A toast to 40 years, Anne!

 

Ladies, welcome. If I can have your attention, please. Today, we gather here at Indianhead to celebrate a special milestone – the 40^th birthday of our fearless Captain Anne. Before we dive into what promises to be a memorable evening, let’s all do ourselves a favor, grab a drink of your choice, get comfy in your seat because I’m not rushing. We’re settling here together for connection, stories and laughter.

Let's start by all raising a glass to 40 fabulous years and many more to come! Cheers!

A few from the party!

Anne, you have always been someone who is a beacon of joy, energy, kindness, warmth and friendship, and today, we celebrate the impact you have had on all of our lives.

It’s a joy to see so many familiar faces here, from those who've known Anne since she was little and have shared her journey over the years, to those new friends who've just recently hopped on this wild rollercoaster ride; boy, you are in for a treat! Each of you has played a significant role in Anne’s life. It's wonderful to have you here tonight to celebrate.

I'm Katie, Anne’s older and, dare I say, wiser sister. I've known her a long time - since she was born in 1985. Yes, I may have given her a haircut that made her look like a member of a boy band for a few years and lied about it. Sorry about that! We've shared everything from Barbies and Dryer horses and yelling at our younger brother, Dan, who decapitated poor Ken, to watching VHS tapes and making taffy in the back of the Chevy van on road trips to the National Parks and playing soccer together on the Kickers.

 

But my favorite memories are our travels, like our trip to Italy where we got press passes for the winter Olympics and watched Shawn White win the gold medal in the men’s halfpipe; or going on dune buggies and sandboarding in Huacachina, Peru with my then boyfriend, now husband Seth, and our brother Dan. It was so good to see you after 6 months! To adventures with some of you, ziplining in Costa Rica before my wedding; to walking in the incredible Hoh rainforest in Washington, to all the North Shore trips for fall colors, including that first trip before we moved to Duluth where we temporarily lost Evie and Marit, who were only 2, on the scenic train ride.

Now, let's take a moment to quickly introduce all these wonderful guests who have been part of your life, from those who have known you the longest to the most recent. If I say your name, please raise your hand as we might not have met you yet.

First up, we have JoAnn, who has known Anne also since she was born. Anne arrived 3 weeks late and was born on the 4^th of July. They dubbed her as their "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Anne was apparently the easiest baby ever and never cried and every 4^th of July we watched the fireworks that were just for your birthday. Mom recalls one of her favorite memories was watching us play on the Mounds View soccer team together. She also enjoys the occasional gin and tonic or frozen margarita bucket at the old cabin. Their relationship has morphed from a typical mother-daughter dynamic to a bond that few can truly understand.

Next, we have Molly and Sara, our Rocheford cousins. Our moms are sisters, and we've shared countless adventures, from golf cart escapades at our grandparent’s cabin on Velvet to sleepovers after major holidays and hot tub sessions. Molly enjoys reminiscing about old times, including living together on Watson. Sara will never forget the time you got to be Lady Liberty in the 4^th of July parade (and that one night you may have fallen asleep on the toilet).

Then there's Erin, who met you in preschool but really hit it off in middle school. She said “Annie has had the biggest case of FOMO probably since pre-K! Always the life of the party, willing to stay up late and chat or always lending a listening ear. She is wise beyond her years.”

And Kelly, who practically became our second sister after knocking on our door in kindergarten and asking you to be her friend. Annie and Kelly were like two peas in a pod growing up. Kelly practically lived with us on Wyncrest Ct. Kelly says, “Anne shows up, regardless of time or circumstances or sleep deprivation- to the dinner, to the birthday, to the hospital, to the funeral, to your house, or just to be there for you.” They will be lifelong friends, I’m sure.

Next, we have Stef who met Anne on the YMCA Marlins Swim team in the early '90s. Fun fact: Anne, Stef and I were on a winning relay team together and played endless games of "spoons" with our goggles at swim meets. Stef recalls her favorite memory sneaking out of her parents’ house. Not sure where they went but she still calls Anne by her old AOL screen name, Annabellechick. Ah, the good ol' days of landlines, dial-up and AIM chat!

