My parent's former neighbors Larry and Sally had their 44th anniversary today and their daughter Michelle planned a surprise vow renewal and reception, in the same church they were originally married in and the reception was at the same fire hall they used 44 years ago. Why celebrate 44 years? Michelle figured it would really surprise them because it is an unusual year to celebrate and they are moving yo Florida later this year and would not be here for their 45th.
Mom and Dad work for John and Linda, an Amish family, and they all work together with Larry and Sally to support their business Belsnickle. Since John and Linda would not be able to drive to Perry County Mom and Dad picked them up and we meet at my house. They dropped off Chief at my house and the boys went in my Dad's car and us girls went in my car. It was fun talking to Linda because I have heard a lot about her over the years and it is not everyday I get to talk to Amish people. She was fun and shared a secret with us, she is pregnant with her eighth child due around Christmas. I think she is around my age and right now her youngest is six. I did not ask but I got the impression this new one was a bit f a surprise. But every child is a blessing so other than being super surprised at first and tired, she was happy about it. Anyway, we ended up sitting in the way back row at the church, actually Dad, Baylor and I were against the wall.
But we had a nice view when Larry and Sally arrived to find a completely filled church. There really were not many empty seats.
I thought Sally was going to collapse a few times but she made it down the aisle with Larry at her side.
Michelle spoke about her parents love for each other and their ability to live and work together 24 hours a day, everyday. She told the story of how the meet, got engaged, married, and eventually went on to have a daughter, who was truly blessed to have them for her parents.
They renewed their vows and sealed it with a kiss.
But I could not see too much being so far in the back but I did get to see an interesting variety of hair styles. There is my mom and John next to each other, a Mennonite in front of them with her head covering and an amazing mullet in front of her. It was an interesting configuration of hair to say the least. The sides of the back, behind the ears, was even cut short so the long part was just in the center back of her head. Incredible!
While I was checking out the hair, Baylor played Angry Birds. And then he got hungry!
The newly married couple started at the front of the church and greeted everyone as they let them out of their row. Being in the very last row was now not such a good thing. When ended up sneaking into Mom's row to get out sooner. Not much sooner, but sooner. The get away car was a yellow Corvette which was perfect for them.
We headed to the fire hall and we had desserts to add to the dessert table.
I made salted caramel butter bars, oreo truffles covered in white and milk chocolate.
And caramel pecan, chocolate covered cheesecake bites and brigadeiros. And I had a black walnut cake as well.
All the guests were asked to wait outside and when Larry and Sally arrived we all ran bells to ring them into their reception. Their business is based on bells so it was very appropriate. I had cow bells so we were a bit loud!
The fire hall was packed and there were so many people they had table set up outside to accommodate everyone.
The fire hall had an antique truck outside that the kids could explore but they also had the bay doors open on the new trucks. They woman that was there said they were doing training earlier in the day so she had stayed there with the trucks in case the kids wanted to see them.
Baylor was a bit shy but still could be persuaded to go inside some of the vehicles.
It was a wonderful celebration of our friend's commitment to each other. Love is all you need. And sometimes some purple thistles. I love them!
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