CHRISTMAS SEASON MEMORIES

Before I tell you any of the exciting things we did this season, I must introduce you to Leah's official Holiday outfit. She was a gingerbread girl at all the activities. Everyone just loved it and it kept her nice and warm. We bought it at the Outlet Mall at a store called Heart Strings. They have the best clothes for children. So unique. So here she is in the official first shot.

We decided to enjoy a few excursions during the season. Monday night was the most convenient so that is what we chose. Unfortunately, Adam, Natalie, and David pulled the late shift on Mondays until 8:30. So, the first spot they all missed. We headed to a town called Rochester where they were having a lighting ceremony to turn on the city lights. About 3:30 we started north. First a stop at Don Pablos for supper. It was an hour trip at least. Most of you know Dan has been in a state of depression since they closed our Don Pablos in Canton. So whenever near one we are forced to eat there. He is the only one who likes it but we put up with it anyways. Then a quick stop at Archivers Scrapbooking store for some last minute Christmas supplies and we continued to the light show. The weather cooperated and began snowing very hard and it was also nice and cold!!!!! Here is Leah bundled up for the walk down main street. She would not leave her mittens on so we finally have invested in clips for them.These lights were spectacular. Every building on the city street had lights covering the entire front of the building and each one had a different color to it. Lots of cute shops to walk in. Live carolers sang beautifully. There was a Christmas tree decorating contest to walk thru and cast your vote. Also hot chocolate and kettle corn being sold on the streets. It was a great trip. Only problem we had was that the compass on Dan's car wasn't working, and we drove for about 30 minutes thinking we were going south, remember it is snowing heavily, and finally Dan said, I think we are going the wrong way. Sure enough, the hour ride home quickly became a 2 hour trip. But we had a fun time together and will surely go back next year.

The next Monday took Sarah with her friends Ryan and Melissa to Henry Ford Museum for their holiday celebration. Remember, this is where Sarah had her wedding reception. Sure looked different now. Here the four are in a carriage ride. Notice Leah's official outfit.

Here's the standard picture with Santa where child doesn't want to be in it. Great picture of Sarah and Santa isn't it.Lots of fun things to play in so they enjoyed the Hot Dog.That evening, another Monday, we headed north again to Birch Run and Frankenmouth. David had to come to put the car seat in Dan's car cause we are all so stupid we couldn't figure it out. Well, it turned out that his boss told him to take the evening off, leaving Adam and Natalie alone at the shop, and come with us. Sorry guys, we really missed you. Here is David breaking the news to Adam. He looks pretty upset don't you think. After a stop at the outlet mall it was on to Christmas town. Another snowy night and a beautiful Christmas setting made for a fun trip. Roads weren't even as bad as we were afraid they were going to be on the way home. The Bronners store is unbelievable. You could get an ornament for any occasion, hobby, pet, color, shape, etc., that you would ever want.
The first thing you are greeted with is a huge gingerbread house, perfect spot for a picture.

Just some of the things I thought were pretty.

David introducing Leah to a friend. Can't pass up the opportunity to get a 4 generations picture.

Leah hates hats so we torture her by putting them on her as often as we can.

David was pushing Leah around illegally in the cart after carrying her for an hour in the store. This is right before they got in trouble and told to get her out.