open your eyes....surprise!!

I got an email on Friday which read,

"A driver will arrive at your house at 5:45 on Sat, June 15

to take you to an undisclosed destination

You may be asked to wear a blindfold.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated."

Well, that is exactly what happened!

Our daughter picked us up, blindfolded us, drove us

around enough so that we had no idea where we were

and then stopped at our destination.

When we were allowed to lower our blindfolds,

we were greeted by applause and a yard full of friends and family!

You see, it was a surprise celebration of our

40th Wedding Anniversary!

 They decorated with a beach theme...

commemorating our family trip every year

to Jekyll Island.

Our older son and his wife made the sign.

 This was taken before the guests arrive, but you can 

see what a lovely setting it was The trees afforded

wonderful shade.

There were friends from all our years here.

This dear friend, Ginny, was one of the first people I met

when we moved here in 1976.

We went to church with her family for several years

and have been friends for 37 years.

This is my sweet friend (and former office manager 

at work) who opened her home and yard for

the gathering.

The centerpieces were creative and very "beachy"!

 

Our table featured this beautiful bouquet

and candles.

 

I was too excited to eat much, but Little E helped me out!

 

The food tables were gorgeous...with wonderful decorations

and beautiful food...all prepared by our children.

 

Even the rolls were homemade ...by our daughter.

 

There was Low Country Boil, Grilled Terriyaki Chicken,

Rice, Grilled Veggie Skewers, Homemade rolls,

and Homemade Ice Cream...Peach and Strawberry!

 

This little table held a treasure chest for notes and cards, 

our family picture from last year's Jekyll trip, and

antique postcards from our hometowns and Jekyll.

 With so much going on, I didn't get many pics of our

sweet and thoughtful friends who attended...

but I made sure we got one of these!

We missed our Tenn grandgirlies who were in Florida.

Wish they could have been with us, too,

but it was a wonderful night, a sweet surprise,

and an amazing gift from our family!

We are truly blessed!

Thank you God, for showering us with your

love and grace and for the precious gifts

of family and friends!