Grandpa Supler's 95th birthday/ Justin's Going Away Party

A few weekends ago, Joe, Jules, and I headed out to Rochelle to spend the weekend with family celebrating two big events - my Grandpa Supler's 95th birthday and by brother Justin's departure for the Air Force. It was a big, exciting, and exhausting day!
 
My Grandpa insisted that all he wanted to do for his birthday was to have a sheet cake party at his church in between the two services. So about 13 of us went to church with him that morning and got to sit with him while well-wishers came by to congratulate him at the party afterward. He clearly enjoyed the celebration - and the cake! - before we headed out with a basket full of cards and enjoyed breakfast together. Here's a great picture of my Grandpa with his surviving children, some of his grandchildren, and many of his great grandchildren.

For a 95 year young man, my Grandpa is pretty inspiring. He has pain in his ankles and hips, but gets up every morning and gets out and about. He still plays pool at the senior center regularly and is involved with not one, but TWO Wii bowling leagues. In fact, he has gotten so good that he and his former bowling partner got broken up because nobody could beat them! I hope these genes I've inherited give me his stamina and persistence to make life worth living. Happy birthday, Grandpa!


After we left the big birthday party, we headed to my Dad and Betty's house for an early Thanksgiving/ going away party for my youngest brother, Justin. He was just leaving for Basic Training with the Air Force and we wanted to send him off well. We had turkey and everything - since he won't be home for the holiday - and even wrapped up the meal by watching football. It was a fun day! It was sad to see him go, but we're all very excited for Justin's next adventure in Texas.  Good luck, little brother!

Here are a few more photos from the day:

Our family at Grandpa's birthday party

 

 

Yeah... he's cool. Nice one, Luke ;)

Jen and Dylan

Shirley, my Uncle Roger's fiance

Aunt Karen

Julia and her "best friend" Caden - she declared this just after the party!

At the end of Justin's party I remembered that I was planning to take some pictures. Here's who was left!