Our Happiness

On July 26, 2009 my parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. They graciously took us on a trip to Disney World to celebrate so we had to come up with something pretty great to celebrate the actual date. We brainstormed quite a bit and then the kids came up with the idea of renting a limo and going on a ride. A limo would not nearly accommodate us all so we rented a VIP Limo Bus. (if anyone needs a limo go to Beverly Hills Limo - they gave us a great price and were wonderful because they knew that the occasion was so special!)

The limo picked us up at 1 p.m. at our house and the kids got to explore and help decorate. Then it was onto Grammy and Papa's to surprise them with their trip down memory lane!

Annie was immediately impressed with the limo.And our girls looked like they belonged there - notice their matching BFF necklaces! They came in the Princess Protection Program movie box and Molly could not wait to see Abby so they could wear them together.Auntie Karla did an amazing job decorating the bus.Uncle Ed only had eyes for his goddaughter and she was loving the attention.My mom shrieked when she walked out the front door and saw all of us standing in front of the limo and that was before she knew where we were going. This is the whole family - picture taken by the limo driver. I think the best thing about the day for all of us was that we were all there together with no cell phones or interruptions - it was all about being together and celebrating mom and dad - what an incredible privilege!Grammy and Papa got comfortable with the grand kids but still didn't know where we were headed! Auntie Karla provided snacks that reminded her of grammy and Papa and it soon became very clear that we are a family who enjoys food - there were snacks for each stop and there were 10!1st stop - 233 Summit Street where Grammy grew up and lived when she met Papa. It is condemned now but some of my favorite stories are of Summit Street. Backyard picnics, 7 kids squished into only a few rooms, Grammy Mack drinking a taste of beer and Grampy Mack bringing strangers home for dinner when they had no place to go! I never got to know my mom's parents and being at Summit Street always makes me feel close to them.Back in the bus for the next stop - can you guess where?211 Oxford Street - where my dad lived when he met my mom! I was lucky enough to know my grandparents on my dad's side very well and to be regaled with stories from both my dad and my grandmother on a regular basis. Later in her life when my grandfather had died my grandmother and I grew even closer and not a day goes by that I don't miss her and wish she were here to meet all of her great grandchildren and see what an incredible grandfather, father and husband her son is - not that she would be surprised!More snacks!Immaculate Conception Church - where the big day occurred! Again - growing up we heard stories about everything from Sunday mass here to my mom going to school here and, of course, the wedding day! Just a little tidbit that I came across while going through pictures - in the Immaculate Yearbook my mom got the award for "doing the most for ICS" while Auntie Kate got the award for "Class Bluffer" - I'm not sure what that means but it sort of cracks me up!Still madly in love after 40 years.Annie was getting ornery but Tyler made her feel better! She adores him!We stopped at the cemetery to see the graves our grandparents and great-grandparents. Annie found an interesting resting place but it was somehow fitting that she was so comfortable in the place where so many people that we love were laid to rest.Mom's Mother - my beautiful grandmother!Mom's grandmotherMom's dad - my grandfather!Mom's grandfatherAll of our Mack relatives, including Uncle Rick.It was a little bit melancholy leaving but very touching to be there with my mom and have her share stories about her parents with the kids. We took videos of everything so that we have a record of all of the wonderful things my parents talked about with us - sort of a recording of history!My son - the jokester!Comfy on grammy - my camera ran out of batteries - a sin, I know! I missed a few stops along the way including my other grandparents grave! Hopefully my dad will be able to post those soon!And our final stop on the tour - 58 Fox Hill drive! Trespassing - who us?Back on the bus and headed to our drop off spot in Middletown!Dinner anyone?Surprise - just immediate family for a little party to culminate our wonderful journey thus far and celebrate my parents and their amazing committment to each other.Auntie Kate, Auntie Ann and Auntie Jane came through with wonderful decorations, food and treats for everyone! It was perfect!Their first dance all over again!Auntie Ann outdid herself with the cake - as usual!Adoring godparents - how lucky is this kid?Baby playgroup!Reillyn adding some testoserone to the group!The two generations of Macks!Through the years..................The groom feeds the bride.....much better than the 1st time from what I understand!The bride......retaliates for the wedding day!The grandkids LOVE it!Here's the issue with being one of five kids - you have no idea about the proper boundaries when playing with kids who are not your siblings! Poor Reillyn got taken down and at one point so did baby Nora. Annie is turning into the sweetest little devil you have ever seen!My baby girl all dressed up - so cute!Our twins!Lizzie ready to crawl - here's hoping!

Best Friends - my mom and Auntie Kate have been best friends with Auntie Pat forever. It makes my heart fill to think of all they have gone through together and now to see them with grown children and as close as ever is just amazing!

No mystery ride could come close to demonstrating to my parents what their love for each other had been for so many people. The committment they have for each other and to our family has been an inspiration for Patrick, Ed and I for years and I feel so blessed that our children are growing up with their loving example of how God wants us to live and treat one another. I think that my parents marriage is demonstrated perfectly in the title of their wedding song - "My Happiness" because part of the joy of being the children of Peter and Eileen Harding is watching as they fill everyone's life with happiness no matter how tough the times are or how hard the road is. Our gift to my parents was actually a gift to ourselves as well because as we traveled from place to place and heard the stories of their childhoods and marriage it gave a little glimpse into what made them who they are as individuals and as a couple and what they are is beautiful, unique, respected and adored! Happy 40th Anniversary, Mom and Dad/Grammy and Papa!

"My Happiness" - Connie Francis 1959
Evening shadows make me blue , When each weary day is through, How I long to be with you -- my happiness! Every day I reminisce, Dreaming of your tender kiss, Always thinking how I miss -- my happiness! A million years it seems, Have gone by since we shared our dreams, But I'll hold you again, There'll be no blue memories then. Whether skies are gray or blue, Any place on earth will do, Just as long as I'm with you -- my happiness! Whether skies are gray or blue, Any place on earth will do, Just as long as I'm with you -- my happiness

GNM - ILY!