Christmas in Michigan (Part I) - December 2009

Go right through for MSU....

This is what happens when your W. Michigan Bronco's cannot cover the spread of the mighty MSU Spartans. You're forced to wear green and white and sing the fight song for the entire family.

Christmas morning....

Ryan and Uncle Mark had plenty of building to do all day.

Christmas in Michigan (Part II) - December 2009

Can you beat this Christmas movie DVD pack? All the clasics.

Grandma and Mia with her new American Girl doll from Chicago.

Mia and Julie.

Chicago Trip (Part I) - December 2009

Prior to Christamas day we (the 4 of us, Aunt Stacy, Uncle Mark, Grandma and Grandpa) took the train to Chicago for a few days.

The train ride was a great way in the middle of winter to travel. We picked up the train in Ann Arbor (M go blow) and 4 1/2 hrs. later we were in Union Station.

Very reassuring sign as you enter the stores on Michigan Ave.

The Floridians weren't the only ones this bundled up. It was freezing in Chicago!

Chicago Trip (Part II) - December 2009

We shopped the first day on Michigan Ave. Then we went to the Museum of Science and Industry. As you can see this was a huge Christmas tree.

Ryan loved the president's display the museum had.

Mia and Uncle Mark in the combine.

The German U-boat tour was the highlight for all of us, including Ryan and Mia. I would highly recommend seeing this if you're in Chicago.

Chicago Trip (Part III) - December 2009

Heading into the Shedd Aquarium.

They have a really cool place for their live show. The glass window looks out onto Lake Michigan. Hard to see in the picture but the lake is blowing really hard.

Mia was wiped out after the trip. As we were waiting in Union Station to go to the train we looked down and she found a comfortable place to sleep.

All of you "Untochable's" fans should recognize this staircase. They filmed at this spot.

Sleding in Michigan - December 2009

After the snowballs it was onto sledding.

Ryan's wipeout.

Mia and Grandma are ready to go.

Winter in Michigan - December 2009

We spent Christmas in Michigan this year. Ryan and Mia were LOVING the snow.

Mia prepping the perfect snowball....

....direct hit on Ryan.

Mia retreats for another attack.

Christmas Part I - December 2009

Grandma Jayne and Pop Pop Marv's house for Christmas

Another gingerbread house finished!

Getting cookies and milk ready for Santa.

Mia knows how much the reindeer enjoy carrots.

Christmas Part II - December 2009

Santa left us a really nice note this year.

Ryan and Mia sorting through the presents.

The girls with their "santa socks".

Ryan's favorite presents of the year...Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols jersey's.

Christmas Part III - December 2009

Mia opening her Nintendo DS.

Ryan had a big Lego christmas this year.

Mia is ready for the trip north!

Ryan's walkie talkies.