On Jan. 5, 1953, Reg Smith and Liz Dixon became husband and wife in a simple ceremony in Wisconsin Dells, Wisc.
On Jan. 5, 2003, their son and daughter-in-law, Mark Smith and Donna Euben, remembered their parents' special day with a party at their home in Washington, D.C.
It was only fitting that their party should be on a cold day; it was even colder when the Smiths were married 50 years ago. "They [the kids] thought the party would be a surprise, but it didn't work out that way," said Liz Smith.
About 30 people came to celebrate with them, including their daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Jon Smith-George, with their four children; and their son, Douglas Smith.
Unable to attend were the Smith's children: son, John Smith-Sreen and daughter, Ann Chenevey. John and his family are in India; Ann and her family reside in Cypress.
Their voices were there, however. As one of their wedding gifts, Deborah put together a talking photo album.
Photographs were inserted just like in regular album, but this album included a button, which when pressed, played a message relating to each set of pictures. Included were messages from the overseas contingent.
"They left a message on Deborah's answering machine and then she recorded it on the photo album. This was technology to the nth degree," said Liz.
DEBORAH ALSO put together a more traditional scrapbook of memories. It included drawings from some of the grandchildren; pictures of the kids; and letters from some of the guests who couldn't attend the party.
One of those letters was from Liz's brother. He apologized again for delaying their wedding. It turned out that he was a football player at the University of Wisconsin and was playing in the Rose Bowl that year. Liz had wanted a Christmas wedding, but delayed it until after the game, because she wanted her brother to be there.
Both these books contain very special memories and will be cherished by the Smiths for years to come.