Papa Jack and Mother Part 3

We are now up to the main celebration of the 50th anniversary.  Marty, Hank, Ann, and I worked on this party for a year.  It went through many changes.  First we were having a dinner for family and friends.  Then we were going to have an Open House for family and friends .  Next we discussed a dinner just for family (children, grandchildren, siblings and all the spouses).  The winner was a dinner for Mother and Jack and their two children and spouses. 

We researched restaurants in Louisville, then Mother and Jack selected Rivue. Rivue is on the 25th floor and revolves.  Love songs from 1961 and 1962 were selected and a list given to the pianist.  A book of photos from the last 50 years was created.  We ordered a low centerpiece for the table.  It was made up yellow and golden roses in a gold bowl.  We were ready to go.

Or so I thought.  A friend at the Marriage factory asked me what I would say at the vow renewal ceremony.  Uh, hadn’t thought of that.  I didn’t think they would want one.  Checked with Little Brother and his wife, they thought maybe, ask Jack and Mother.  I did, and they wanted it. 

I wrote a ceremony, Marty printed it out on fancy paper with a gold border and we framed it.  Now we were ready for the party.

                                                     

Hank picking wines and champagne for the night.  Notice the lovely centerpiece.

                                                         

We were there early to be sure the staff knew what we wanted: song list to pianist, ceremony, toast with champagne, then appetizers.

Mother and Papa Jack have arrived.  We are almost ready for the ceremony.  But the main reason for this picture being included to to see the reflection of the bridges on the Ohio River( which belongs to Kentucky not Ohio).

                                                    

After the vow ceremony, we presented them with the framed ceremony.  Marty filmed the ceremony and put it up on You tube for absent family and friends to see.

King Crab, oysters, and shrimp. Oysters for Marty and Ann.  The rest for all.

                                            

Huge shrimp just for Mother.  Then a plate of grilled scallops for all to share.

This is for the view of the city after dark.

More skyline after dark.

                                  

Don’t those olives look yummy?  They are really chocolate.  Everything on this free dessert cart is chocolate.

It was a spectacular evening.  Great food, incredible views, lots of laughter and a few tears as we went down memory lane. 

The elopement of the 44 year old widow and the 27 year old funeral home worker has been a huge success.  Love you Papa Jack and Mother.

 

Papa Jack and Mother Part 2

Mother and Papa Jack meet friends every Friday morning for brunch.  Who shows up each week varies.  Someone brings dessert and they eat that first.  Then they have breakfast.  On their Golden Anniversary the group had planned a surprise party for them.  They had balloons, cake, gifts, and cards.  They invited Marty, Ann, Henry, and me to join them.  Henry had to work, but the rest of us were there for the party.

Decorating the tables.

The happy couple.  They were really surprised.

                               

The staff, including the manager, were in and out of the room.  They congratulated them, gave them cards, and gifts.

Another waitress, another gift.

Papa Jack checking out the cake and gifts.

                                    

Mother and  Papa Jack reading their cards. 

It was amazing to see the staff of a restaurant come in and hug customers.  Mother and Jack know all about the staff’s life.  They introduced Marty and me to all of them.  Pretty cool that they are so well loved.

Papa Jack and Mother Part 1

February 17 my parents celebrated 50 years of marriage.  Papa Jack, my wonderful stepfather, married mother my freshman year of college.  Our family was blessed when Mother brought him home.

Friday we had a day of parties and fun.  Marty posted a video of the vow renewal ceremony on YouTube. Put the video on full screen for better viewing.  I will be posting pictures and telling tall tales for several days.