Emily and Carie were the planners for the joint 50th wedding anniversary celebration on the exact date, June 10th, of their reception years ago. I really didn't want to miss out on this! Since we had already purchased my ticket for family reunion just two weeks later my very generous siblings offered to pay my way, and Dan's! Dan stayed home to watch the kids. I flew out on Friday night and stayed with Aimee.
Ken had flown in Friday afternoon so it was a party at Aim's house that night with Ken and I crashing there. Saturday morning as we got up and ready for the day all my siblings (minus Lizzie) were communicating with each other about the best way to surprise Mom and Dad. Instead of spending all day "hiding out" waiting for the dinner party we surprised them one by one. Brad and Dona came Friday and had the excuse of picking up Elise from EFY at BYU. Chuck's excuse, which was totally legit, was that he was working in Oregon and staying in SLC before heading to Taiwan Sunday so he stopped by on Saturday. Ken told mom and Dad that he was on his way to Tiawan and came to meet up with Chuck. We decided to meet up at Bryn and Ella's soccer game at 1pm in Lindon. Everyone except Lizzie was there since baby Willis was about to be born.
I hid out in Aimee's car until everyone was there and then moseyed on by. It was the BEST surprise ever! Mom did a double take as I gave dad a hug hello! We knew that once I showed up (without giving a real excuse) they'd know something was up. After the soccer game we all went back to the house for a while. Then the question was how to get them to the sky room and dressed up without telling them why?! Aimee and I came up with the excuse that we needed go pick up the Breinholt prints she had framed at Michaels and we wanted their opinion. We kindly suggested that they change their cloths:). I drove, stating I didn't' want to get car sick, wink wink, so that I could manage our timing a bit more. Mom and Dad knew something was up but had no clue! When Aimee and I got to BYU she got a text that said, "not ready yet, stall for 15 minutes!" So once inside the Wilk I said I had to go to the bathroom. I serious hung out in the stall until Aimee gave a signal we were good to go. We went up the elevator and as the door opened at the sky room Mom and DaD were greeted by lots of people! Surprise! Janet and Phil had been surprised as well but were already there.
Aunt Mace and Aunt Lesa both worn the original bridesmaid hats that Grandma Meril made! Emily and Carrie had enlarged some wedding pictures and brought them. We had a display table for each couple. Neena and her daughters made the awesome brides-maid hats from construction paper and chiffon for all the women there. We had a nice dinner and cheesecake. (Unfortunately I could only eat the meat be cause of my current diet) Neena and Brad MC'd the nights program and did a great job. They had compiled the dating and wedding day stories from Mom and Dad and Janet and PHill to share. All my brothers sang. And of course we heard from the two couples all night. I think my favorite part of the night was hearing advice from both. They are great examples; full of love and respect for each other. I really wish Dan had come! 
