50th at Frankenmuth

It was chicken at Frankenmuth's famous Bavarian Inn to celebrate Mom and Dad's 50th wedding anniversary!

I finally made another trip back to Michigan. It's a bit of a long trip for me now to drive 275 miles nonstop by myself - but at least it wasn't Winter driving.

But the trip was well worth it, and after all... how could I miss Mom and Dad's big day? It was big news in Auburn. At least two billboards spelled out their names and the big 50th Anniversary event. People they didn't even know where congratulating Dad in the grocery store.

It was also great to see my sisters again, and all of the nieces and nephew. ***!!!

As usual the Bavarian Inn did a great job to help us celebrate Mom and Dad's special. At the last possible minute they allowed us to change the reservations made by Dad for just a dinner in the main dining room to a special Anniversary setting in a private room on the seconds floor. If you've never been to the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn (famous for chicken dinners), it's a special restaurant done up in... Bavarian style! All the waiters and waitresses also dress the part in Bavarian outfits. There was even an accordion player in hallway entertaining those waiting in line. If you do visit sometime, remember to add a dash of the chicken seasoning to your drumstick before consuming. The soup and buttered noodles are also excellent. And who can say 'no' to the orange and vanilla sherbet swirl?

Diana deserves some recognition for scurrying away with photos of Mom and Dad's early years from the old albums without drawing any undo attention to herself. (Why do they trust her so?) And then scanning the photos in a Laptop PC, which created a nice surprise slideshow for Mom and Dad during dinner. Diana did a great job of selecting photos that encompassing major events of Mom and Dad's 50+ years (including me - the main event!). Joking! The photos even included pics from the first day Mom and Dad met. Besides the young photos of me, were my sisters also growing up, and all of their children. Very complete and inclusive. Good job, Diana!

We are also working on getting the old 8mm movies converted to DVD so Dad doesn't have to drag out and set up that old projector if they ever want to reminisce about the good olde days.

After chicken dinner at F.B.I., the celebration continued as the family took a scenic one hour boat ride on the Bavarian Belle, down the Cass River. I think everyone enjoyed it. And I saw a mink for the first time, running along the bank. I wish I had my camera ready in time for that shot, but it took too long to power up.

So that was Mom and Dad's big adventure in Frankenmuth. I'm hoping to post a small set of some of the family photos I was able to take in an Album that would be viewable here, but so far the only option I've found reveals too much personal information and/or gives access too all of the photos I took. I'll keep working on it. Keep you eyes on the Links box!

Happy 50th Mom and Dad!

M