On the road to Wisconsin...

On our way to the airport, we were about to exit to go through the tunnels, but the highway was rather crowded and we anticipated traffic ahead.  I had programmed the GPS to Paul's house in Appleton and we made a snap decision to take the exit towards home.  It was some serious spontaneity on both of our parts, which is fairly out of character for Paul and I.  However, what is not out of character is that we decided based on our awesome cost savings, and that it was only going to take us a few extra hours.

We were going home to honor and cherish the memory of a beautiful woman, mother, and grandmother - "Bobbie".  We spent time with Paul's close family during a beautiful service and ceremony.  All of Paul's brother's were able to make it and family came from near and far to remember and celebrate a life well lived.

Paul and Bobbie - Christmas 2011

Paul's cousin read a beautiful poem during the service which captured so many emotions and touched every heart in the crowd.  Words couldn't say it much better than the poem - and hopefully I'll include the words here for you all to enjoy.

Grandma Marsh cracking me up as usual!

Paul and I spent the early afternoon together and I then took some time to drive north a few miles visit with my grandparents.  I got to catch my Grandma Marsh for a moment in the parking lot while we were on our way in to visit with Grandpa after dinner.  He was watching old country music television shows just like we always did when we were kids.  That's where Joel and I developed our love for the Grand 'Old Opry, Little Jimmy Dickens, and the rodeo!  We were bound to find something of that nature always playing at Grandma and Grandpa's house!  We spent a few summers there making forts in the field next door in Pulaski and building cucumber or zucchini boats out of the spare, over grown veggies in Grandma's garden.  I also remember when their garden was in the back of our house on Isaar Rd - we could see the suburban pull in and they would get right to work!  Joel and I would venture out to say hello and help to pick string beans, strawberries, corn, and whatever else needed weeding.  Plenty of fun - and plenty of memories! 

Three generations of Marsh's, aka trouble...

We left Good Shepard only after Mom and I gave Grandpa a kiss on the cheek - his new rule for visitors! Hah!  It was fun to catch up and see his smile!  He just turned 86 a day or so ago which was a celebration!  After our visit, Mom, Dad and I made our way to the Duplex to catch up with Chris on his Birthday!

I picked up a cake and Chris fired up the grill for some awesome turkey burgers!  We had fruit, a salad and the Polish Princess (Lyssa) even decided to join us.  After stuffing ourselves during dinner we lit the cake with some flaming matches because candles were not exactly available!  Matches burn pretty quickly so we had to sing Happy Birthday on double speed. 

Curty, Me, Chris and Lyssa - Happy Birthday Chris!

Matches burn much faster than candles...

Mom and Dad took off for home to get some rest from a weekend of traveling and Lyssa, Chris and I sat outside and enjoyed the evening while catching up over the latest events.  I had to get up real early the next morning to get back on the road, but we still made time to walk to "Downtown Seymour" to fire up the jukebox for a tune or two!  A successful night capped off sleeping in Joel's impressively high bunk.

Birthday Boy - BIG BOY... SMALL CAKE!

I woke Paul up the next morning with a Triple Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte and a scone.  We took to the road shortly after and my Curt Marsh determination made be drive 8 hours until I finally gave the wheel over to Paul who spent most of the morning studying in the car. 

It was a trip that was much too short - but we are sure glad we were able to spend the few precious moments with family. 

Forever in our hearts...

Fireworks in Pittsburgh on the Fourth of July...