Next, we have Shannon, Abby, Allie,  and Rachel, who have been part of Anne's life since their teenage years. Shannon remembers meeting Anne at Captain’s practices for soccer at Mounds View and then reconnecting at Toddler Tuesdays with girls on the rollercoaster and then sipping on margaritas by the pool. Abby remembers beach walks in Florida, and you guessed it, drinking margaritas. Notice a theme here? Margaritas seem to be a secret ingredient to these friendships!

Rachel and Eric both recalls a time you wanted to canoe back upstream and may have had dug for a river ciggie out of the sand on one of the St. Croix camping trips. Maybe a story for later? Rachel also enjoys cabin time with wine and keeping your hubbies in line. Cheers!

Ok, next we have Sarah. Sarah met Anne through their youngest children at Incarnation preschool. They became fast friends when Anne invited Sarah’s daughter Lydia to go to Costco with little Lucy. Sarah is also a nurse and I’m sure she provides professional and personal advice as well.

Kristi, Aubree, and Amy met Anne through Midwest gymnastics. They all share a love for laughter and hanging out by the pool with cocktails. Surprise, surprise. I’m sure we’ll be enjoying some tomorrow!

Finally, we have Tanya, who joined Anne’s circle when she moved to Shoreview. Their first "meeting" was actually via FaceTime while Anne was traveling in India with work. Their connection has quickly grown into a cherished friendship, and I often feel she's like my third sister since she’s always hanging out with our fam! Fun fact: Damien and Tanya were also married in WI on the same day as Anne and Eric, July 23, small world.

Let's all take a moment to reflect on some unforgettable experiences we’ve all shared with Anne.

I’m sure there are many late-night girls' nights filled with laughter and other adventurous travel stories. Another one I’ll never forget is taking a train with you from Barcelona to some random town like 30 kilometers away on the beach to see the Carnival festival in Spain dressed as flamenco dancers yelling “Carnival! Carnival! Carnival!” I also remember us cheering on the curling team from Minnesota at the Olympics and then getting free tickets from them to see the luge but we had to ride the bus for 2 hours and freeze watching the jumbotron as they flew by. You somehow caught the last train back to Milan and slept in the station or airport? Anne, I love that you are always up for adventures. You bring spontaneity, excitement and joy wherever you go. A total FOMO!

I’m almost done, ladies. One more quick story. For those who were at Anne and Eric’s wedding in 2011, who could forget the time she sparkled. No no, not in her wedding dress but waterskiing on the lake first thing in the morning with her veil attached to her life jacket. She was in her element and was so happy!

For those who don’t know, Eric and Anne met through Stef and started dating back in high school when Anne let him cheat off her science quiz. They went to the same college, UW-Eau Claire, and got married here in Balsam Lake at the catholic church with the reception at Paradise Landing. Eric said, “It was a perfect [wedding] day. Waiting to see her for the first time, riding the pontoons to the church, her huge smile permanently on her face.” He is forever grateful and humbled to be traveling through life with Anne as you make him want to be a better husband, father, neighbor, teacher and human being.

Her radiant smile and watching her waterskiing that day is a memory that both Holly and Katie, who couldn’t make it here tonight, recall and really is a testament to your vibrant spirit, love of life and making every moment count. For those who don’t know, Anne is a total FOMO – fear of missing out! Hence the last-minute pool party tomorrow. Evie, Josie and Lucy have tried to keep this a secret and wish they could be here too and are excited to celebrate tomorrow. Josie says her favorite memories are getting to cuddle with you.

Evie says in 40 years, she thinks you’ll probably be dead or if you are 85 and she’s 50 then you’ll go eat Punch Pizza together. Whether it's cuddling your loved ones, sharing laughter with friends by the pool or at the cabin, or simply being there when it matters most, your presence enriches all our lives.

You are a friend who is always there, even when you are off duty as a nurse, offering calm, good advice to those in need. Occasionally calling me, your on-call cardiologist sister, for advice, but in reality, you are the one that gives the best advice.

Anne Marie, thank you for being the incredible person you are. I’m so lucky to have you as a sister, dear friend and travel buddy.

As you enter this new decade, may it be filled with even more years of laughter, love, adventures, joy and unforgettable memories. Thank you all for being part of Anne’s journey and for joining us here tonight. Cheers and love you, Marie!!