Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

Today is my mom and dad's 35th wedding anniversary! I always manage to miss the big anniversaries. For example, I was in Iraq for their 30th anniversary. And today, I'm stuck here in El Paso. I wish I could be there to celebrate.

My mom always laughs at how crazy people are about weddings these days--from the big diamond rings, outrageous proposals, and tens of thousands of dollars spent on lavish weddings. She's always quick to point out that half of those kinds of affairs end in divorce. We always laugh at the fact that she and my dad, got married at the justice of the peace 35 years ago in Hawaii...she in a muu muu and my dad in an aloha shirt, without any wedding rings. Shoot, when they had my sister and I in Germany (their first duty station), they barely had money to buy milk! But here they are...stronger than ever and probably more in love than they were when they first met. And I couldn't ask for better parents! They are truly my best friends.

Wow...what a year for you guys! Hitting your 35th year and becoming grandparents for the first time. You're on a roll. Thanks for the many years of love, guidance and support. I love you guys!

This picture was taken at a wedding in 2008. If you're wondering what my dad is wearing, it's Filipino formal wear called a "barong tagalog". They are sheer and worn over t-shirts. They come in all colors. Pretty, huh?