Forty Years of Wedded BLISS!

Teresa, Cameron and I just got back from our weekend in the valley.  We were there to attend the 40th Wedding Anniversary Celebration for my cousin, Cecilia and her husband, Jay.  Their six children surprised them with a party on Friday evening.  

We all were waiting for them to arrive at St. Mary's Basilica around 6:30 Friday evening.  They were coming under the pretense of a church choir concert.  Yaya belongs to the choir at St. Mary's.  We had a "play by play" commentary from Katie about where they were and when they would arrive. 

Cecilia and Jay got to the church around 7:00 p.m.  They were accompanied by Dave and Meg from Idaho and their two beautiful girls, Bisbee and Piper.  I can honestly say that I think they were very surprised--at least Jay was--Cecilia might have had a little inkling.

Everyone stood and said "happy anniversary" together as they walked into the church.  Father Alonso, a Franciscan priest from St. Mary's, had them renew their wedding vows.  Austin, their oldest grandson, read a reading.  It was a simple and quick ceremony.

After that, we went to the Social Hall which is underneath St. Mary's for dinner and fun!!  So many of our family events have been held at St. Mary's--both joyful and sorrowful.  Many people were there to honor Jay and Cecilia!  All of her children were there with their families---Monica, Derik and Austin, Tyler, and Parker; David and Meg and Bisbee and Piper: Mark and his girlfriend, Annie, Jeremy, Mattox and Cole; Katie and Bob; and Matthew.  Of course, all of her sisters were there!!  Many of our cousins also came.  And their many friends through the years were in attendance.

Cecilia and I have always been good friends.  Although we are cousins, she is still my very dear friend.  I have always been able to count on both Jay and Cecilia over the years.  They have ALWAYS been there for me and I truly appreciate it--more than words can express.

Cecilia is one of the truly good people of the world and Jay has been by her side through thick and thin!  I so love and admire both of them.  We can't pick our relatives, but we can pick our friends.  It is so nice to know that they are my friends!! Love you both, Jay and Cecilia, and here is to 40 (well maybe not 40) more!!!