Day 2 and 3: Bowling, Boats, and Beach

The Manitou sailing Grand Traverse Bay
Ben buried Jake in the sand

Ben teaching Jake and Elizabeth how to drive the boat-they did great!

A chilly boat ride but thankfully no rain so we could at least enjoy the bay

Nicole, Savie, and Meg joined us for bowling-it was Savie's first time and she played like a pro.

Elizabeth and I bowling.

Unfortunately it was rainy and cold so we spent Saturday at the farmer's market downtown while Ben and Jake fished at the Boardman. We went bowling in the afternoon and when we got home it was actually nice out to take a quick boat ride on the Boston Whaler. Ben even taught Jake and Liz how to drive. Sunday was gorgeous so we spent the day at the beach. It was a great weekend for visitors and can't wait until they can come back and enjoy TC again.

Visitors Day 1: Sleeping Bear Dunes

Lizzy and Jacob at the Dune Climb
Lizzy and Jacob smiling before the climb down and back up

Apparently they didn't see the sign that warned: 450 ft return climb is extremely exhausting!

Lake Michigan

Glen Lake

Me, Liz, Mom, Carole and Jacob at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park

We had my mom, Aunt Carole, and cousins Elizabeth and Jacob visit for the weekend. We went out to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park and Glen Lake on thier first day in town. It was my first time ever there and it was truly amazing. I think Elizabeth and Jacob enjoyed most the dune climbs (or rather the difficult climb back up)! My mom, Aunt Carole, and I enjoyed the scenery and breath-taking views! We also spent some time walking around Glen Arbor at the cute shops and tasting everything in sight at Cherry Republic.

Ben went skydiving!!!

Ben flying above the peninsula

A close up of Ben in the sky

Ben and Brian after they safely landed

Ben decided to go skydiving over Grand Traverse Peninsula with our friend, Brian. I was lucky enough to go out and watch him fall from the sky and most importantly, land safely. He said it was a thrill of a lifetime and wants to do it again next year. Hopefully I'll have the guts to join him. ~Jenna

More Summer Fun-Cherry Fest style!

Fireworks!

More fireworks-I think this one looks like cherries.

Everyone watching the fireworks to mark the end of Cherry Fest 2009

Me, Katie, Kirsten, MacKenzie, and Macare enjoying the very wavy bay

The cherry fest 15k runners...I ran in 1:37!

Gorgeous sunset on the bay-this is why we live in Traverse City :)

Erica, Ben and Jill on the Boston Whaler

Wine tasting at Bowers Harbor Winery

4th of July weekend!

Late night boat ride on Thursday night thanks to Ben to kick off the weekend.

Friday night: The group at Polka Fest in Cedar: Sausage Capital of the World.

Rachel and I at Polka Fest...before the dance off began :)

Our visitors from out of town: Dan and Rachel. Thank you for visiting us!

Me, Katie, Macare, and MacKenzie enjoying the sun and the water

The boys hamming it up for the cameras

The Pontoon boat or should I say Party Boat

A great end to a long weekend: a ride on a 40 foot Four Winns

4th of July weekend is always jammed pack with fun events especially with the Cherry Festival starting and this year was no exception. We were even lucky enough to have my sister Rachel in town and Dan visit from Chicago. Here is a summary of our itenirary: Thursday night us girls went wine tasting and on a late night-chilly boat ride. Friday night we grilled out at our house then Polka fest for beer and dancing. Saturday to our friends Kate and Jeff for boating and beers then to Ben's family for dinner. Sunday: recovery and a boat ride thanks to Jeff on the 40 foot Four Winns yaght!!!

Thanks Rachel for visiting us...hopefully it can become a yearly thing.