It was the weekend we had been wildly anticipating - one of my closest childhood friends was about to get married!  Paul and I were planning to drive back to Wisconsin with Drew and Dale in order to make the wedding taking place in Northern Wisconsin. It was also our last weekend of freedom before Paul started his fellowship.  Nothing like filling the weekend with a road trip and wedding festivities!  We jumped into the SUV and our first stop was to drop off as much stuff as possible in Cleveland to set up Paul's apartment.  We did our first Drew feeding, diaper changing and car seat - situating of many to come on this road trip. Then we hit the dusty trail. We stopped every few hours to feed drew and change his tiny little diapers. Luckily he is a car sleeper and slept the whole way from Pittsburgh to Wisconsin.  After a lengthly traffic jam in Chicago, we were welcome to Appleton by Paul's family! So great to be home.

The next day, Paul, John, Kathy, Dale, Drew and I piled into the SUV and made our way to Joel's cabin. Another 2.5 hours on the road heading north to some of my favorite country roads.  We were so excited to show the Anderson family Joel's pride and joy. It was fun for them to get to see the place we talk about so much.  Paul and I scurried off to the rehearsal dinner at the Four Season's Island Resort. The place was beautiful. The sun was shining and the weather was stunning. I didn't even know that the resort existed, and here this little gem was nestled into the woods between the Wisconsin and Michigan border. Paul and I stayed the night at the resort and tried to sleep a little before the big day.

Saturday, the ladies in the wedding party got up early to get ready for the big day. The boys slept off the previous evening's party and got to rest up. Oh how I wish getting ready as a girl was that easy! The morning flew past. We ate food made by Uncle Bob, had some french press coffee and caught up over tired eyes. Drew joined us in our preparations for the wedding. He was of course wearing his 3 piece suit, which was ADORABLE. All  the ladies in the wedding party instantly wanted a baby - I can't say I blame them, Drew was tooting and being super chill most of the morning!

We adventured out for photos around the resort and then relaxed a bit before one of my closest friends walked down the isle. I don't know if it was postpartum hormones, but I was holding back so many tears as she waltzed around in her beautiful dress. Ah, it was perfect! Once the vows were said, of course, let the festivities begin! The bridal party took to the pontoon and cruised around the resort. That was probably the coolest wedding party activity I have every seen. I absolutely love cursing around on a pontoon boat. I would live in a houseboat if it weren't so difficult to find water. We listened to Eric Church and danced around on the pontoon. We quickly made our way to the wedding hall for our grand entrance and dinner. Once the lights faded, Curty and I hit the dance floor. Paul took his turn on the dance floor as well - which I always appreciate so I'm not dancing alone like an idiot. It was a blast. A perfect day to say the least.

The next morning we had to say our goodbyes and start our trip back home. We took another evening's rest in Appleton before the big journey to Cleveland. Lyssa stopped by to check on her godson and we went for a nice summer walk. Paul and I spent a lot of time on the road that weekend, but it was worth every minute and every mile to be part of Alyssa's special day. I am so happy for Alyssa and Luke, they are so perfect together. I wish we lived closer, but that leaves us plenty to catch up on when we do see each other!

Cheers to a wonderful life together you two! Thank you for having us!

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