Dad married Mom, 40 years ago.

This year we planned a surprise party to celebrate this milestone.  Us kids began our secret planning and found willing helpers in Mr.. and Mrs.. Wittlinger who agreed to take Dad and Mom out to lunch Saturday to the Glenn Iris Inn at Letchworth State Park.  They said they would find things to do to take up time and return them at 3pm.  And so we set to work…

Here are two expert crayon handlers finishing up the banner the Brocketts designed.

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Many willing helpers were on hand to blow up balloons.

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It was fun to watch the guests arrive, bearing food and happy smiles.

Here are Tim and Jess arriving with two precious grandbabies and a beautiful bouquet.

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At the time appointed, our watchman rang the dinner bell to gather the folks as Dad and Mom arrived.

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Dad and Mom emerge from the car grinning and shaking their heads as the crowd clapped and cheered.

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Time for a kiss, and a speech!  (with Boaz to help)

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And a hug from Ben (one of the sneaky kids).

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And let the fun begin!!

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Volleyball

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Drinks and snacks

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Chatting and visiting with new friends and old

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Getting hungry?

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The Dart Brothers grilling

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Giving Thanks

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Digging in

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A big yellow bumble bee visiting the picnic

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Guess what, we really do still like marinated broccoli salad!

(see the broccoli salad post from July 2010)

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Back to volleyball…

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Then the Cake

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A collage of memories

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A really fun cake that’s hard to believe

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Discovering clues about the missing truffles,  Emma, do you know what happened to them?

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The littlest Dart Grandbabies: Ethan Michael, and Audrey Elizabeth.

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Sunset after a very, very special day

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Goodbyes

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  • posted by Becky

4 comments:

James and Emily said...

Such a special day (and nice post Becky)! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Dart!!!! May your lives and marriage continue to be a blessing to all those around you.....we love you!!!

Pollock Family said...

What a special Anniversary, indeed!! Awww, wish we could've been right there in the middle of all the fun. What a special couple that are loved very much. We miss y'all.

Happiest Anniversary to you both.

Love you,
The Pollocks

Mary Merle said...

Nice pictures. My mom and I were almost not in them, but when I got to the end.... Oh Darn. :)

Amy Jo said...

Congrats and blessings to a very special couple! Wish we could've been with you all! Looks like it was a memorable day!