Kind of a big deal...

John and DeAnne Powell, 1972:

  

40 years later,

 

September 30th was John and DeAnne Powell's 40th wedding anniversary!

Since that is kind of a big deal, the family got together and planned a surprise party for them.

 

I think it worked :)

 

 We set it up in my parent's backyard with the giant white tent that was used when Steven and I got married.  They thought they were just picking us up for a family picnic at the park, we sure fooled them :)

 Steven's sister, Sarah, made some awesome sliders and 

chicken salad sandwiches.

 Steven's brother, Jesse, and his family live in Oregon and couldn't 

make it down so we skyped them so they could join in the celebration.

 

 Steven's other sister, Laura, makes some awesome cupcakes.

These ones had 40's all over them, and tasted great too.

  We did a sparkling cider toast, and made them say

a few sweet words.

 

 Then, for fun, we made them cut their cake.

 The good sports even fed it to each other :)

 With their posterity (minus Jesse)

 

 These cute kids played duck-duck-goose.

 

 I couldn't resist :)

 Look at what they started :)

I think it all turned out great. A lot of family and old friends that they haven't seen in a while came.  These two have touched a lot of lives. 

It was awesome to celebrate such a milestone.  John and DeAnne are a rare and beautiful example of a happy, healthy marriage.  They've raised six amazing children, and continue to pass on their wisdom to their adorable grandchildren.  

I'm so luck that I married into such a phenomenal family :)