On Saturday we celebrated Mom and Paul’s retirement with a party at Sam’s Pizza in Wausau. While they set the time and place and made the reservation, I conspired with my stepsister Maria and aunt Ruth to put together some surprises for them. Maria drove home (from New Hampshire!) without telling them, and it was a complete and happy shock when they first walked in and saw her at the party.
It's great to see your smile, Maria (in the bottom left hand corner!)
We also worked at making some of their favorite treats – in addition to the chocolate mint and cherry almond cupcakes, Ruth made “Gooshy” or “Andrew” bars, which Mom has been making a pan of every few weeks for many years now, and Phyllis made a small batch of cut out sugar cookies, decorated simply with white frosting and a cinnamon dot, one of Paul’s favorite cookies.
Yum. Yum. Yum. Yum.
Lastly, everyone invited generously gave toward a fun retirement gift for when they travel out to Utah, including some hiking and survival “gear” and several gift certificates to use during their trip. Ruth wrote the gifts into a fun story that she read as Shelley handed the gifts to Mom and Paul.
"Your Trail (mix) has led you to St. George, Utah!"
The party was very relaxed and a lot of fun, with lots of talking and laughing.
