Donna and Emil also celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this year!! Congratulations! As I remarked about my parents, it is so inspirational to have role models for what a strong, happy marriage looks like. For all that they do for everyone else, it was so wonderful to do something for them for a change. We threw them a SURPRISE anniversary party and Matt, Ben and Linda did an amazing job planning and executing the event, held at Lake Forest's beautiful Elawa Farm. Dozens of their friends and family were able to share in the special day and we're especially glad Donna was feeling well enough to attend and enjoy the whole party. What a great day it was!
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| Donna and Emil - married August 26th, 1974 |
I think it is amazing that: a) in this day and age, both sets of our parents would still be married 40 years later; and b) they would both be married within two weeks of each other, the same year! The two parties landed on the same weekend coincidentally between schedules and venue availability, which made for a busy, but fun weekend. Love was certainly in the air!
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| The moment of the big surprise! We had lured them to the Farm telling them we were having a family photo shoot, then they pulled up to see the whole group of their guests! Then we had speeches and a toast to the couple. |
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| There was seating in the barn and outside. The colors and flowers were planned to match their wedding, with an Italian meal since that is what they dined on the night they were married. It was topped off with an ice cream sundae bar. |
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| A string trio played throughout the event, |
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| Loved all the twinkly lights in the barn. |
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| Luke & Claire were able to explore all around the Elawa Farm exhibits and gardens. |
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| 5 of the Saponara cousins |
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| Formal gardens. The barn is way there in the background. |
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| My parents helped me watch the kids for a bit while Matt hosted, it was a big help! |
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| Two days in a row of getting this kid into a collared shirt and shorts that button/zip. Success in itself! |
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| Boards full of photo collages from their 40 years together were a hit! |
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| The original Baranko family |
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| The extended Baranko family |
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| Claire chasing after the big boys Luke & Orrin |
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| Shades of her future, always being a step behind! |
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| A stare-off |
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| Orrin and Luke found a big hole filled with dirt that they were fascinated with |
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| So Claire and I relaxed on this grassy knoll |
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| She was enjoying the rays. Love that she instinctively knows to sit with her arms supporting her like this. She's such a big kid! |
Dan, Amy and kids stayed overnight before the party. Although we didn't get to spend as much time with them as we would normally have liked, it was awesome seeing them and they were a ton of fun as usual.
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| A sectional full of kids |
Ben and Linda were in town for over a week! We got to enjoy a long summer visit with them instead of just an in and out party visit. Yay!
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