Happy 40th Anniversary!

Oh, what a lovely surprise for Mum and Dad! It's their 40th wedding anniversary today and with a bit of organisation and quiet conspiracy, my youngest brother co-ordinated a wonderful surprise weekend for them.

Mum and Dad very, very rarely go away by themselves, so a special Bed and Breakfast was arranged. After an afternoon check-in yesterday, they had dinner booked at the Cuckoo Restaurant in Olinda; this is where they'd celebrated their engagement party so the venue was quite appropriate. We had to let Dad in on some of the plans early on as Mum was wanting to make alternative plans, but he kept it all quiet. They greeted us with happy tears, exclamations and hugs all around. Only two of my sisters could not make it, otherwise 7 of their children and 7 grandchildren were there.

A smorgasboard buffet dinner and a dance floor right next to our table; I think Mum and Dad got to dance with all of the grandchildren. Later on was a floor show. A gentleman was very skilled at yodelling, playing guitar and played a string instrument (of which I didn't catch the name) and the cow bells (playing Edelweiss), then some woodchopper slap dancing (here's an example) and singing - with a bit of audience participation. Mum was selected and publically had a very impressive effort at yodelling. The restaurant owner than came over to announce all the special occasions people were celebrating, and presented Mum and Dad with a bottle of champagne.

It was a wonderful night, and I hope that Mum and Dad have a lovely day today, the summer solstice and their actual wedding date. Happy 40th Anniversary!!