A 25th Anniversary to Remember

After mom dropped hints at me all summer that I needed to plan a surprise 25th Wedding Anniversary party for her and dad, I decided that I would undertake the project of planning the party. With the help of a family friend, I was able to pull off the surprise last night. I held the party at the local bar in Elgin, where my parents and their friends enjoy going on Friday and Saturday nights.

Normally, I’m a planner, worrying about events weeks into the future. Yet, for some reason, I chose to take a laissez-faire approach to this party. I wanted to keep it simple and easy, especially since I would be away in Lincoln the week prior and unable to do much around Elgin. That and coupled with the fact that dad notices EVERYTHING. I’m not joking. He is so detail orientated – everything is basically “20 Questions” with him. But, I love him for it, no matter how many times it gets on my nerves (and believe me- it does!).

But, regardless of my planning skills, the party came together, although in a somewhat disorganized manner. For instance, as I was getting ready for 5:30 pm church last night, it occurred to me that I should get balloons and a cake. I called the local dollar store and ordered balloons – no problem there.

The cake was another story.

I had toyed with the idea of getting a cake earlier in the week, but had dismissed the idea because I thought it might have been too much. But the more and more I thought about it, I realized it would make the party feel complete. Chips, salsa, and seasoned pretzels weren’t going to cut it. So, what did I do? I called my neighbor (who makes amazing cakes for events such as this) at 4pm on the day of the event.

Yes – you read that right: 4pm on Saturday. I had set the party to begin between 8 and 8:30. Nothing like short notice right?!?!

But when Ginni, the lady who made the cake, sent me a picture, I was completely blown away. I had given her literally a few hours to decorate a cake for me (she had the cake itself made – thank goodness!). I had told her just to make it simple, but she added glitter, pearls, and a sentimental touch that only a true friend could produce.

Another stroke of last minute genius hit me Friday night when I realized I should set up a table with the wooden sign I got them for their anniversary. Luckily, my parents were out of the house, so I scrounged around and found their wedding album. Tracy, the family friend, was able to get to the bar to set up the food and tables before me. She kept it simple, which is exactly what I had in mind.

All this to say, it was an amazing evening. My parents were somewhat surprised, although dad claims he had an inkling because I was in a hurry to get to town and all the vehicles out front of the bar were those of their friends. Like I said: he notices everything. Either way, it was a perfect, low key evening that I hope both of my parents will remember (maybe – who knows what a few drinks will do to them!) and treasure for many years to come.

#family #anniversary #fun #party #surprise #mom #dad #love #friends