Frankenmuth

We spent Black Friday in Frankenmuth, MI. What a wonderful place to be avoiding the Christmas shopping and celebrating the season.

Frankenmuth is a small town about an hour north of us. Home to Bronner's Winter Wonderland...the largest Christmas store open 361 days a year. The town itself was settled by German-Lutheran immigrants in the 1800s. A culture steeped in tradition this small town has transformed into a small Bavarian Village right here in Michigan.

We started our day at Bronner's. The replica Silent Night Memorial Chapel was so peaceful and charming. Then we headed into Bronner's. Over one and a half football fields of Christmas decorations from all over the world. Normally, I buy Christmas ornaments for the kids each year...something that reflects their interests that year. While we were at Bronner's the kids were allowed to pick their own ornament while we waited our turn to see Santa.

Isabella chose a cute monkey. Sophia chose a set of golf clubs, Ava chose ballet slippers and Quentin chose a hockey ice skater.

When it was our turn to see Santa I was quite impressed. No standing in line being cranky. They sent in small groups of 6 children at a time and each family got individual time chatting with Mr. Claus.

Each of the kids took their turn asking for their gift this year.

Isabella asked for Zoobles, Sophia asked for a cozy, purple sweatshirt, Ava asked for a Nutcracker and Quentin asked for Kung Zhu Zhu Battle arena...Santa asked "what else" and Quentin seized the opportunity to ask for a Hot Wheel's Truck too. Um,thanks Santa....now I hope you bring the second item as well.

Santa told the kids that one of the elves had reported some arguing at our house lately and immediately Sophia and Isabella stared at each other. After some discussion about being nice to each other and saying that Mrs. Claus was worried about them and wanted Santa to tell them that arguing only hurts them they were on their way. Oh no...trouble and they knew it. Isabella became quite worried. When we left she said " I thought that was just a regular guy pretending to be Santa...but how did he know that stuff? Oh man, I don't want coal this year, but I think I might be getting coal". Hahahaha!!!!!!

We finished our shopping. Totally in the Christmas spirit. After Bronner's we went to downtown Frankenmuth and explored the small main street. Having lunch at the Bavarian Inn was great. All of the kids cried when we announced that there would be no chicken nuggets, hamburgers or Ceasar salads ordered for lunch. Instead we would eat traditional German foods. Seriously, there were moans, cries, heads banging the table and real tears. We assured them that the food would not be poison and they'd all survive. After lunch...they all exclaimed they LOVED the food and there was not a lick of food left on any plate.

We visited the small town museum. The kids really enjoyed the historical aspect of this museum, learning about how the town of Frankenmuth was founded. Then we headed home with happy new memories and a new Black Friday tradition was born.