SURPRISE for Grammie!

As I mentioned briefly in a previous post, my Mom officially retired from the only job I've ever known her to have.  My brother, sister and I collaborated in throwing her a surprise retirement party!  My brother and his wife hosted it in their garage.  Since they live in the home in which we were raised, it was a party that felt just like our graduation parties!  

We found a collection of decor that screamed our Mom...perfect!

We provided post-it's for guests to leave well wishes and advice... 

Decor also consisted of office supplies! 

Sadly, our day was quite damp as several heavy downpours moved through the area.  Thankfully there weren't any storms.  We tried to keep the kids dry...

"please mom!" 

The kids tried to be good by sitting patiently and coloring pictures... 

But finally, we gave in.  They played in the rain and experimented with just getting wet...

Meanwhile, guests were arriving.  This is my great Aunt holding Macie...precious moment! 

Again, like our graduation parties, my aunt (my Mom's sister) decorated the cakes! 

And then, the innocent "playing in the rain" became "playing in the mud!"  We had shirts made for each of the kids that read "Grammie's Retirement Plan."  As you can see, they were printed on white t-shirts...which were not a good combination with mud, but the kids had a blast much to the envy of a good majority of the adults who were patiently awaiting my mom's arrival! 

We were able to get my mom to the party by my brother inviting her to a "cookout with the in-laws."  He even asked her to bring a relish tray!  HA!   She had no clue and was totally surprised, success!

Here she greets her guests with my nieces on each hip! 

Macie had some fun with my Aunt Dorrie (mom's sister) 

Here is the best shot of Grammie with the kiddos...look close enough and you'll see the mud party on each of them despite the fact that we hosed them off! 

I love this shot because Ava is hugging Emily.  We are so fortunate to have our kiddos so close in age.  Thankfully, despite the fact that he is the only boy, Aaron and Audrey are the best of friends.  Blessed:)

Happy Retirement Mom/Grammie!  We hope to see you more!