Brian and I celebrated our anniversary for the first time this year. Sometimes we missed it for fun reasons like a family vacation to Wisconsin Dells and Girls Weekend. Sometimes for not fun reasons like deployment and surgery. So this year we took advantage and went to Grand Marais for the weekend. We had lots of fun relaxing, eating and hiking around Lake Superior.
'Russia's summer of heat, drought and fire is starting to take a human toll in Moscow, Europe's most populous city.
Brian warned me that purchasing said puppy gives him permission to get a garden gnome.
We had another fun vacation week at White Eagle Resort on Lake Vermilion. We spent so much time on the boat there were moments I felt like I was still on the boat for days after.
Family picture on Cutty Rock. We went to celebrate Zach's 7th Birthday.
Uncle Bri and the birthday boy.
I caught the biggest fish! And yes, I was using my nephew's spidey pole.
Thanks Terry and Dorla! It is always our favorite week of the year!
And Raphaela and Charlie did not disappoint! As Raphaela would say it was very "sheeky-meeky" and packed with events. Kristin and I arrived early and were invited to have dinner with the family. We had a great time at the kids table (complete with miniature wine glasses) and were reminded how funny animal sounds can be.
The next morning we were invited to another family brunch which is fitting because these girls are like family even when we live in different countries!
We had a couple hours to chill by the pool before the rehearsal dinner. Kristin, Jill and I were asked to carry the gifts (bread and wine) down the aisle during the ceremony - Yikes! Then we had an awesome dinner at Joseph's.
Later we went back to the hotel to meet up with the rest of the Gusties arriving from all over. It was just like old times in an awkward way! I had forgotten that it is totally normal for Seg to show up at a wedding with a box of 3rd place trophies, that Doggers grow up to be 2nd grade teachers, Dan and Charlie are still BFF and how great it feels to go back in time.
The next day was the big event. After a beautiful traditional catholic mass, where no one spilled wine or tripped down the aisle (yay!) Raphaela and Charlie we married!
We celebrated their marriage at The Anderson Japanese Gardens where I laughed so hard my cheeks still hurt!
Ingrid Dohm painted an original picture for every guest at the wedding!
Staples of a Gustie wedding - G-Dubs on the dance floor and end of the night selfies!
Sunday we attended our last event - another brunch in honor of the newlyweds. I'm sad that the last Myrtle wedding is over! Anyone ready to renew their vows?
