35 Years... a reason to celebrate!

June 28, 2010 marks 35 years of marriage for Toppe & Grandpa Otto. This day and age that is a pretty impressive marriage milestone and because they do so much for us on a regular basis, we thought it would be the perfect time to gather friends and family and celebrate. Steven & Candice, Wes & I and the kids hosted a backyard picnic at our house for a few of mom and dad's closest friends. You may be thinking, a backyard picnic in June? Um, did you forget about the 100 degree temps? Well, no. We knew we were taking a heated risk, but we did it anyway and were blessed with a breezy bearable summer evening. It was quite refreshing actually and a beautiful orange full moon made it even more impressive. Mom and dad have some great friends and it was a pleasure to welcome them to our home and host a memorable evening.

The menu consisted of fried chicken and a few summer salads with cobbler and ice cream for dessert. Aunt Candice made a crowd pleasin' sangria and of course we had plenty of cold beer to make sure thirst was not an issue.

Ms. Pam checking out the tree house/playscape.

Lots of laughs shared when looking at mom and dad's wedding album. The side burns, pastel colored bridesmaids dresses, bridal headpiecs/visor, carpet patterned tux - oh yeah, those were the days!

Ms. Pam gave them shirts for the next UT tailgate!






To my mom and dad, aka Toppe and Grandpa,-

Congrats on 35 years of marriage! Thank you for showing me that though marriage can be work, it's not always hard work. Thank you for showing me that marriage is not about romantic getaways and dozens of roses, but it's about the everyday "I love you's", walking through the door to greet each other with a kiss, and holding hands while walking down the beach, even after 35 years. Thank you for raising Steven and I in a house that was filled with love and laughter and thank you for exposing your grandkids to that same love and laughter. Though we may not always understand your devotion to baseball or your random trips fishing to the coast (Rollover?!?!), we do understand that when you do those things you are doing them with your best friend and you are right where you want to be.

Love you,

Jamie