A Milestone Celebration

This past Thanksgiving weekend we flew to Alberta to be with family and friends ... to celebrate my wonderful parents.  This year was a big one for them.  They both turn 60 years old and celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this past February.  We couldn't pass up these huge milestones without a grand celebration for them.  Life is busy and organizing a party is a lot of work but we would regret not celebrating them with friends and family.

We set out to do something different and memorable so we decided on the Great Canadian Barn Dance in Hillspring, AB.  The grandmothers and a few others had experienced it before but it was somewhat of an unknown for us as we planned.  We really had no idea what to expect other than others telling us the food and entrainment are amazing.

We were happy how it all went and everyone had a wonderful time.  I was in charge of the decor, program and all the little details.  My sister in law, Larei created two amazing videos for the program.  My brothers helped with decor and emceed.  The food was indeed delicious: barbed chicken, roast beef, mashed potatoes, salads and individual desserts.

I enjoyed putting together all the little details that I think make a party go from good to great.  As guests walked in, they had their pictures taken in our photo booth.  A Polaroid type picture was printed off and they were asked to write a message to the couple on the back.  It was then pinned to a chicken wire frame.  Each guest also took home a little favour.  Because the facility was peanut free we had to get creative since we couldn't give out any food items.  I found some tulip bulbs at a local nursery for each guest to take home.  Seemed perfect for them to have something to grow since we are a farming family.

The grand kids sang two songs that we reworked just for Nana and Papa.  Trevor accompanied them on the guitar.  They did an amazing job!

After our program, we all headed upstairs to dance.  The dance instructor started our group off with some line dancing and two step'n.  Over the next few hours we danced, enjoyed cake and conversed.  Not to forgot the epic paper air plane contest.

Overall it was night we will remember as we honoured our parents. They truly deserve it.  Love you so much Mom and Dad.  xo

Mom and Dad with their grandchildren

Photo Booth Station

All the guests pictures and messages

Black and white pictures of Mom and Dad

Guest Favours: tulip bulbs

Paper Airplane Contest

Individual Desserts

Watching the program

Grandkids signing to Nana and Papa

Lined up for the epic paper airplane contest

Good ole barn dance

Isla and Daddy.  She loved dancing in her fancy dress

The little girls at the Photo Booth

The happy couple

Here is a video of the party put together by my cousin Kristin and her husband Corri.  They live in California and we were thrilled they could come to the party.  They do daily vlogs called The Hunzies.  Our family loves watching them throughout the week.  Enjoy!

Here is part one but make sure to click on part two.  Enjoy!