My Parent's Celebrate 45 Years Together

On July 9, 2010, my parents celebrated 45 years of marriage - something we wanted to celebrate in style. 

Harry and I started planning early (last December), and we were able to hold a small, very private affair at Vic & Anthony's steakhouse in Houston on Saturday, July 10th in the Wine Room.  It's one of our favorite restaurants and a place we try to frequent on special occasions.  We've taken my parents a couple of times, and they loved it so we wanted to celebrate their special occasion at this very special place.

We were able to invite a handful of their best friends to join us, and my sister and her husband flew in from Califronia - all to surprise them for such a special affair.  Both of my parents were VERY surprised, but my mom was stressing about how she was dressed!  For those of you who know my  mom, you understand this and find the humor in it!  We actually down-played how to dress on purpose so that my parents wouldn't suspect anything! 

We had such a fun time -- we closed the place down around midnight.  Below, are just a few pictures from a wonderful evening.

Harry and I pose with the honorees, my parents - Donna & Tommy White.

My sister, Ginger, and her husband, Sanjit strike a pose!  My parents were so surprised to see them there!  THANK YOU both for flying out and helping us keep this event quiet!

J.W. & Linda Tinkle pose with their daughter, Tricia (Tinkle) Laubach.  Tricia's husband, Adam, was in Switzerland on business and was unable to attend!   The Tinkle's have been apart of my life since I was 3 years old - I hardly remember a time without them!  We always hunted together, vacationed  together, and since they lived so close - we did everything together!

Mom & Dad pose with Karen & Leo Glass - lifelong friends from their childhood and who we took vacations with every year when we were kids.  Mom and dad still hunt with them every deer season.

Mom & Dad pose with Betty and Bruce Sieffert - friends they met while daddy was in college at SFA University.    They were next door neighbors.  They travel together periodically and Bruce is the family CPA! 

Here they pose with Jana & Raul Olivas.  Jana and I met in college (over 16 years ago), and have been best friends ever since!  She is mom and dad's adopted daughter!  They have grown so close to her over the last Century!  We were all so excited that Raul was able to make it as well.  He's been working on a project out of the country for a long time now!  (Welcome Home, Raul!) 

Here, my grandmother (bottom right), poses with Morgan & Nona Tipitt (both in their mid 90's) - her and my PaPa's lifelong friends.  They met in the early 1940's and have been best friends since!  Karen Glass (a few pictures up) is their daughter so you can see a long line of generations of friends who are like family! 

Here, Tricia and Jana touch my pregnant belly where baby Lily is growing!  She is due in October - and according to Linda Tinkle, she is the only grandchild that got to attend the party!  :-)

Linda gives J.W. a smooch...and he looks like he likes it! 

The Hostess and Host relax for a second.  I was more upset that I couldn't partake in all of the wonderful wine that was served!  I actually thought about post-poning getting pregnant until this event was over, but I decided against it!  I'm not getting any younger - 40 is FAST approaching...and it shows in this picture!

Love this picture - Here, my mom and dad, along with the rest of the table, toast to 45 years of marriage!

Happy 45th Wedding Anniversary, Mom & Dad, we all love you!