May 21-23 I spent with the Smith and Johnston families. I left early with Dan and met up at the Smith house. We all then drove up to the very tipity top of Michigan to celebrate Justin and Katie’s wedding. It was a nine hour drive, which wasn’t that bad. I found out I would be staying at the bunkhouse while everyone else (Dan, Jared, Kelly, and Paul) were staying at the bed and breakfast and I felt kind of bad that I wouldn’t be with my friends. Then I saw the bed and breakfast. When we pulled into the driveway we say bikes hanging from trees, sculptures made from garbage, a secret garden, and a car covered with bumper stickers. It reminded me of the eclectic art house from Harriet the Spy (the movie). We went in and it was a little overwhelming. This man had been in the Bed and Breakfast industry for over 25 years and it showed, because he stuffed every little knit knack and what not he could in that house. I was fascinated, but at the same time glad I wasn’t staying in that house. I could see how it would be creepy at night.
We dropped off our stuff and went to the lakehouse/bunkhouse. By the way we had passed the only movie theater within 40 miles and it was playing one movie at one time. I found that rather entertaining. The movie was Robin Hood btw, good movie, I recommend it. Anyway, we drive through the town and reach this gravel road and then drive for what seems like 20 mins til we get to the lakehouse. It was beautiful! The house was made for 20-30 people to be able to stay in it. It was Katie’s grandparents house. When you walked in all you saw was the forest and the lake because the back wall was all windows. I got to meet Katie’s family who is a blast and I am kind of sad I won’t be seeing more of them. We ate fajitas and drank cherry wine while we all mingled and got to know each other.
The next morning I got up early and helped cook. I was the best damn celery cutter you’ve ever seen! I found out that Katie and Justin are now vegans! and that they had actually gotten married on a court tv show earlier in the month. They needed the wedding license and since the show paid them to get married then, it made sense. I was still shocked. Justin cooked and we had vegan waffles for breakfast. It was actually really good. Then we had the rehearsal. Afterwards Dan, Jared, Stephanie, and I went kayaking. It was a lot of fun and I know realize how much I miss canoeing/kayaking, camping, and whatnot.
When we got back we went to a second hand book store called ‘dog eared books’. It was very cool and had a lot of charm. I got an old cool version of ‘The Odyessy’ and a newer book called ‘Philosophy made simple’. Then I came back, showered, and all the bridemaids helped Katie get ready. Most of them were theater majors so there was a lot of singing and they definitely knew how to do hair and makeup. It was fun. I finally got to wear my dress.
The ceremony was simple and beautiful. I’ve never cried at a wedding, but it was so wonderful and they were so happy. After the wedding we took pictures on the beach. Then we drank margaritas and ate delicious food. Everyone gave toasts, including me, and we all just had fun, drank wine, and mingled. Katie was beautiful, Justin was glowing. It was definitely the best wedding I’ve ever been to. I am so happy they found each other and I wish them every happiness in the world. I’ve never found two people more right for each other.
The next morning we left in a hurry cause most of us slept in, so I forgot my pillow and coat. We did stop at a cute little coffee shop where I got chai, and apricot scone, and a breakfast burrito. It hit the spot and then I managed to sleep for most of the ride home. We did have an incident where our tire exploded on the highway, but since it exploded out, not in, it wasn’t that big a deal. We called a company, they helped us change tires and we were on our way. It was a wonderful weekend.
This past weekend (May 29-31) I went to Chicago for the first time ever. Since it was such a small wedding the party was the next weekend and everyone was invited. Unfortunately my family couldn’t come, but Mike came with me. We met up with Dan, Jackie, and Bry. Mike and I drove up early early in the morning. He wanted to leave at 4, and since I wasn’t driving, I didn’t complain. I got to sleep around 1am the night before and woke up around 3am because I was so excited. Around 430am I found out he had slept in and went back to bed. We didn’t actually leave until 6am (which is when I wanted to leave anyway). It took 8 hours and $30 in toll roads to get there, but we finally did around noon. We couldn’t check in yet, but we parked and explored a little bit. We got food, saw the Chicago bean, saw Millenium Park, and went to the Institute of Art. The museum had the largest display of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism Art in the country. That’s pretty much all we got to see because by 3 we were both exhausted. I definitely want to go back and check out more of that museum, because it has some very cool things.
We went back to the hotel and checked in. Then we promptly fell asleep for an hour. After that we meet up with Dan, Bry, and Jackie and had dinner. Then we meet the whole group at their hotel. It was good to see everyone again and meet more of their friends. We went to see a comedy sketch called “Cupid has a Heart On: A Musical Guide to Relationships”. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. It was hilarious. I’ve never been to a comedy club before, but I’m definitely going to have to go to more. This was important because Katie and Justin met at an improv group.
The next morning I meant to get up early, but I slept in until 10 or 11. No big, we got up and went to the Shedd Aquarium; one of the top 10 aquariums in the States. It was a good thing I bought tickets ahead of time because the line was out the door, down the block and around the corner. We just walked right in. Mike was very good, I spent at least 4 hours in there and he let me take my time. I had a wonderful time….except when people decided to tap on the glass. That drives me NUTS! It was mostly adults too. Mike saved me from hitting a few people in the back of the head. They had beluga whales there, and one was a 3 week old baby.
We got a Chicago Polish Sausage from a street vendor that was delicious. Then we went to the beach which was over crowded and the water was freezing. So we sat on the hill and watched the sailboats for awhile while picking out a restaurant to go to. We decided on Catch 35, which turned out to be fancier then we expected. It had excellent food. I had clam chowder, blue cheese crusted fillet mingon medallions with demi glaze, crab mashed potatoes, green beans, and for dessert: carrot cake bread pudding. Yum yum yum!
After dinner we hurried up, showered, dressed, and went to the party. The dinner took longer then expected, but it was worth it. I finally finally finally got to wear the dress I bought. It is a sleek dress that is a dark green/blue with ruffles…that’s not the right word for it….but anyway, I love it! And I got tons of compliments on it. The bride and groom redid their vows, and had their first dances again. The rest of the night was dancing, drinking, laughing, and eating. It was so much fun. Definitely worth going for.
The next morning we slept in and then found us some Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. omg, soooo good. It’s a good thing those aren’t here because I would be 50 pounds heavier at least. Then the rest of Monday was driving back in the awful downpour and paying ridiculous tolls again.
I had two absolutely wonderful weekends in a row. I couldn’t be happier.
Katie and Justin are spending their honeymoon in Costa Rica right now! How excited!
*Disclaimer*
This was written way back when….I’m not sure why it was still in the drafts. I just came across it.
Laugh, Live, and Love 
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