SPECIAL WEEKEND!

FALL IS HERE!

On this first weekend of Fall, there are several special events in our Johnson/Lutz family.  Today, September 22, Clare Howard Johnson is 47 years old. As well, his birthday buddy and Godson, Rhett Oscar Sanford, turns 6 . On Saturday, September 24, Clare's wife Jodi (Kot) Johnson catches up to him! Clare was born in Estevan and Jodi in Weyburn.  They live in Weyburn so haven't moved far from their places of birth, in fact their home is just down the street from Weyburn Union Hospital. This was also the birthplace of their daughter Abbey who was 16 years ago on Sept.7.  The three will all be celebrating together this weekend as Jason, Marion, Katie and Rhett will be visiting them.  They just might be watching the Rider game on Sunday in their newly renovated third floor, now a cosy family room with large screen and projector TV.  Happy Birthday, Clare, Jodi and Rhett!  (I will have pictures on my next post)

Saturday marks the 50th Wedding Anniversary for Alan's sister,  Glenda Lutz and Garry Marcinowski. Their wedding took place at Frontier United Church on September 23, 1967.  A family celebration on the long weekend in August was hosted by their son Doug and Julie in Coldstream, BC, a suburb of Vernon.  Alan and I were so glad we could celebrate with them and I got to meet more of Alan's family.

From the back row left to right: Alan Lutz, Valen Heggestad, Frank Marcinowski, Garry Marcinowski, Glenda Lutz, Donna Lutz, Sharon Steuck, Garry Bakken, Russel Zacharias, Bobby Barsness
Front row: Bobby Healy, Sharon Marcinowski, Shirley Steuck, Joyce Lutz (I used maiden names for all the girls.)

There were lots of preparations going on. Here are the guys doing their share.  The gals were doing lots too!  Doug and Julie had worked hard planning and getting everything ready for this special weekend.  The "kids" gave up their bedrooms and slept elsewhere - on a trampoline in the backyard and some in a tent.  

Doug working on salad

Alan carving a ham.

Alan and Garry making an arbor

Donna and Kathy working in the kitchen
(along with many others who aren't in this picture)

Renewal of vows with Darrell Lock
(notice the arbor, now nicely decorated)

Family of four
Doug, Glenda, Garry, Teresa

Garry and Glenda Marcinowski
with their growing family

Fresh lobster - the appetizer
(followed by a steak supper!)

The  cake

Some of the guests

And more guests

Pool at night, quiet after a very busy weekend

 This pool was a busy place in the daytime, a great place for the youngsters to cool off and use up some of their energy! Doug and Julie had strung lights above the pool, so along with the decorations that were put up, it was very festive looking. (It probably wasn't as much fun taking them down!)

Alan and I want to thank all the family members who made this such a wonderful weekend for the Lutz/Marcinowski families. It is the second 50th anniversary in Alan's family as Donna and Cam Lock celebrated theirs in 2013.  Unfortunately, we won't be able to match those records!  We're trying, but when you marry in your seventies, our only hope of making 50 is to celebrate each month.  So far we are at 31! We are so thankful for each day that we have together.