Groomsman tribute...

Fishing at Lake Eva!  Nice catch brah!

We just returned from lower Michigan to attend a wedding that Joel told me a lot about...  Flap's wedding is what I mostly remember about it.  Always referred to as "Flap's wedding"!   I would always say, "who?" and then he would say "Matt" which left me even more confused...

Flaps and Cara, a photo from Joel's camera...

Finally I figured out who the legendary "Flaps" was, but Joel would just giggle when I asked him how the heck he got such a nickname...  It was always fun to get to know Joel's friends up at Tech through stories and many tall tales that we would share over the phone or over a brewski.  It was even better when I got to meet the men behind the legends when I would go up to Tech to visit Massy.  I always remembered to bring an extra snowmobile coat just to sleep in because it got a little cold outside the warmth of the fireplace in the great room.

Grasswick and Paul down in Chicago... from Joel's camera.

Speaking of cold, I specifically remember that Joel wore flannel pants under his jeans everyday during the Houghton winters.  The only way you knew if he was in his Pajamas or his street clothes was by the presence of jeans.  Buck would always say "zip zip!" take off his jeans revealing his pajama pants and sloppy-toed socks and jump into bed.  Haha, he would then proceed to make some comment about how it saved time... and was efficient.   Three seconds later he would be humming fast asleep with his eyes open...

Yeah, sleeping kind of like this, right Haus?

I'm getting off track.  Anyway, I wanted to highlight some of the many close friends and relationships that Joel found during his time at Tech, Flaps being one of the many great men and classmates he had the opportunity to get to know closely.  Heck, Flaps celebrates his birthday just the day after Buck!

Another shot that Joel took of Matt and Cara down in Chicago - Curty taught Buck well!

We were so honored to be able to witness and celebrate the marriage of Matt and Cara, and to see what a special relationship and friendship Joel had the privilege of seeing grow in strength and depth over the years.  I had heard a lot about Cara through Joel, and because Joel was not usually a man of many words - this spoke to how much Matt cares for her... It was so wonderful to see their wedding.

Joel "Buck" Marsh, Groomsman

Congratulations!

Cheers to a wonderful life of happiness and strength together - I know Buck joined us all for a shot of Jezynowka during the wedding, the peewee dances, and the many fun times we will have together in the future - Congratulations to you both!

The Marsh's

Wing Night Reunion!

Isaar Inn - Wing Party for Joel's Benefit and Clint's Birthday!

Ashley & Chad - Wing Party Winners!

While I was back in Wisconsin for the first week of summer break, we were able to all get together to have wings at Isaar Inn, just down the road from where Joel and I grew up on Isaar Road!  Ashley had won the Wing Party that Isaar Inn donated to Joel's Scholarship Banquet so it was about time to redeem the coupon and get the family together!  We worked to spread the word and the invitation and sat back to enjoy some wings and great company!

Matt, Ryan and Dan!

Shhhnick!

The Koeppel's made it out to Isaar - so great to see you all!

Clint Bodart was also celebrating his birthday, so it was double trouble on the wing party front!  It was so fun to see everyone and catch up - perfect timing over my trip back to the area as well.  I always seem to miss this little mini-reunions, but fortunately I made this one!  Dan and Katie just got settled into the area and it was excellent to see them out and about - we're so excited that they live close - I know Joel was so jacked that Dan had the interview up Marinette!

Hmmm, honey BBQ?  Can't quite be sure!

My twin - Alysa or as we call her, baby windpants!

Alyssa and I came dressed like twins without prior planning, and Bill showed us just how good the wings are at Isaar by leaving a delectable trail up his shirt!  The proof is in the stain(s)!

It was so wonderful catching up, and we're so thankful to all of our friends and family who made the trip out on a Wednesday night.  It's such a blessing that Joel has so many wonderful friends and family who continue to be a part of our lives.  We couldn't ask for more...


-The Marsh's