Laurie and Arnold's 50th

On Sunday we were honored to help my sister Laurie and her husband Arnold celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The event was held at their home near Winlock, WA, and was hosted by their children Ben, Katie, and Andy.

It was a beautiful day, a wonderful reason to celebrate, a job very well done by the "kids", and a chance to see and visit with old friends and family members.

We "girls" were very interested in the wedding photos, of course. Fifty years! Oh, my, how we've changed!

 The "bride", Laurie, and our cousin Kris, who was just a small child back then. 

 This was our family in 1967: our little sister Betty Jo, who left us too early, brother Henry Jr., Laurie and Arn, sister Ilene, me, our mother Violet, Dad Henry Sr. and brother Don. 

 And the wedding party. I remember making my dress and my little sister's dress. I was living in Seattle and teaching and Laurie had just finished nursing school in Portland. The bride's maids were good friends of Laurie's, Verna and Joan. Verna also just happened to be Arnold's sister. That's a clue as to how this couple got together. 

 Here are our brothers now, with their wives: Hank's wife Cindy, Don's wife Sheree, Don, and Hank. Don and Sheree traveled from Boston to be here. 

As people gathered, they visited and got re-acquainted. 

Then there was eating, of course. 

Laurie and Arnold's kids surprised them with having their pastor come prepared to have them renew their vows. It seems that 50 years ago the pastor of the Lutheran church on Oregon City was so concerned about the soloist that he forgot to have them do their vows. At least that's the story Arnold tells.  So now it's official. They have confirmed their "I do's". 

Many of their grandchildren looking on. 

And then there was cake!

Each person at the gathering told who they are, how they are connected to Laurie and Arnold, and what role they might have had in the wedding. 

There was lots more visiting, and for some of us, a trip out to the huge vegetable garden for some fresh produce. 

And here we are 50 years later.