Surprise Retirment Party

I love planning. 

I love party planning. 

I love surprise party planning! 

So, what better way to celebrate a friend’s 25 year teaching career than with a Surprise Retirement Party?

We “bunko babes” originated from our monthly Bunko group and that has morphed into much more. We are now the friends that vacation together, go to basketball games, bowl, play bingo, have “game nights” and do so many other things, include celebrate milestones. There are a core group of ladies and a few other ladies that get together for the “big ones” when they can. Last night- we were all there! (Our group was struck with tragedy last November when our friend Colleen suddenly passed. I don’t think her death has left us yet and, honestly, I don’t think it ever will. She was the glue that bound us together and my mom, Penny and I work very hard to take her place in staying connected.) Good times like last night help us heal and are so necessary!

Back in May, my mom sent out a message wanting to celebrate Vicki’s retirement from teaching. 25+ years as a teacher deserved something special! We all came together and decided Tuesday, June 24^th would be the perfect day- it was her last official day at work. Shortly after, Vicki decided she wanted to host Bunko- on the 24^th! More specifically than bunko, she wanted to get together with us to celebrate a pretty significant day in her life. It couldn’t have worked out more perfectly. After a little maneuvering, my mom got Vicki to allow the movement of the party over to our house (we needed to be able to decorate!) and she was none the wiser of our plans behind the scenes.

Here are some pictures of all the decorations. I re-purposed the banner from Jaxon’s birthday party, I just printed the letters needed to create the proper words for Vicki. 

 

I found this banner on Pinterest and I think it came out pretty cute and was fairly easy to do!

Karen and Sandy made these adorable bags for the decorations on the main table in addition to holding the napkin and utensils. They also made all these yummy desserts!

Penny and Cindy put together this amazing gift basket with lots of little goodies, gag-type gifts and trinkets. In addition, the group gave Vicki an Outback gift certificate and this beautiful “teacher” from the Willow collection.

 

 

Mexican food was the theme: chips and guacamole, taco bar and rice and beans! It was all great and best of all she was surprised. Can’t ask for more than that!!

A few other little touches here and there and the night was complete, beautiful, fun and HAPPY!

 

Vicki was surprised, happy and really enjoyed herself. It felt great to do something good for a friend and to honor her years of hard work and shaping young lives! Cheers!

xoxo-Ladylewy