National Lampoon's Colorado Wedding

On Wednesday August 25th we set out on a road trip to see Katie and Ryan get married in Grand Lake, Colorado. We loaded up a 15 passenger van with Mom & Dad, Andrew, Audra & Benjamin, and Matt & myself. Everybody got strapped in and Elmo got his seat with Benjamin and we headed out.

We had a minor delay in North Platte with tire problems. We new something was wrong when Benjamin's cheeks starting jiggling so we made a pit stop. This lovely Firestone was able to get us on the road in about an hour.

We chilled in a near by school yard while we waited.

Once we were on the road again Grandpa had to read Benjamin an elk story. I don't know how much Benjamin liked it but Grandpa sure loved the story.

Thursday we drove through Estes Park. It was a beautiful drive! (But sometimes a little scary. Don't look down!)

Once we arrived we found out we had great accommodations right on the lake. We were in a 2 bedroom suite on the second floor (Thanks Mom and Dad). Matt and I shared the suite with Andrew, Audra and Benjamin. This made for great bonding time with our nephew and we loved every minute.

Friday we did a little exploring. We went shopping, scoped out the wedding location, and took a little hike to see Adams Falls. (What seems like a little hike though feels completely different at an elevation of 8,400 feet)

Saturday was the big day! Katie and Ryan were getting married at 5 o'clock. That morning we rented a couple kayaks with Andrew, Audra and Cousin Jeremy. It was a very relaxing morning and a gorgeous view of the lake. We had fun browsing at all the big log homes on the water.

As everybody was getting ready for the wedding a few people hung out at our place before hand. Benjamin was in his standard position on his Mom's chest.

The wedding took place at Point Park. Katie's sister Nikki stood up for her and Andrew for Ryan. It was a great ceremony and a little bit of a tear jerker.

After the ceremony a local guy the boys had met at the bar the night before volunteered to pick up the wedding party in his wooden Chris Craft boat. He took them across the lake to the reception.

The reception was held at the Sagebrush Bar and Grill. Sorry I don't have any pictures.

After the reception we went to Grumpy's. Everybody enjoyed playing foosball, pool and shuffle board.

Cousin-in-laws Jenna and Erin

Katie's sister Nikki, Katie's mom Rose, and Linda a family friend of the Anthony's

Cousin Tyler

Sunday morning we woke up to this scene. It made it hard to leave. Ryan and Katie picked a beautiful location.

We had a little more time to shop before we had to go. Grandpa found Benjamin a cute little cowboy hat.

On our way out of town we stopped at the oldest lodge in Grand Lake. It sat on top of the hill over looking the town.

Then we headed to Denver to drop Andrew, Audra and Benjamin off at the airport. After that we were on the road home. Once again we had a little delay. This time Matt came to the rescue. Who has two flat tires in one trip? Only the Griswolds.

We had a wonderful time in Colorado celebrating with Katie and Ryan. We're looking forward to celebrating one more time in LeMars.

Congratulations Katie and Ryan!