I got my focus back...

...and then I lost it again.

But in the meantime, I was able to  hang onto it long enough to work with my sisters to put on a happy celebration for my parents' 50th anniversary.

Here's the complete Ivan Likkel clan...

Thankfully, a few years ago my dad built what he calls his "pavilion", a rustic picnic shelter made of materials salvaged from old buildings and decorated with various found objects and farm relics...just our style! It provided enough seating in the shade to accomodate our guests on a day that was beastly hot!

 Our wise caterer brought lots of extra punch ingredients, as cool fluids were the need of the day...but the food was delicious and plentiful too!

  For our guests entertainments, we had the Thunderbirds overhead, as well as the Snowbirds, and a few other fighter jets...We had no trouble booking them as they were going to the Abbotsford Air Show anyway...We aim to please, folks!

It was a wonderful day! So many came out to congratulate and celebrate...It made all of us feel special that they would come out on such an uncomfortable day just to see Mom & Dad. We were amazed that the neighbors from the early years came out, as well as a dear aunt who are all in their 90's. They didn't let the heat deter them...We were impressed!(and a little shamed too, I must confess!)

I can't go without saying that my mom's siblings came from far away too...Oh! It was so great to see them, and hug them, and have them here. We were also blessed to have 6 of our cousins come -- and one little grand-cousin (I made that up myself...) who we hadn't met yet. (They wouldn't let us keep him...)

After the party was over, we made dinner for the clan who remained...and reveled in the blessing of family, and enjoyed watching Mom & Dad's grandkids enjoy each others' company as they played bocce while the sun set.

What a wonderful, satisfying, exhausting day...We'll never forget it.