Twenty-Fifth Wedding Anniversary Party
Our Daughter Diane and Son-in-Law Mark
Sunday, September 20
We could not go to Mark and Diane’s church on Sunday morning (that would give away the surprise), so Cerwin set the GPS for the Gardiner Road Church of the Brethren – where the party would be held later in the day.
However, as we neared the GPS destination, we knew something was wrong. Cerwin didn’t realize that the street address was in Wales, and not in Gardiner! By this time we were half an hour away – in the wrong direction – and church was starting in ten minutes.
At this point there was nothing to do but enjoy the scenery on the way back. We were graciously welcomed by Glenn Horning – who heard us “trying to sneak” in the back door.
When church was over, we helped our granddaughters set up food and decorations in the fellowship hall. Abigail is in the one in this photo.
Elizabeth, her friend Becky, Mark’s mother, Joanne, and Lydia
This special gift – a perpetual calendar – was designed by family and friends.
The girls creatively decorated candy bars with “designer” labels.
This mocha punch was delicious – and a big hit during the drop-in party.
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There was a request for this recipe. This is what I received from our granddaughter Elizabeth. Adjust if you are serving less than 140 people. 
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Mocha Punch Recipe
This is a special and distinctive punch.
It is like sipping on a milkshake. Prep time (4-1/2 hours) includes refrigeration.
by Southern Chef in Louisiana
Put 1 gallon in the punch bowl at a time
Makes 35 quarts – Serves 140
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10 1/2 quarts water
3 1/2 cups instant chocolate drink mix
3 1/2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups instant coffee granules
In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil; then remove from the heat.
Add the drink mix, sugar, and coffee; stir until dissolved.
Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
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3 1/2 gallons vanilla ice cream
3 1/2 gallons chocolate ice cream
7 cups whipped cream (Our grandaughters used whipped cream in a can, and put a small dollop on top of each cup before serving)
About 30 minutes before serving, pour into a punch bowl.
Add ice cream by scoopfuls; stir until partially melted.
Garnish with dollops of whipped cream if desired.
The girls baked one hundred red velvet, heart-shaped cupcakes.
Greg (a friend of Mark and Diane), Cerwin, and Mark’s dad, Roy, visit while we wait for Mark and Diane to arrive.
Before church, the children told their parents that they were no longer in charge of their day – that they had to go where ever Hannah took them.
Because they did not know that we and Mark’s parents were there, the four of us hid in the kitchen after they arrived – until they had time to look around the room a bit.
Their expression when they saw us
Cerwin’s sister Velda (left) and her husband, Mel, (behind Diane) were vacationing in the area and became part of the plan to go out for a picnic lunch – before coming to this church. Our grandson Hezekiah is in the background.
We told Mark’s parents to wait in the kitchen a bit longer, because I wanted to capture Mark’s expression when he saw them. They hadn’t traveled to Maine in a few years due to Roy’s health. There were hugs and tears following this picture.
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Tomorrow night: The Party
