Lessee..... you got married in 1965, so that makes this (gets abbacus) year 42. What year is that? I had to look it up. It's between Ruby and Sapphire. The bearded eye-roller will have our 'fruit' anniversary next year. What's THAT about? A case of kumquats?



Here you are, cutting the wedding cake. Dad- you have an uncomfortable smile on your face. I wonder if it's because you're worried that Mom is going pull that fun wedding prank of shoving cake in your face.

She's the type to do that you know. This apple didn't fall far from the tree, if you get my drift.

Mom, you look just beautiful in this picture. WOWzers! The interesting thing is, that I still see you like that in my minds eye. Sure, you're a 'little' older now, but in my head you're about this age.

I can't say the same for Dad. I don't see him like this at all in my head. Something about missing a mustache and suspenders.

I guess this means that you're no longer newlyweds. Sometimes I find that hard to believe because I see how much you two still flirt with each other. I'm old enough now where I don't think it's gross anymore. Well, most of the time.

Dad, I have seen some of the love notes that you've given to Mom. I wanted to steal one once so I'd have something tangible to hold in my hand to show how much you love each other. I also wanted to hold it as proof that there really is romance in that dad of mine. You don't seem the type, Dad.

I'm glad I know better.

Not many kids get to say that they've attended their own parent's wedding! Even though I was only five when you got married, I remember a lot from the wedding. I remember that you had doves (I can't remember if they were real or fake though), I remember a lady with cat-eye glasses (stylish at the time. Oh wait, they're back in style!) singing at your wedding. I remember running around a lot with Michael , probably making nuisances of ourselves.

Mostly I remember being able to say the word, "Papa" that day, for the very first time (later it turned out to be "Dad", but it was "Papa" for a while).

I even remember bits and pieces of when you were dating, but my lips are sealed. Tee hee. I'm kidding- it was all very proper. (Did I say that right? OK, you can pay me later...)

I especially remember, during your dating days, fitting all of us (you two, Michael and me) in Dad's corvette. Me between the two of you sitting on the console with the stick shift, and Michael laying in the back window ledge. Wow, how did we ever survive without those seatbelt and car seat laws, huh?

I guess you were planning to be a confirmed bachelor with a cool corvette for a while, huh Dad? Ha! Joke's on you! INSTANT family!



Yo! Michael! Way to rock the knee socks and bow tie! I think you should try to bring that look back in style again. You look SMASHING!

Adding to the 'instant family', came sweet JP, and Heidi . I don't write much about JP, here on my blog because I feel so protective of him. Rest assured though, he is always in the forefront of my mind. He was an awfully fun kid brother to have. Now he's just down-right special. A sweeter spirit has never existed, if you ask me. Well, unless he's cranky. Sweet? Not so much. tee hee.

By the way, I hope, in the light of being a sweet spirit, he's forgiven me for breaking his leg that one time.

I'm so blessed that you cared for Cameron and Casey while I worked. This gave them the opportunity to be in a good atmosphere (because it sure wasn't coming from MY house- cwazy wabbit that I am), and always in a place where they were loved. No daycare in the world could EVER compare to having grandparents watch over them.

I know this is getting very long, but I wanted you to know how thankful I am for the event that took place on July 23, 1965. You are yin and yang, constantly balancing each other out. A perfect match.

Mom and Dad, I hope you have many more happy years together. While I'll never see you as that 'cute little old couple' in my head because you'll be forever in your 30's- I'd sure like to see that happen for you. I guess all kids want their parents to live forever, but even more so when we can see that they're with someone who loves and adores them. We (your four children) are lucky to witness that love and adoration coming from both of you even after all these years. It seems to get more that way every year.

Happy Anniversary. You are both loved more than you know.

Love,
Lori
(you know- the one who gave you gray hair)