Cape Cod to State College, PA 24 June 2015

Good Morning,
Sitting here at the table looking across at the fields and two deers running across the area.   The sun is out today and so have blue skies around the beautiful green trees and fields.
We spent some rainey but good family days on the Cape.   Tom and I stayed at Otis AFB in their billeting as Pete and Linda had a full house with Kelly and girls and Danielle in their two bedroom neat condo.   We arrived with only 2 minutes to spare to check in at Otis...what a day!  Otis has some nice three bedroom condo's where we made home for several days.   We were at Pete and Linda's every day.  We did bring the rain with us but had nice day to go to Mashpee Beach and enjoy the kids playing in the ocean and making sand castles.   Maryann of course was covered in towels to keep warm as the wind was fairly strong.   We also spent a morning Candle Stick Bowling with the girls and Danielle and Pete and Kelly.   Molly was the winner!  First time we had heard of Candle Stick Bowling.   It was fun!   Also Linda and Maryann and all spent time at the pool in the condo area- watching the little's playing in the water.   We took a trip to Brocton and had dinner with Pete's brother and his daughter and son-in-law at a restaurant that has been a family tradition for years.   VERY good food and company!   IT was nice to meet more of the Walsh family.  AND of course we all played dice..even taught Danielle how to play. ALSO made time to go out and get ice cream...Cape Cod had the best ice cream shops..a small cone is two extra large scoops!!!! AND would not be a trip to the Cape without going to Lindsey's..our favorite seafood restaurant. We always eat very good when we spend time with Pete and Linda at their place in Mashpee!   It was bitter sweet as we gave lots of kisses and hugs  to Kelly, Molly, Samantha, Kirsten after traveling with them for the last month. AND to Pete and Linda who we won't see again until September back in Tucson.
We left the Cape on 17th June and spent a night at Groton, Conn. Submariene Base.  Tom and I went exploring and had a nice late lunch on the dock watching the fishing boats.  We traveled back to  Tobyhanna Army Depot in the Pocono Mountains where we spent time with Peggy and Larry.   Maryann and Peggy met in nursing school in 1966 and "what a wonderful friendship" they have.
When we say we are going East to spend time with family....they are family!   Of course we brought the rain to Tobyhanna...but the rain stopped at appropriate times as we went out and about.   Tom and Larry barbequed steaks one evening.   If you are ever in the area, the Army have very nice Villa's that ID card holders can rent.   We spent the days catching up and just enjoying being together.   We left Tobyhanna on Father's Day and traveled together and had a nice late lunch before we gave our hugs and headed to Belefonte to spent time with Joan and Tom who are taking care of Sara and Adam's home while they are at the beach for the week.   Lots of laughing happening here!   We did take a day and go to Shanksville Memorial ....where Flight 93 went into the ground on 9-11.    They are still building the memorial but it is amazing.   The park ranger that was telling the story brought tears to our eyes even before we walked around the finished area.   Being there was extremely emotional... felt the same emotions when we traveled to Dachau, Germany and to the Vietnam War Memorial.
As I walked pass each panel with individual name on them of the heroes  that helped take Flight 93 down...I took time reading each of their names and thanking them for their sacrifices.  We will go back when they have completed the memorial in a year or so.
It seems like the rain is following us still...but have had some nice days too...so take advantage. We spent a fun afternoon minitature golfing with Joan and Tom in State College.   Carrie and Emme arrived on the June 25th and will be traveling with us until 5 July.   We spent a day just letting Emme play.   Carrie and Emme stayed at Sara's with us too.  We  then headed to Harrisburg to spend a few days at Carlisle Army Depot again.   Visited our Aunt Fran and her family and then Tom and I attended Aunt Ethel's grandson's wedding mass...poured rain all day...they say rain on a wedding day is good luck!!  We were able to see some cousins we had not seen in years...so good to see all and catch up on their lives too.  Peggy and Larry  came up from Lancaster on their Anniversary in the afternoon to spend some time with us and Carrie and Emme.   Emme warmed up to them almost immediately.  After they left, we went and visited with Aunt Ethel.  So far once again Emme has been a great travelor.
Kelly and Bryan also started their road trip Arizona June 28.   They have plans to stop in Alabama to let the girls enjoy the Space Museum.  Since Molly was about 4 , she has wanted to be an astronaut...and still does.
We stopped at the Safari Adventure in Halifax, Pennsylvania on our way back to Karthaus.  Spent several hours walking about and seeing animals and taking the jeep ride.  Emme was able to feed the animals and enjoyed the petting zoo.
We are back in   Karthaus area for the 4th of July and to see family and friends
again.
Keeping you all in our daily prayer.  Love and hugs
God Bless,
Tom and Maryann

~"The Best things in Life are the People we Love, PLACES we have been and the Memories we've made Along the way."~