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Traverse City Summer '07


At the end of July we headed up to Traverse City, MI for a week. It was Henry's first visit and John's family enjoyed seeing him. Elisabeth made 4 trips to the beach, but one was enough for Henry (maybe too much).











On Monday we went to Sleeping Bear Dunes and pushed Elisabeth to the limit. She walked the whole way, except for a few moments in Daddy's arms. We encouraged her onward by counting how many steps it took to get to certain landmarks, and singing songs. She loves to sing, and sometimes has very creative wording. She had plans to roll down the dune at the end, but it was just as well that she couldn't figure out how to roll, because sometimes kids get going so fast they lose their cookies. She just kind of rolled sideways.












Another highlight was going to a Beach Bums game, Traverse City's minor league baseball team. Elisabeth shocked us with her fondness for the mascots, Suntan and Sunburn. She walked right up to Suntan to get her picture taken, but because of his big head, he couldn't see her (she was too close). I was afraid she'd get stepped on. After I caught his attention, he put his arm around her for the photo, and then picked her up. And this is the girl who won't say hi to strangers, let alone friends. Maybe anyone dressed up like a stuffed animal is less threatening. Kind of makes me nervous though. Mascots aside, Elisabeth loved cheering for the team, but told John after watching a pitch, "If I were playing, I would throw the ball the other way (away from the batter)." I guess she figures if you don't want the batter to hit it, don't throw it to him! We were joined at the game by various extended family members, including John's cousin Jason and most importantly for Elisabeth, Jason's son Ezra. It had been a year since they saw each other, but they quickly renewed their friendship. Elisabeth enjoyed telling Ezra (nearly 3) what to do--stop running, etc.













Our good friends Zach and Renee joined us one morning—another delightful reunion.















The week ended with John’s cousin Lindsey’s wedding. Elisabeth enjoyed getting dressed up, and Henry cried all the way through the Gray family photo. On the way to the reception I saw something new: a bear cub crossing the road. John’s uncle hit it, but both left the scene unscathed. Poor Elisabeth in the back seat is following in her mother’s footsteps, “Where? What did you see?” You can see Ezra's brother Ari (held by his mom, Marla) a month older than Henry--2 big Gray boys!















We loved the weather, though it was hot for TC standards. We ate outside just about every day. Elisabeth enjoyed her first ice cream cone and only spilled a few drops. Henry slept fairly well in his cave in the basement, and Elisabeth got to share a room with Uncle Andy a few nights, exposing Andy to our joys of early risers.

We flew out of Grand Rapids, and Kristen was able to meet us for a little bit. It was wonderful to see her again, and a nice way to end our trip.

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