Frequenting Frankenmuth

We spent a day and a half in Frankenmuth (Christmas capital of Michigan) only about an hour and 15 minutes away. It was our second time visiting the area since we moved to Michigan, but this time we got to see more of it than we did last time. It was the mid-winter break mini-vacation we needed. Bronner's is the world's largest Christmas shop full of tons and tons of Christmas decorations for purchase, and it's located in Frankenmuth. It's a fun stop. You could spend hours there or just a few minutes depending on what you want to see.

We didn't splurge on the hotel, but we did find one with a pool and a separate sitting area with a pull out couch. Our family is just getting too big for a traditional hotel room. Can't believe it!

Here's Kris taking it easy with Keegan in our hotel room.

Is there anything sweeter than the admiration a father receives from his son?

Our Christmas 2008

Our Christmas was as happy as the smile on Ellary's face!

We took a drive to a German inspired town called Frankenmuth, Michigan two days before Christmas. It's a town famous for having the largest Christmas store in the world. Talk about huge! There were ornaments, nativities and decorations everywhere! Santa also made an appearance and took his time talking to all of the children. Alyson, Kourtney and Ellary all had their turns and thankfully answered his questions correctly about their overall behavior this year. We took a few pictures as we waited in line, then some of the girls with Santa...
Our three little snowomen

Here are Nana, Papa, Alyson and Koco posing in Frankenmuth.

We also found a place to eat called "Oma's Restaurant" and thought it only fitting to eat there...but of course, the food wasn't nearly as good as Oma's cooking.

We have a tradition of reading Luke 2 and singing our favorite Christmas songs on Christmas Eve. Before we knew it, Christmas Eve was upon us. Here is Ellary in front of our Christmas tree listening to Kris lead music on his guitar.

The girls made some candy cane cookies for Santa and left him an empty glass so he could help himself to cold milk in the fridge. They also left him a note saying they had been very good and that they would really like hamsters for Christmas.

Christmas morning surprise...

Kourtney with her present from Santa. She named her hamster Twinkles.

Alyson named her hamster Tutu.

Ellary had fun playing with her little kitchen that she got from Santa.

The girls also enjoyed wearing their Christmas PJ's all day long.

And by late morning, Ellary was out on the living room floor!

Here is a special decoration we got at Bronner's Christmas Store in Frankenmuth to commemorate our Christmas with Nana, Papa and Oma.

One more picture of Ella sleeping on the floor and our white Christmas outside.

Here's our family Christmas evening. We had a wonderful time and are so grateful we could spend it with our parents. We also appreciate everyone who thought of us this year and wish you all the best in 2009!