Trip to Frankenmuth, MI

We took a trip to Frankenmuth on a lovely Friday.  John took the day off work and we made the drive to spend the morning there.  This was my very first trip!  In the 10+ years of living in Michigan and hearing about this magical Christmas place, I have never had the opportunity to visit until now.  It was definitely a Christmas wonderland!  Our first stop was to Bronner's (a ginormous Christmas store).  We waited in a very short line to visit Santa.  Hannah was just amazed at the display in the line.  She had so much to look at and was pointing and oohhing and ahhing at everything.  

  

     Waiting in line, something caught Hannah's eye                         Hannah and Daddy

  

                 Hannah and Mommy                                                         Got a pic where she isn't looking off elsewhere

We turned the corner and Hannah got her first glimpse of the big man.  She was waving and saying hello.  Once it was our turn to step up on the platform, it was a no-go.  The claws dug into my shoulders, the tears started, pure fear erupted.  We all jumped into the picture and as you can see below, my poor little baby was not a happy little girl.  At least we will have this picture to laugh at for many years!!  

  

   Not too happy about Santa                                         Mailing my list to Santa                                         Hello Frosty!  

After walking around the shops, enjoying a delicious lunch at Tiffany's, and bringing home some baked goodies, it was lights out for Hannah on the drive home.  It was a lovely first trip to Frankenmuth.  And as I said, definitely a Christmas wonderland.  I'm glad to have experienced it, and can't wait to go visit again next year, hopefully with a Santa success!  

Christmas Tree 2012

The search for our perfect Christmas tree began at Charlie's Tree Farm in Dimondale.  We were the only people on the entire tree farm, so we had no rush to pick out our tree.  Hannah had a fun time running around between the rows of trees. (even though we discovered her boots were too small and she kept stepping out of them)  Its always so fun walking the rows, finding a good tree, then walking a little further and finding another good tree.  Its a strange little thrill, until you find the one you know will make a perfect fit!  We had a great time, I love this family tradition we've created.  

  

         Having a blast running around                           Walking with Daddy

 

      Can I help you with that Daddy?                                big smiles :)  

 

            Just supervising....                                           with my Charlie Brown tree

 

      Helping Daddy pull the tree                                        my beautiful family!  

Veggies

Oh you know, just eating a little dinner, enjoying my veggies :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We have a lot to be thankful for this year:
     -our beautiful daughter Hannah who blesses our lives daily
     -the loving and committed marriage we share, my husband is my rock- I would be lost without his love and support
     -our good health
     -friends both near and far who care about us
     -family and loved ones
     -jobs that allow us to provide a roof over our heads and food on the table
     -time that we can spend together making new memories everyday

I'm so thankful for everything that I have been blessed with in my life!

  
                                          Helping Daddy hang the Christmas lights

  
 just having a great time playing outside       matching my Daddy in his hunting clothes

                         
                            From our home to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Silver Bells

For the first time in the 11 years I've lived in Michigan, I was FINALLY able to attend Lansing's own Silver Bells, an evening of a Christmas parade, fireworks, the lighting of the state Christmas tree, family and friends!    It was an absolutely wonderful evening, I couldn't have asked for a better first!

Hannah and I joined Sarah, Anthony, Kathleen, Matt, Tom, Bridget, Bob, Julie, and my friend from work Heather at Kewpee's to start the night off with some dinner.  (John had basketball practice so he was unable to attend the festivities, we certainly missed him).  We sat in the front window of the restaurant so we were able to watch the parade from the warmth inside.  Hannah seemed to love the lights and bands playing in the parade.  She stood at the window waving and squealing!  When Santa rode by she waved and pointed in awe.  I hope she will be that eager when we visit Santa for her Christmas pictures.

Once the parade ended we ventured outside to walk around and take in the sights and sounds.  It was a little chilly outside, but we kept warm in hats and gloves and keeping Hannah bundled up in the stroller under blankets.  Hannah got to try out her new winter coat, hat, and gloves.  She didn't seem to mind keeping all of her gear on either.

We had a great time at our first Silver Bells, I'm so happy we were able to go, and enjoy our night with family and friends!  We can't wait for next year (when we can ALL be there!)

  
                                                                   watching the parade out the window
  
                      Anthony (Phur) and Hannah                                                   Uncle Tom and Hannah
                                          
                                                                       me and my baby girl
                     
                                     Sarah and Hannah                                  he just loves this little girl :)
  
                                                              hahahah!!    These pictures are hilarious!!
  
                                                                                                                                fun times with Kathleen
  
                                                                                                                  Hannah and I in front of the Capitol and State tree
  

Happy Halloween!!

                

            

 Happy Halloween.... bzzzz!!  Our little bumble bee had a very low-key Halloween this year.  We visited John's great Aunt Virginia, ate dinner at Grandpa and Grandma's, and visited John's Uncle Tom and Aunt Bridget's house for their Halloween party.  Hannah didn't mind wearing her costume at all.  She endured us having to take her in and out of it multiple times to fit in her car seat.  All in all, it was a fun night!
                             
       
                                                              

Fall Fun in PA

Hannah and I took a nice little trip back to PA to spend some time with family.  Our flight and traveling was very smooth.  Hannah is such a trooper and did so good on the flights.  She is becoming quite the frequent flyer!

We spent a beautiful fall day at the Farmer's Daughter pumpkin patch where we played on the hay barrels, went on a hayride, found our way through the corn maze, and had lots of fun together.  We were able to all get together and it was such a blast.  All the kiddos had so much fun together!
  
 Andrew, Hannah, Grace, Bryn, Dylan and Matthew                                              kiddos :)
 
     Dylan and Matthew                                                       Grace and Hannah
 
         Bryn and Andrew                                                   Bryn, Andrew, Grace
 
                                  JD, Lola, Lilly                                                                          Lola and Matthew
 
                           All the kiddos together, not too bad trying to get them to all look at the camera!
  
      MomMom and sleeping Matthew         the corn maze group!  We were all a little skeptical we'd get out!
 
                 Lilly and Hannah enjoying a little ride                              my sweet baby girl

Andrew was playing in a baseball game, we were so excited to be able to watch him play!  Once again, another beautiful day to be outside.  (minus the bees...)
 
           look at the cute little boy-Matthew                                                   Andrew playing third base
  
                    up to bat!                                                on first with Coach Dad                      scoring a run!!

Fun times just hanging out with the family.  Hannah is such a lucky girl to have cousins who love her so much, and can't wait to be with her whenever we come into town. 
 
                    Bryn and Hannah being silly                                      MomMom, Bryn, and Hannah reading
  
   Bryn reading to Hannah                          Poppy and Hannah                            Aunt Pam showing pictures
 
         Mom Herr and Hannah                                  playing in the Tonka truck!
 
  Bryn giving Hannah a bottle                                Dylan reading to Hannah


What a wonderful trip we had!  Time just flies by too fast when we're together, but I know we are always grateful for any time we get to spend with each other.  Already looking and trying to plan our next trip!!  We love you guys, thank you for everything!