Continuing on with our weekend celebration of my parent's 50th anniversary (
part 1 here)....The setting sun gave us the most beautiful backdrop for family pictures, and they turned out even better than I had hoped.
The Hughes originals, minus one amazing sister.
The Grands with the grandkids (minus one).
Fifty years of marriage has created quite a legacy of love.
Zoe enjoyed getting some photos as well!
My parents shared the story of how they met, and each of us received special photos of them to keep.
Next, we raised our glasses of sparkling cider to celebrate 50 years!
We each took turns sharing a toast.
Beach made sure not a drop went to waste.
Then Grammy and Poppy shared a dance to a song from their era.
Of course, the rest of the adults eventually joined in too.
Next... a little sparkler fun!
We spent the rest of the night looking at old family photos, which was a lot of fun. Addy recreated her expression from a photo when she was younger.
The next morning, we gathered together again, this time to share meaningful Scripture and pray over one another and for the Prentiss who would be leaving to head overseas the next day. It was such a special way to recognize the foundation of faith that has carried our family through so many different seasons.
The rest of the afternoon was wonderfully relaxed. We looked through old family photos, spent more time on the water, and simply enjoyed being together.
Headed out with a watermelon snack.
It has been years since I have paddle boated. For some reason it made me feel really nervous at first. My ankle sill had not healed completely and maybe that was part of it. However, I pushed through my odd fears and it wasn't long before it was enjoyable and doing yoga poses on it.
Ezra and I recreated a picture from when he was little.
Many of the other kids enjoyed it as well.
Mom brought supplies for a family art project, along with canvases for anyone to create their own paintings.
Shiloh decided the paddleboard was the perfect place to work on hers.
Beach and Aaron outdid themselves at lunchtime with an impressive variety of homemade pizzas for everyone.
And before the weekend came to an end, I managed to squeeze in one more kayak trip, this time with my mom. (Ezra also paddle boarded with us briefly.)
Fifty years is so much more than a number. It represents countless ordinary days of choosing one another, walking through both beautiful and difficult seasons, raising a family, pursuing the Lord, and continuing to love faithfully through it all.
I am so thankful for the example my parents have given us. Their faithfulness to God and to one another has created a legacy that reaches far beyond their marriage. It can be seen in their children, their grandchildren, the memories we share, and the faith that continues to be passed down.
What a gift to have these 50 years to celebrate, and what an even greater gift to call them Mom and Dad.
