There is quite a history with these photographs.

SO much of a history that really the best way for me to tell you all the details, would be for you and I to sit down over dinner and chat.

And even then…there would probably be so much more to tell.

I grew up just three doors down from this amazing family…although back then there wasn’t quite so many members in it!

They have in turn become a second family and I have grown up with not only Kate (the third born daughter) but with all of the children that have come from the many unions!

Some of them have been a flower girl and ring bearer at my own wedding 15 years ago.

Some I have taken trick or treating at Halloween.

There were some that I changed diapers for…or fed snacks to…or just spent lots of time with.

But all of this was because there were two people who met and fell in love in high school.

These high school sweethearts are celebrating FIFTY years of marriage this year!

I don’t think that the normal celebratory words would even fit for for how awesome that is.

50 years!

It was 50 years ago next month that these two rang the bell up in Blanchard Tower.  (Newly married couples announce their marriage to the world by ringing the bell in seven sets of three!)

It’s a Wheaton College tradition that spans many years and Lois and Art remember it well!

This whole group got together earlier this week to celebrate this occasion with photographs and it was so hard to pick my favorites!

Heather (the second oldest daughter of Art & Lois)) and her daughters (Kelly & Nancy) look so much alike!  Kelly will be join away to college in the Fall!

The “Original” Women of the family…

These two have a special relationship!  (Bodie & Trey)

I SO enjoyed getting to spend some time with this family ALL together…which is something that doesn’t happen very often!

Thank you to my second mom & dad for not only surviving 50 LONG years together but for thriving in them!

Here’s to 50 more!

XOXO,

Sara