Jim and Rita's 40th Anniversary

Jim and Rita celebrated 40 years of wedded bliss mid March. 

The kids threw them an anniversary party to celebrate.  Admittedly, Joel and Jeremy didn't help much at all, and Jennifer really did most of it!  The girls and I went down to Bluffs one afternoon to help wash candle holders for the party.  Ainsley couldn't wait to play with Drake.

Grandma Eba has the best toys at her house!

We ran into Placke's for supper and ice cream after we were done getting everything ready for the party. 

The party was the Saturday of the St. Patrick's Day parade in Jacksonville, so the girls had a big day.  We were able to get a few family pictures before everyone arrived.  I really don't understand what's so hard about smiling and looking at the camera at the same time, but my husband doesn't get it.

Ainsley was so upset when we took Jeremy and Kathleen's family picture, because she wanted in it.  Uncle Jeremy got her calmed down by taking a picture with her. 

Everyone started showing up, and I spent the next few hours chasing two little girls!  

Lily wanted to wave "Hi!"

Sandy with her black "chocolate" teeth!

These kids knew how to party!  Ainsley and Avelyn loved dancing with Jack!!!

Jeremy (the youngest member of the wedding party) and Jon gave speeches before they cut their cake.

We were able to get a family picture before I took the girls home. 

A little after 9, I started packing up to head home with the girls.  It was past their bed time, and we had to fight Ainsley to get in the car.  She didn't want to leave, and I don't blame her.  She was having a really good time!!!  She managed to stay awake the whole way home, but crashed immediately after sitting down with me in the chair.

I know Joel enjoyed seeing and catching up with everyone at the party, and I'm sure Jim and Rita did too.  I'm not for sure what happened to everyone after I left, but it seemed that kissing was the theme from the pictures.  I even left some out, even though it was really hard!

Joel and Uncle Craig

Brianna, Brian and Jennifer

Don's in heaven!

Trouble x3

We all went down to Jim and Rita's the next day to eat the over-abundance of food that was left over from the party.  Ainsley loved wrestling with Lani and Drake.  Lily even got involved a little!!!

A great ending to a great weekend