This Labor Day weekend we celebrated Mike’s parents being married 50 years by renting a house in Lutsen. I have always thought that it was ironic that his Mom and Dad traveled all the way from Decorah, Iowa in 1965 to honeymoon in my hometown, Grand Marais.
They don’t remember the name of the hotel they stayed in but as close as I can guess it was probably the East Bay Hotel. They describe it as “right on the water with a restaurant downstairs.” Typical honeymooners…eyes only for each other and not paying attention to their surroundings.
I found this house in Lutsen on VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owners). I just typed in house for 20 plus people…this was the only rental that would accommodate my in-laws and the families of their five children. The house is named Cedar Cliff and it has six bedrooms, two screen porches and a professional stove with six burners. In other words, Sandy’s heaven.
My parents, who live in Schroeder, didn’t know this house existed so it was a fun discovery for all of us.
My parents were married 50 years in 2011. We celebrated with a huge party at the Schroeder Town Hall. This was a party with food, decorations and live music entertainment. My mother-in-law enjoys anniversary parties but she wanted something quieter…three nights in a house with all her children under one roof was perfect.
At my sister-inlaw’s suggestion we played The Newlywed Game! This was really funny. For the record, Mike and I did not win…but then again neither did my in-laws and they have been married a lot longer than 17 years. (After I said Mike’s look alike movie star was George Clooney, he said my cartoon character persona was Marge Simpson…. I think you can see why we lost.)
I think most would agree the highlight of the weekend was the “Mock Wedding.” Mike’s brother and his wife played Mary Ellen and Willard…. our son Ben was the “priest” and two grandchildren played the maid of honor and best man. Their dog Annie sported a huge floral headband to be the “flower girl.” The entire episode was captured on video but we have all been sworn not to release the event on social media. Between you and me…it would be a winner on funniest home videos.
Happy 50th anniversary, Mary Ellen and Willard Holthaus. Thank you for raising a wonderful husband for me.
Taste of Home columnist Sandy (Anderson) Holthaus lives on a farm in South Haven, MN with her husband, Michael, and their children Zoe, Jack and Ben. Her heart remains on the North Shore where she grew up with her parents, Art and LaVonne Anderson of Schroeder. She enjoys writing about her childhood and mixes memories with delicious helpings of home-style recipes.
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