We'd been planning our wedding for about 14 months when we got into the Jimmy, saddled with the Thule box and T2k, and drove north to the Grand Traverse area on July 14th. We were excited and ready but couldn't have been ready for how fast, how busy, how fun the next few days would be.
That Wednesday would be one of the most relaxed at the Inn; just our extended families were there and we hit the beach, the artificial island, and Jenelle and I served ice cream to the crowd. I met Grandma Gray, Jenelle met the Oregon Irishes. Everybody enjoyed the spot and seemed to be having a good time.
Thursday morning Anthony arrived and I met him at the airport and we went straight to hike the Sleeping Bear Dunes with my relatives. Jenelle, Bre, Sharon, and Grandma Gray visited the shops of Suttons Bay, and she snuck away in time to meet a group at Van's Beach in Leland, where a few hearty Brunos swam while others watched a gathering storm envelope the Manitous. Back at the Inn, after the weather had broken, we gathered in the pergola for brats with all the trimmings, salads, and brownies. That night, a gathering around the campfire on the beach was a highlight.
Monday, July 30, 2007