The Hazard Chronicles

In the last post I alluded to some weekend plans, but I couldn't say anything specific. That is because it was a surprise, the planning of which started several months ago. My parents had announced that they would retire this year, and my siblings and I wanted to do something special to celebrate their careers. 

My mom was a kindergarten teacher. She was an aide for a long time, and this is what I mostly remember from my own childhood. After I was out of the house she went back to school though, and then went to work in her own classroom, establishing herself as a core member of the teaching faculty. I also know that she is maybe the most popular person in her small town, and it is rare for us to go anywhere without some small child coming up and giving her hugs. 

My dad started out teaching high school science, and I have lots of memories of visiting his classroom and getting roadside geology lessons on family trips. From there he moved to teaching college classes, but my knowledge of his career is embarrassingly fuzzy at that point. I know he did stuff with international students, which makes sense because he was heavily involved in the ESL program at the high school...I think. He also taught some English classes? I don't really know how a geology degree qualifies you to teach English at the university level though, so I could be wrong there. I do know that eventually he moved more into administration, and that he spearheaded a peer-peer tutoring program at the school that is pretty unique and effective. He also played lots of racquetball, so that was a thing. He is probably reading this right now and just shaking his head. 

The main point is that both of them had long and successful careers where they definitely had a positive influence on the world and on the people around them. The whole coronavirus thing was kind of a bummer also, because it meant that their last year was cut short and a lot of the goodbye's and "last time's" didn't really get to happen. 

Anyway, months in the works, all my siblings and I got together and rented a large home on a beautiful property near their house. We all secretly made the trip down and prepared for the party. There was a ruse, the details of which I am still a little unsure of, wherein we convinced my parents to arrive at the property thinking it was for another, more mundane purpose. The door was opened, and there we were- all 27 (I think?) of us, screaming in their faces, congratulating them, and ushering them into the party atmosphere we had created. It was fun.

The "party," of course, only lasted for a little while. We had good food and gave gifts. We celebrated. But then we just relaxed. It was like a family reunion, and it was cool seeing the cousins playing together and catching up with siblings.

Matt made a great lunch for us

So, we don't have many (any) pictures from the actual party, but I think this image shows the aftermath well. In the background, you can see kids who are still excited and energetic. Balloons are up. Arms in the air. Party! And then their is Jack. Looking a little tired. And yes, that is an Oreo on his face.

S'mores at the campfire

Hanging out in the yard

Inner-tubing in the frigid canal

Jack and Izzy (My brother's dog). I had to post this because it is the closest Jack will ever come to having his own dog. These two have had a fraught relationship through the years, but they get along well now.

It was so good to see everyone.

Good times. Have a good week!